One of the intriguing storylines this Sunday against the Raiders is the collective talent at the cornerback position that will be displayed. Raiders' cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is regarded by many as the league's premier cover corner, which is easy to understand when you consider that opposing teams only threw the ball in his direction 27 times last season, less than twice per game.

Asomugha was voted to his first Pro Bowl last season, where he was joined by the Eagles' Asante Samuel, who was selected to his second straight such honor. Samuel is joined by Sheldon Brown, who, at the age of 30, is making a push for his first career Pro Bowl appearance. Both Samuel and Brown currently have three interceptions on the season.

So does Samuel appreciate the talent in other cornerbacks like Asomugha?

"Of course," Samuel said. "I respect other people's game and what they can do. I'm a fan first, I watch everybody."

But that respect will have no effect on the way Samuel plays come Sunday.

"(Asomugha's ability) has nothing to do with me," he said. "I just be myself day in and day out, I don't worry about anybody else."

Samuel is also looking forward to the team's first two-day road trip of the season.

"Definitely the camaraderie and being around each other," the boisterous Samuel said of the positives of the cross-country trip. "Being away from your family and friends, all you got is (your teammates). So we just go out and play games together and laugh and joke and build a bond."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 6:31 p.m., October 16