Leonard Floyd: Trying to Quiet the Critics
And Then There Was Floyd
In the Bears game against the Packers, Floyd had his “breakout” game. Back from his leg injury, he started that game and recorded three total tackles with two solo and one assisted. The most important stat that he garnered in the game was his two sacks of Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers. One of those sacks saw him force Rodgers to fumble in the end zone. Floyd fell on the ball for a touchdown.
The score was huge for the Bears at that time in the game. It helped them take the lead even if it was only temporary. It should have also been a shot in the arm for them. Sometimes plays like that can swing the momentum in the team’s favor and help them win. Big-time playmakers make big time plays like that.
Floyd’s sack-fumble was a big moment in that game and in his young career. While it may not be the “turning point” that everyone hopes it could be for him it was a step in the right direction. He followed up his breakout game with another solid outing in the Bears’ 20-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings with two tackles, another sack and numerous pressures of Sam Bradford:
"Floyd’s stats weren’t as impressive, but he was a factor against the Vikings, who were double-teaming him by the fourth quarter. His speed is a problem for opposing linemen, and his development is evident."
What’s in the Future?
Floyd still has a lot to prove. He hasn’t played that many games yet and between training camp and the regular season has spent a lot of time in the training room. There is a lot he needs to do to prove his worthiness as a first-round pick and not appear to be a bust.
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First and foremost, he needs to stay healthy. That has been a challenge. Whatever he needs to do to stay upright and on the field, he needs to do. Some injuries are hard to prevent but a good training staff can help, at least a little.
He will learn and grow as he gets more experience in the defense and it appears the coaching staff is willing to let him play quite a bit. He has started when he’s been healthy but why has he been a consistent starter? Is it because he is actually that much better than the other guys at his position or is it because of his lofty draft status? Remember that in most cases, first round picks should be immediate starters.
His draft status could be what is keeping him in the lineup but he did live up to his billing against the Packers. Can he do it again and do it consistently?
The jury is still out Floyd as it’s too early to tell just how well he is going to do this season and beyond. Hopefully, for the Bears sake, he continues to contribute and play well as a starter at the outside linebacker position. If he can continue to produce he can help the defense out and help them win games for the team.
If he fails, Bear’s management will not look good and their ability to find good talent will be questioned. Here’s hoping Floyd becomes a star.