So a 2nd year, 1st round draft choice can't get on the field for more than 5 snaps in a game where the D is putrid, getting pushed around like high schoolers, McFadden runs for over 100, and there is 0 pressure? Something is seriously wrong here. Either Heyward was a reach in the draft or he's being seriously underutilized. I can't imagine he couldn't have been brought in for more snaps just to rest the starters at a minimum. They had drives of 10, 11, 9 , 9 plays in the second half.
$$$$ I know the DL's "main job" in this defense is to occupy blockers, but we are in serious need of some playmakers right now. McLendon and Heyward might actually get pressure on the QB at times, or knock a ball down, or force a fumble. You know that old Casey is no longer going to do that, and so far, Hood has been pushed around like a dust mop. GET SOME OF THE OTHER GUYS IN, and at least give them a chance. If they suck, too, you can always pull them back out.
Regular season game time is different.
McClendon was battling against guys likely just coasting through the preseason, established G and Cs. He got the jump on a few, but now they bear down. He's not big enough to man up that spot all game and it was likely seen in game 1.
Hampton is still holding the spot til Ta'Amu figures it out and gets a full professional year in the weight room. If he doesn't, we are in trouble. McClendon is likely not the long term answer, just the backup.
When McClendon was in the game vs Raiders, he was pushing his guy back 2-5 yards EVERY snap. Looked awesome! However we hardly saw him.......
2019 Mock
1. ILB
2. CB
3. ILB
4. S
5. CB
6. ILB
7. S
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner. LeBeau is too emotionally attached to "his baby" to be capable of fixing the problems. He has always been overly reliant on older players who know his system best even if they weren't the best athletes. Well has anyone seen our overly complex defense fool anyone recently except for maybe ourseleves?
"My team, may they always be right, but right or wrong...MY TEAM!"
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