The WFT defensive line has lost both Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
Sweat, a first-round draft choice out of Mississippi State in 2019, suffered a broken jaw against the Broncos in Week 8.
Young, the second overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft suffered a torn ACL in Week 10 against the Buccaneers.
Here’s my angle on it. Chase Young injury. Get well soon, 99. pic.twitter.com/GJkVoejASM
— Damien
(@DABartonek) November 14, 2021
Life in the NFL demands so much of the human body; it costs you comfort and too often brings players excruciating pain, injury and frequent surgery.
What now?
Yet, Ron Rivera, Jack Del Rio and defensive line coach Sam Mills III are forced to think, “What is best for the team, and how does the defense march forward?” It seems uncaring, but they must accept a “So what? Now what?”, mindset and prepare this team. It’s their job.
Who will have to step up at defensive end?
Casey Toohill (#95) a seventh-round draft choice in 2020 by the Eagles, appeared in one game for Philadelphia, was released, signed by Washington and appeared in eight games last season. The 25-year old (6-5, 254) defensive end played 29 defensive snaps, collecting one solo tackle while assisting on three others against Tampa.
Casey Toohill plays this well! Rides the down-block, but doesn’t over-pursue allowing a chance for a cut-back lane. pic.twitter.com/GeeDV37P2w
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) November 16, 2021
Shaka Toney (#58) was selected by the WFT out of Penn State in round seven (246) in 2021. At 6-2 238, perhaps his size will limit his snaps, and coaches may attempt to use him exclusively in pass-rushing situations. Toney was called upon for nine defensive snaps against Tampa in Week 10.
Bunmi Rotimi (#57) played at Old Dominion, went undrafted and was signed by the WFT last offseason. At 6-3 273, the age 26 lineman may be pressed into a role where he will be needed to also help against the run. He has appeared in recent games against the Packers (6 snaps) and the Buccaneers (8 snaps).
Hall-of-Fame basketball coach John Wooden often said, “Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out”.
Toohill, Toney and Rotimi are going to be thrown into the proverbial fire. Many WFT fans will wish them good luck.
Wooden also often said, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity”.