So according to Mark Sessler of NFL.com, AJ Hawk will not start in Cinncinatti. Apparently, Emmanuel Lemur will start beside Maualuga and Burfict. It's probably just a propaganda piece, because he certainly doesn't go into much detail. Funny thing is, I would say Hawk is capable of taking the starting job from any one of the three.
What's equally amusing though, is that the idiot fans are pretty much in agreement, and by most accounts label Hawk a bust. Yes, a bust... It's understandable though, because on Hawk's profile page on Rotoworld, they go so far as to say that he has been a disappointment for most of his career in Green Bay. Really? Well, lets take a look at Hawk's body of work;
9 year starter on one of the best teams in the league. 920 tackles, 19 sacks, 9 int. I'm not saying he's he best LB in the league, but damn, what else do they want from him?
Just as a point of reference, lets look at the 'great' Patrick Willis' stats: 8 years, 950 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 8 int. Now, I will say that Willis is the better player, but remember, Hawk never had the luxury of playing behind Justin Smith, or with any competent defender other than Clay Matthews.
The question is how can two players have virtually the same stats, but one is considered a future hall of famer, and the other labeled a bust?
Even under Marvin Lewis, there's no way Hawk is a backup.