ALAMEDA - Nnamdi Asomugha is looking forward to more action in 2008.
"Last year I probably saw around 30 (passes) but the year before that I probably saw around 60 or so. You never know. It could double this year. Of course with teams like Denver and those types of teams that don't really care they're going to take they're shots at whoever they want. But I'll definitely see more balls this year. I know teams would be scared of (DeAngelo Hall) because he's been dangerous in the past so I expect to get more balls."
Asomugha isn't one to get caught up in the "Who is the best cornerback?" debate, even if he is in the conversation.
After eight interceptions in 2006, Asomugha had only one last year.
One of the reasons the Raiders traded for DeAngelo Hall was to make it tough for offenses to focus the passing game to one side of the field.
"It will be interesting this year with DeAngelo here to see if guys go at him more often," said Raiders coach Lane Kiffin. "I don't know where they're going to go. Last year Nnamdi did not get very many attempts thrown at him. He'll get the ball more I think with DeAngelo being here, number one, and number two, if we stop the run he'll get the ball more."
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Javon Walker has faced Champ Bailey, Asomugha and Hall in games.
He said the nod goes to Bailey ... right now.
"The only thing that's seperating them is Champ's got longevity," Walker said. "When Nnamdi's going in his 10th year, when DeAngelo's going in his 10th year, they're going to be ranked up there with him."
Walker was held out of practice because of his hamstring injury. He's expected to practice tomorrow.
"When something's wrong, they take their time and make sure you get it right and go into the game," Walker said of the training staff.
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Kiffin once referred to Nnamdi Asomugha as "perfect" in his approach to the game and play.
Bailey joined Kiffin's perfect group today.
"Champ is as good as we've ever played against in a game. He never gets help, hardly
ever. He's out there on an island. Last year they ran a lot of blitz zero with no one anywhere near him. Unfortunately one time we tried to go after him with a double move when we were backed up, up there and he intercepted it, which is unusual for a guy to be able to do all by himself on a double move. He is just as complete a guy as you'll ever see. He can cover and he can tackle. He's not just a cover corner. He tackles as good as anybody. He's perfect the way I look at it.
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Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said LB Kirk Morrison was one of the team captains, but didn't have the names of other players that were voted captains.
*DE Kalimba Edwards (groin) did not practice. S Rashad Baker (ankle) was limited in practice.
*Free agent LB Abdul Hodge worked out for the team today. He was cut by Green Bay on Monday.
--Jason Jones
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