Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis contribute in different ways to one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL.

The always outspoken Antonio Cromartie made some waves recently when he told Rich Cimini of ESPN that he thinks he is better than Philadelphia Eagle Nnamdi Asomugha.

Okay, well he didn’t exactly say he was “better,” despite the headlines people are making.

I’ll let Cromartie explain:

“My style of play and his style of play are totally different. I feel I’m more of a playmaker than he is.”

Cromartie is coming off of a huge game and was just named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his contributions in Sunday’s game. And those contributions don’t just include his two interceptions. Cromartie took some snaps with the offense in the season opener and has been a difference maker on special teams.

So before you criticize Cromartie too much, understand what he is saying. He is not saying he is better at one-on-one coverage. (That distinction would go this teammate, Darrelle Revis). In fact, Cromarite is often criticized for his single coverage and opposing offenses will throw into his coverage because they feel their receiver can beat him.

What he is saying is that he is more of a playmaker.

A recent article from the Huffington Post, supports Cromartie’s statement. Cromartie has has 20 career interceptions to Nnamdi’s 12, and Asomugha has been in the league 3 more years. Some might suggest Cro has more opportunities to make big plays because of the frequency of blown coverage, which is certainly an interesting discussion.

I’m not really interested in diving into huge analysis about Cromatie, Asomugha or Revis, because my opinion is that we were fortunate to get Cromatie on our team in free agency and we have one of the best -of not THE best- cornerback tandems in the NFL.

Either way, there is no denying that Cromartie is explosive and physically gifted and he will continue to make plays. He is absolutely deserving of his AFC Defensive Player of the Week title and I congratulate him on his many accomplishments.

Now keep making those plays against Oakland.