Smith's injury cuts Winnipeg's SAM tackle rate by 34%, but Griffin brings more disruption

Jaylen Smith made 46 tackles in seven starts at strong-side linebacker (6.57 per game); Michael Griffin II has 39 in nine starts (4.33). That 2.24-tackle-per-start drop is significant because Winnipeg's SAM has logged 85 tackles in 16 combined starts, often cleaning up the edge. Griffin's one sack and one forced fumble this year are the trade-off: less tackle volume, more pass-rush/ball-hawk upside against Edmonton's 12-4 offense.