Why doesn't Amadi get more playing time?

[Jerhawk]

Outside of being a good punt gunner this season, why hasn't Ugo Amadi touched the field more on defense?
He has terrific speed, and I firmly believe he has that "it" factor to become a star in this league.

They should give Amadi more playing time over Jamar Taylor. He could be the spark this defense needs.

 

[Bigpumpkin]

I, too, have wondered why not give Amadi more playing time? What does the coaching staff know that we don't?

 

[WestcoastSteve]

I think it's clear he isn't ready to play. He did not stand out as a safety this pre-season (he looked good as a nickel)

Amadi played nickel against the Bengals, it didn't go well. He was targeted 4 times and gave up 4 completions for 53 yards.

He could earn a shot down the road here but with Diggs, McDougald and Blair I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't crack the rotation until 2020

 

[HawkGA]

He seems to be getting the Queem treatment from last year. Starts week one and then doesn't sniff the field (other than special teams) the rest of the season.

 

[jammerhawk]

What does the coaching staff know that we don't?

Lots! j/k

The staff must feel he is not practicing well covering or can't beat out the guys ahead of him on the DC. All in all we only can see him as a gunner on ST. He seems quick but misses a few tackles in coverage. He has impressed the staff enough to make the team and will for sure be around for a few years so we'll undoubtedly see more.

 

[olyfan63]

Jamar Taylor had some nice plays on the ball last couple weeks. Ball skills may be what's keeping Amadi limited in reps.

 

[Attyla the Hawk]

Not all that shocked. Every FS we've rolled out, including Earl, took significant time to learn the position. It's probably the most difficult position mentally on the entire defense alongside MLB.

I wouldn't expect him to truly get into the mix until next year. Probably competes with Diggs and Thompson there and maybe Blair. Not a good year for safety in the draft. Possible we go after a UFA in March who is experienced and can shorten the transition time.

Seems we have SS pretty well set between Blair, McDougald and Hill.

 

[sutz]

With TT to the IR, seems like Amadi might get more chances.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

With TT to the IR, seems like Amadi might get more chances.

This.

The fact that Pete finally put TT out to IR pasture tells us that he's fully committed to going with the youth movement in the secondary with Amadi and Blair, and now Diggs whenever he get healthy.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

And this will pay off in the long run, especially next year. You can only do so much and learn so much on the sidelines. Game time is the true way to develop as a player. I hope the youngers guys do see more playing time. Even if it's a rotation to keep guys fresh.