Some think his play resembles a 2-year-old's scribbling. Others consider it abstract art. But even Samuel's proponents can't deny that his soft coverage and aversion to tackling hurt the Eagles last season, especially in back-to-back losses to the Cowboys at the end of the season.
His critics, meanwhile, continue to pound the 29-year-old like a tackling dummy.
"I don't care about that stuff," Samuel said in between brushstrokes. "I know I go out there and do my job and make it to the Pro Bowl. If you got to say something about a guy that got nine picks and makes it to the Pro Bowl, obviously somebody's not on the right page. Why would I need to argue that?"
When the Eagles signed the free agent to a six-year, $57 million contract two off-seasons ago, the reason was clear: The guy was a playmaker. Coming off a season in which they had a league-worst 11 interceptions, the Eagles felt they addressed a need by signing what coach Andy Reid then called "the best [cornerback] in the business."
If the Eagles were looking solely for an upgrade in the turnover department, they certainly got what they paid for. In the last two seasons, Samuel has recorded 13 regular-season interceptions, including two more in the playoffs. His nine picks last year were tied for most in the NFL and were the most by an Eagle in 27 years.
"You're talking about one pretty sneaky corner out there when it comes to interceptions," Reid said.
But there's more to playing cornerback than making interceptions. While it is rare to find a corner who tackles as well as he covers - Darrelle Revis of the Jets comes to mind - Samuel avoids contact like a supermodel shuns second helpings.
