You know this works, typically for games we’ll dish out Pats on the Ass or Slaps to the Helmet depending on the result of the prior Ravens game. With us just usurping the mid-way point of the NFL season, we will dish out some mid-season Pats on the Ass on players most deserving of praise through 10 weeks, and we’ll dish out some Slaps to the Helmet to players most deserving of scorn through 10 weeks.
The rules are simple: pick two players on defense, two players on offense, and one “wild card” (an offensive player, defensive player, special teamer or coach) who stuck out from the pack.
Without further adieu:
Glenn’s Mid-Season Slaps to the Helmet:
5. WR Rashod Bateman
It’s unfair to put any offensive players on this list because everyone who is playing is playing well. But the drops in Cleveland were significant in the only game they’ve lost in their last eight. Still, he’s having a good year.
4. C Tyler Linderbaum
Again, he’s having a good season! But the snaps issues stand out and we’re forced to nitpick.
3. LB Roquan Smith
And it’s not like he’s having a BAD season. But he’s not been the wrecker that he’s being paid quite handsomely to be.
2. K Justin Tucker
We can’t pretend like it isn’t happening.
1. S Marcus Williams
Just has to be better.
Griffin’s Mid-Season Slaps to the Helmet:
5. OL Patrick Mekari
They started the season 0-2 and the at that point in time, the offensive line struggles were the story. Mekari was in a new position, needless to say they’ve gotten it more or less figured out now.
4. WR Rashod Bateman
It’s the drops, and on an offense that hasn’t made too many mistakes this season, the visual from Cleveland remains stuck in my mind.
3. CB Brandon Stephens
It’s hard to talk about Stephens, but he struggles on an island and that’s where they always put him.
2. Safety Marcus Williams
Has not looked good, whether it’s communication, age, coaching, whatever, Marcus Williams needs to be better than what he showed through the first 10 weeks.
1. DC Zach Orr
Back to Marcus Williams, it’s too many freaking times that this secondary looks lost, whether it’s one guy is in a different coverage than everyone else, unsuccessful blitzes, whatever it is, it’s led to the defense getting burned. Bad.
Glenn’s Mid-Season Pats on the Ass:
5. CB Marlon Humphrey
He’s been solid and has caught the football. A vintage Marlon Humphrey season to this point.
4. WR Zay Flowers
There were so many options for a third offensive player. Flowers is on pace for a 1,000 yard season and has been spectacular.
3. S Kyle Hamilton
Obviously this team’s best defensive player.
2. RB Derrick Henry
The whole league just let this happen.
1. QB Lamar Jackson
Obviously.
Griffin’s Mid-Season Pats on the Ass:
5. LT Ronnie Stanley
Take away all the penalties Week 1 in KC and this could arguably be the best season of Stanley’s career. In a crowded offense, he deserves a lot of credit for what he’s done after being a bit maligned the last few seasons amid injuries, etc.
4. DL Nnamdi Madubuike
He’s made some of the biggest plays for a defense that has struggles and has been the one consistent source of pressure on opposing QBs, plus the run-stopping ability, being marked by opposing teams. Excellent season, backing up the contract in my opinion.
3. Safety Kyle Hamilton
Best player on the defense and there’s no question.
2. RB Derrick Henry
My expectations were high, but holy f—.
1. QB Lamar Jackson
The best player on the field no matter what. Period.
You can listen as the guys share their first half Pats and Slaps here:
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox
