Atogwe eager to prove his prime hasn't past

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O.J. Atogwe knows how it looks from the outside.

The interception numbers have gone down. The Redskins gave up on him after just one year. Hes been banged up. Hes now with his third team in three years. Hes in his early 30s. For the first time since 2005, hes not even a projected starter.

It looks like a career on the decline.

I understand if people want to think that, Atogwe said. Everybodys entitled to their opinions. I know whats true. I know whats real.

Atogwe was among the NFLs most productive safeties with the Rams from 2006 through 2010 before a disappointing 2011 with the Redskins.

On Thursday, two months after the Redskins released him one year into a five-year big-money contract, Atogwe signed a one-year deal with the Eagles. On Friday, he said hes not a player in decline but still at the peak of his career.

Internally, I know Im a better player than I was last year, a better player than I was in my time in St. Louis, Atogwe said in a conference call. Truth proves itself once its seen. I dont feel like I have anything to prove to anyone. My focus is always on doing what I know Im capable of doing and everything else takes care of itself.

At his best, Atogwe was a true ballhawk. From 2006 through 2008, his first three years as an NFL starter, he forced 27 turnovers -- 11 forced fumbles, 16 interceptions -- and also was credited with 27 knockdowns.

Overall, in seven NFL seasons, he has 25 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles and 48 knockdowns. His 25 interceptions since he entered the NFL in 2005 are second-most among all NFL safeties, behind only Ed Reed.

But he turns 31 on Saturday, he missed three games and parts of several others with foot and knee injuries last year, and he starts out here as a backup to Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman.

Thats fine, said Atogwe, who said his first name -- Oshiomogho -- means Only God knows tomorrow.

He knows his role and said hes actually looking forward to going into training camp competing for a starting spot instead of having one guaranteed.

Its definitely a situation that Im excited about, because I havent been in this position since the second year of my career, he said. But its definitely one I look forward to because its challenging, and I believe it will bring the best out of me, and at the end of the day, whatever will happen will be whats best for the Philadelphia Eagles, and thats what Im looking forward to. ...

Im here to serve. Whatever capacity, whether its playing, whether its helping the young guys,. whether its running down on kickoff, its helping this team win. My role will be defined by how well I learn the defense and what the coaches feel is best for the team.

As mentioned, the Redskins released Atogwe a year into a five-year, 26 million deal that included a 7 million bonus.

He said the parting was amicable, but he clearly was another failed Redskins big-money free agent.

I was banged up last year, he said. I had a few nick-nacks that didnt allow me to play as well as Id like to, and the organization decided to go in another direction. Im past that now, looking forward to this next season. I feel great now. Im 100 percent.

But Atogwe missed all the offseason workouts, all the minicamps and OTAs, and he has just about a month before training camp starts.

Hes definitely starting out behind.

Me just being a passionate guy and loving football, it was difficult not being on a team this offseason, not enjoying the offseason experience with my teammates, he said.

It was hard for me, but situation I was in, it was the best thing, so it was something I had to do. ... Ive been ready to play football for some time now but everything had to be right.

Atogwe worked out for the Eagles and had a physical a couple weeks ago and spent some time getting to know defensive backs coaches Mike Zordich and Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Juan Castillo.

When both sides were comfortable that it was a good fit, he became an Eagle.

We kind of felt each other out for a week or two, he said. I enjoyed my time, enjoyed meeting the coaching staff, meeting the general manager Howie Roseman, just really getting a feel for the situation Id be going into.

I already knew pretty much playing against them last year the type of team Id be getting myself involved with, but it was important to meet the coaches and front office so Id know exactly the type of organization I was going to join. Once we got through the workout they liked what they saw and I liked what I saw, and it just made sense.

E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com

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