Mid-Season Report Defense

Scoring 6th (18.4)
Yards 12th (331)
Passing 6th (193)
Rush 30th (137.6)

Defensive Tackles

Ndamukong Suh 24t 3 sacks- Much has been said about Suh being on Don Banks all-underacheiver team this past week. I admit I kind of agree. I have noticed long stretches of little impact and plenty of guards winning one-on-one battles. Davin Joseph of the Bucs handled him. On the other hand, Suh has made three or four short yardage stops. He has pushed pocket well at other times. It has to be said the guys around him are playing great. Maybe he is a victim of his great rookie year. I expect more impact plays in the second half.

Corey Williams 18t 1.5 sacks- I think Corey has played really well. Stopping the run and pushing the pocket. He has limited his mistakes this year.

Sammie Lee Hill 9t- Sammie has been limited by some injury this season but has not had great production. I think he is quality back up and Corey has played great. I hope Sammie more impact inside.

Nick Fairley 1t- Not really fair to grade him yet. Missed training camp and the front part of the season. He made his debut on MNF. Sat out the Broncos game. Long armed and can really move. If he gets going look out

Andre Fluellen 5t 1 FF- Solid 5th D Tackle, Great wedge guy on KOR. Not a player who can play a lot of snaps. More effective in 2 or 3 play series.

Ends

KVB- 18t 5 sacks 3 ff. Nice start to the year. 3 strip sacks. Has benefitted from the emergence of Lo Jack and Willie Young. Schwartz has sat him every Wednsdsay keeping him Fresh.

Cliff Avril 17t 5 sacks 3ff 1 td- He has arrived. Playing for a contract next season, he will earn big $$$$$$$$. Showing speed off the edge and a little nasty streak. Leads league in tunnel fights.

Lawrence Jackson- 18t 3.5 sacks. LJ has been a really good third end. Our best run stopper outside and solid pass rusher. Detroit has been perfect for him.

Willie Young- 10t 2 sacks. Young has been a force including a big sack vs the Cowboys that iced the game. Great in must pass downs.

Linebackers

Stephen Tulloch-52t 3 Sacks. Has brought toughness to the inside that we have lacked since Earl Holmes got hurt. Sometimes can washed out by because of a lack of height but he is a keeper.

DeAndre Levy- 63t- A great all around season. He can play the run and pass. Low point missing the tackle vs. Jacquizz Rodgers.

Justin Durant-27t- A lot better than I thought. Can play in space and over the TE. We missed him when he was out with a concussion.

Bobby Carpenter 19t 1 int 1 td- Has been exposed a little of late. Most big running plays have come at him. Much better as a nickel backer. He covers Te and screen well. His TD vs. the Cowboys was a season changer.

Ashlee Palmer 5t- Solid back up backer and special teams player. Has potiential to start in the NFL.

Doug Hogue- 1t- Has struggled to make plays on the special teams. He received first action at LB vs. the Broncos. Has a lot of work to do.

Corners

Chris Houston 41t 4 int 2 td- Has played close to pro bowl level. Has made two really big plays and been solid on coverage and run support. Was beaten by Roddy White but has been big.

Eric Wright-36t 1ff 2 int- Great free agent signing. Plays outside and inside. Has tackled and covered.

Aaron Berry 15t- Really impressive season. Has stood up on the outside against top competition. Has starting potiential in the NFL. Good find by Mayhew, as he fell out the draft in 2010 for character concerns.

Brandon McDonald 11t- Solid backup and special teams guy. Concerns about his speed has limited his time. He spoke up early in the season. Mayhew does not like that. (ask Jon Kitna, Mike Furrey and Dante Culpepper). Saw action at safety against the Broncos.

Alphonso Smith 5t 1 ff- The forgotten man this season,. Injured late last season and broke a foot during the lockout. Has yet to crack the line up. He plays just special teams. With 8 games left including 2 against Packers and one against the Saints, his coverage and ball skills might come in to play.

Anthony Madison 3t- Special teams player. Gunner on the punt team. Has made little impact.

Don Carey- Just signed, inactive vs. Broncos

Safeties

Louis Delmas- 42t- Up and down season. Played well at times but struggled badly vs. the 49ers. Flashes speed in run support but little impact in the passing game. Huge holding penalty on 4th down vs. Tony Gonzalez hurt against the Falcons. He needs to play better.

Amari Spievey- 32t 1 sack 3 int- Play has improved this season. Less mental mistakes more plays. Like Delmas struggled vs. the 49ers. Has established himself as a legit NFL starter.

John Wendling-14t- Specieal teams stud and solid back up safety. Had his 1st career start on MNF. Did not hurt us. Will back up until Chris Harris is ready.

Chris Harris just acquired by waivers and was not active vs. Denver.

Punter

Ryan Donohue 42.7 ave 4 touchback 2 t. Up and down. Mostly down. Special teams have been poor.

Jason Hanson- only 1 missed FG. Another great season for Hanson at 41.

Don Muhlbach- Still the Nolan Ryan of Long Snappers