Highsmith might have played better high. He certainly couldn't have played worse.
That was an awful display out there from a guy I actually like.
he played instead of Hayes, and that shouldnt be the case, he should have played instead of Dansby.
There is a big difference in those two ILB spots and Highsmith skills suit much better Dansby's spot where he can play more coverage and make plays and think less on the run
He had some bad plays, where tackling was an issue, but his positioning and reading was still very impressive, like in last game.
I hope people realize with this game that Hayes is our best Linebacker and he is one of the main reasons our D has been "shutting" down the run for so long time. He is one of the more underrated players that i am aware of
Highsmith will learn and hopefully be able to replace Dansby, his skills fit that position, that is protected from lineman much more than Hayes position. Games like this are extremely important experience for Highsmith.
He has shown in both games that he can read and react and that he understands his assignments. He will get better at tackling, i hope.