A thoughtful post on Reeder by oldnotdead...

Here’s oldnotdead...

I disagree, he's not a liability. A MIKE in Staley's scheme is primarily to flow with the play. On passing downs he's covering the A gaps and like the other ILB he's in zone coverage. He hasn't been a liability over the last few games. You need to quit relying upon PFF. Troy has started 4 games. This year he's got 37 solo tackles and 16 assists. For a guy that is a liability against running QB's he has 3 sacks and 3 TFL. Also how well did Murray fare? Troy has only played 30% of the defensive snaps. Most of all he's been durable something that Kiser isn't. Kenny Young and the safeties are the coverage guys. Kiser has played 9 games with no sacks, no TFL, despite playing 100% of the defenisve snaps in 5 of those games and close to 90% or more in the rest. That is not to take anything away from Kiser, only to point out that they are not played the same by Staley. IMO Kiser may not make this team next year. His frequent injuries have opened the door for Reeder and Young (who plays as the second IL

Staley has found his defense is actually more effective when playing 3 safeties and he's reduced the role of the MIKE. So I'd say given his opportunities Troy has played well overall and not the liability that some (including PFF would suggest). Reeder is a scheme player and when played as such he's been pretty effective. IMO he's earned the start by continuing to improve and being impactful when he plays. I would be surprised if he isn't extended in 2022. Troy Reeder is a role player and he plays it well. Every team needs guys like him.