Considine is No Lewis

Sure Michael Lewis’ coverage skills were a liability last year (remember the Saints regular season game?), but Lewis always hit like a truck. Sean Considine, his replacement, is better in coverage and reportedly put on 10-15 lbs – presumably of muscle – to fill the Strong Safety punch lost by Lewis’ leaving.

If the Steelers game is any indication, Considine’s offseason workout results are disappointing at best.

Which of the two Considine plays stands out more?

The one where he tried to bring the wood to an exposed TE Heath Miller on a floating pass down the middle? Considine not only failed to jar Miller enough to prevent him from catching it, he literally bounced off Miller as the big TE rumbled down to the goal line.

But the more bizarre play was later in the game also down near the goal line. The Steelers RB was being tackled inside the ten and Considine came up to add another punishing lick to the runner. With the runner’s momentum nearly dead stopped (he was practically on the ground at that point), Considine lowered his head hit the runner and the Eagle tackler….AND CONSIDINE BOUNCED BACKWARD LANDING ON HIS CAN.

The two plays could be chalked up to fluke plays except for the physical manhandling the Eagles’ defense experienced, and which makes Considine “physicality” a looming problem. With Omar Gaither being manhandled in the middle, Considine’S less than imposing presence could compound a small and weak defense.