5. Joe Schobert
Talk about a rough day for Joe Schobert. On the day where it was reported that GM John Dorsey doesn’t appear all that enamored with re-signing him, the Cardinals ran roughshod over Schobert and the Browns.
PFF didn’t list Schobert as missing any tackles, but the analytically oriented website did point out how Schobert was moved around and taken out of the game.
It was obvious, especially on replays, how Schobert was making the wrong reads, running into closed holes while Drake was escaping through the open lane. With the linemen eating up blockers, it was on the linebackers to end the attack at the second level. The defense, and Schobert couldn’t get it done.
Mack Wilson had the unit’s only memorable play, picking off Murray. It eventually led to a field goal. Even that play felt like a waste, as the Browns offense went three-and-out before attempting an errant Austin Seibert attempt.
This game gives ammo to Schobert’s detractors. The Wisconsin product probably wants to be paid like Shaq Thompson, but a sizable sect will argue that he’s not “Elite,” and that he can be good in spurts, but not on a game-by-game basis.
I’m for re-signing Schobert, because the linebacking corps will be worse without him, but his critics certainly have their talking points after this debacle.