Name a bigger preseason surprise than Andre freaking Smith and Tyler Matakevich. Both have been solid all preseason, and all with splash plays sprinkled in. Both men seem to be ‘reacting’ on the field, rather than ‘thinking.’
Smith had an epic INT vs Wash and bone crunching hit vs Chicago, both of which were wiped out by penalty.
Matakevich, who has been dubbed a ‘special team only’ guy, has shown pretty solid instincts in both run and pass defense. When he’s on the field he seems to always be around the ball.
Dodson and JGH have flashed potential too.
Not to mention we have seasoned vets in Klein (who technically is starter when 3 LBs take the field) and Marquel Lee.
Hats off to the LB coaching staff for training these guys up, the whole room looks to have been vastly improved and well coached headed into this season.
Smith was a protected P-squader and Matakevich an elite Special Teamer, but is there a chance we could see them push Klein for playing time or the top reserve role?
What does the Wall think about our backup LBs? How many LBs in total make the 53 and practice squad?