He's going to be the starter IMHO, unless Ward tests FA again and doesn't get any takers and comes back.
I think the mere fact he played in the Superbowl so much speaks to their trust in him and his growth/development. And he delivered. He'll learn from the Kelce TD as well. That's simply technique/mental.
I rewatched week 1 of the coaches film: this was his first start as a FS
--- His range is ridiculous (effortless speed; like Mostert)
--- We were playing a lot of single-high so he was the true Eraser and C2; but rotated down a lot with Tartt (interchangeable all game long). He was surprisingly good in the box (first one there and making tackles at times).
--- Came down hill from 20+ yards to keep a busted-through run to only 5 yards and his speed saved two more rushing TD's where the RB broke through (back to back late in the 4Q)...lead to a FG instead (20-17 instead of down 21-20 with 4 minutes to go)
--- Many times essentially, the 4th LB in the box lined up side-by-side
--- His instincts are very good esp. in the RZ where it's tighter quarters; right on the receivers hip
--- Ball-hawk. Long arms + good instincts = near pick-6 in the EZ on a 4th and 2 from the 2 (dropped it though)
--- J.Winston was always looking deep (nothing there); pulled the ball down a lot and then the pressure got there
--- Came on an edge blitz and blasted Winston in the face. LOL. Turned the corner (dip) well too
--- Saw one potential miscommunication with Tartt on a deeper route
--- Reckless body-tackler; absolutely needs to learn how to form tackle instead of going for the knock-out blow; comes flying in head down limbs flailing (puts himself in position to get hurt). He played more controlled after the first blown body tackle
--- A couple times as a deep Eraser, his first instinct was to back-peddle which cost him (still made the tackle but those false steps are the difference between giving up a first down and a pick-6)
Other notes:
--- Ford split even time with AA, even on base downs; true rotation (41 snaps or 59% / Armstead 47 snaps or 67%). Beast
--- Witherspoon and Alexander were insanely good and brimming with confidence
--- Goodwin's speed made a huge difference esp. for Kittle
--- Mostert showed his explosiveness (sign of things to come)
--- Deebo showed versatility and fearlessness in slants and YAC (sign of things to come)
--- Moseley & Greenlaw showed up big on ST and Dime (sign of things to come)
--- Cheetah was electric (on his series) but Coleman was Kyle's go-to guy to start the game (sign of things to come)
[ Edited by NCommand on Feb 22, 2020 at 8:02 AM ]