***Official Defense thread***

[ToxSocks]

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

Tyrann has played 94 snaps at FS, 53 in the slot, and 59 in the box so far this season. That’s 43.5% of his snaps at FS. For comparison’s sake he played 16.1% of his snaps at FS in 2019 and 24.2% in 2020. In case you’re wondering why this D can’t cover anything under 5 yards. pic.twitter.com/ThvD913itT

— Arrowhead Live (@ArrowheadLive) October 4, 2021

I feel like this is pretty important information and maybe offers a clue to "what's happening with Thornhill".

This is a drastic change is usage for Mathieu. I have to wonder why. Could it be that they're attempting to preserve him by moving him further away from the LoS? Late in the 2nd half on Sunday i joked to my son that Tyrann's jersey is still white, it's barely gotten dirty.

Well, no wonder it's barely gotten dirty. He's playing FS most of the time these days. And then im taken back to TC when there was chatter and quotes from Tyrann talking about taking care of his body, he's getting older, choosing to avoid the big hits instead of laying them etc....

So im left to wonder that:

1. The decrease in snaps around the LoS is to reduce his opportunity for injury, keeping him fresh towards the end of the season. Similar to the way the Padres moved Tatis Jr. from Short Stop to Outfield.

2. Are we seeing less Thornhill because he's more suited for FS and not SS? Sorenson is simply built better than Thornhill when it comes to working by the LoS and playing a S/LB hybrid role.

TL;DR, maybe we're seeing less Thornhill because he'd ideally play FS for us. Instead, Tyrann is playing most of his snaps at FS rather than all over the place and down in the box as he usually is. THAT role has gone to Sorenson. Maybe we don't see much Thornhill until he either becomes a better tackler or they move Tyrann back around the LoS.