SAM Tackle Volume Drops With Smith Out

Jaylen Smith made seven starts at strong-side linebacker and recorded 46 total tackles, a 6.6-per-start clip. Michael Griffin II, who has nine starts at the same spot, has 39 defensive tackles, a 4.3-per-start rate, plus one sack and one forced fumble. The Bombers lose tackle volume but gain a blitz/ball-hawk element; Lane Novak's promotion signals special-teams coverage priority.