The biggest issue with Hawk outside of his draft position in relation to a weak draft and the system in the NFL at that point paying a premium at the top of the draft; is that he always seemed to play tentatively, like was a tick slow in reading the play.
Late in 09 and last season with being paired with Bishop, you didn't see that as much.. more instinctive and aggressive.. so maybe some of that was a product of the system/players around him.
Either way.. there was a notable difference in Hawk's play in the box.. while he still might not be a blue chip player that some #5 picks in the draft turn into.. his play of last season was solid and assignment sure and at times impacting. Helped him earn another contract.. note the timing of his contract to some other with expiring deals. One would have to believe that is in a way telling..
Bishop and Hawk seem to compliment each other better than the combination of Barnett and Hawk. In the team game.. that is all that matters. Working together as a unit.
Either way.. we are definitely in a better spot at safety today than a year ago.. light years ahead of 2009.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"