7thFloorRA
Cheesehead
I was quite concerned when Bishop and Hawk both went down as I didn't really know much about the backups. I remember Francois being on special teams but knew very little of DJ Smith. They have both more than impressed me over the past few games in which they have played a significant amount of the snaps and I think some playing time is in order for them even when the starters are healthy. Here is what I see heading into the playoffs.
Bishop- Back to starting as soon as he is fully healthy. He is a beast and is a big part of stopping the run and can rush well when called upon. On a known passing down when he is not blitzing he kinda sucks in coverage against the more skilled TE's.
Hawk- Once fully healthy he will return to his role from the season opener against Philly last year.
DJ Smith- I think he has show alot these last few weeks. He is good in coverage and can rush the passer. His tackling has been solid from what I have seen. He has been out of position a few times but that is to be expected given his inexperience. He is better than the AJ we saw prior to his injury. AJ can take his place on goal line or short yardage situations.
Francois- He seems really athletic and there is a place for him in the mix. He can spell Bishop on long yardage passing situations as he seems to have some coverage skills and is athletic enough to make plays on the ball.
I really think having Smith and Francois in the mix shuts the door on one of the major flaws of the defense which was linebacker pass coverage.
Bishop- Back to starting as soon as he is fully healthy. He is a beast and is a big part of stopping the run and can rush well when called upon. On a known passing down when he is not blitzing he kinda sucks in coverage against the more skilled TE's.
Hawk- Once fully healthy he will return to his role from the season opener against Philly last year.
DJ Smith- I think he has show alot these last few weeks. He is good in coverage and can rush the passer. His tackling has been solid from what I have seen. He has been out of position a few times but that is to be expected given his inexperience. He is better than the AJ we saw prior to his injury. AJ can take his place on goal line or short yardage situations.
Francois- He seems really athletic and there is a place for him in the mix. He can spell Bishop on long yardage passing situations as he seems to have some coverage skills and is athletic enough to make plays on the ball.
I really think having Smith and Francois in the mix shuts the door on one of the major flaws of the defense which was linebacker pass coverage.