Five Saints Players Who Need To Rebound Against The Patriots

David Hawthorne

Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints inside linebacker David Hawthorne (57) gets ready to rush against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

From the looks of it, rookie linebacker Stephone Anthony has completely bumped Hawthorne from the middle linebacker position after being selected in the first round.

Hawthorne only held the crown for a few months prior to Anthony coming to New Orleans and the thought was that possibly in a 3-4 scheme that both could share the middle.

But we’ve seen the 3-4 scheme everybody talked about pretty much end up the way of the dinosaur and Hawthorne is back playing the weakside linebacker spot.

For how long is uncertain since Dannell Ellerbe and Ramon Humber are in that spot as well.

To say that Hawthorne’s play against the Ravens was less than desirable shouldn’t be a shocker since he’s never lived up to his “Heater” nickname he got while with the Seattle Seahawks, save for a few plays in the few seasons he’s been here.

Like defensive tackle Tyeler Davison, Hawthorne’s weakness last Thursday was his run defense and instead of being the “Heater”, it was more like “Luke Warm”.

Sadly the only thing that Hawthorne has going in his favor is that both Ellerbe and Humber were injured in Thursday’s game and may not see the field on Saturday.

It’s Hawthorne’s chance to get some positive snaps in to show he can still bring the heat and keep his roster spot warm.

Next: Last Go Around?