re: Mekhi Wingo had surgery and out for 6 weeks

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Do we watch the same games? Maybe I’ve been watching the other LSU team

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LSU's defense has been one of the worst in the country among power conference teams. On the year, against power conf. opponents, Wingo has 2.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks (which are essentially one in the same). He has 22 total tackles He has zero passes deflected and zero forced fumbles. To put that in a bit of context, Jordan Jefferson, who has played significantly less snaps, has 2.5 TFLs. He also has a pass deflected and 21 total tackles. Mason Smith is guy many have criticized for lack of production this season. Yet, his numbers aren't that far off of Wingo's.

Wingo was a tremendous player last season. He "popped" in every game where he seemed to make multiple impact plays. This year he just hasn't. Anyone who says otherwise is viewing him through 2022 glasses. Now, with word that he had to have surgery requiring a six week recovery period we seem to have a reason why he hasn't been the same impact player he was last season. He's been playing hurt though what appears to be a significant injury.

Just because he may be the "best" on a DL that has struggled doesn't mean he's been an impact player this year. It's similar to when Grant Delpit won the Thorpe Award in 2019 when he had a MUCH bigger season in 2018. You're looking at Wingo through the prism of reputation moreso than actual performance.

He's a good player who has clearly been trying to play through injury. But I think even he would tell you he hasn't had a great season relative to last year.