clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Packers Game Ball Of The Week: Desmond Bishop

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

GREEN BAY WI - OCTOBER 24:  Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings is stopped by Desmond Bishop #55 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 24 2010 in Green Bay Wisconsin. (Photo by Jim Prisching/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY WI - OCTOBER 24: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings is stopped by Desmond Bishop #55 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 24 2010 in Green Bay Wisconsin. (Photo by Jim Prisching/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Since LB Nick Barnett was lost for the season with a wrist injury, LB Desmond Bishop has finally been given a chance as a starter. In three games, he's responded with 31 tackles, 3 pass defenses, and 1 interception that he returned for a touchdown. Which was why we awarded him the game ball of the week

The Packers have always liked Bishop, who was an unlikely candidate to stick in the first place as a 6th round pick out of California. They even tried to sneak a one-year contract extension by him this summer. Though now he's certain to get a bigger deal from the Packers or some other team once he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

He's always been a sound tackler and played very well against the run. Where he used to struggle was as a pass defender. When he was given a chance to play in 2008, he seemed to be caught flat footed when he had to play in open space. The interception wasn't all that impressive, QB Brett Favre threw it right to him, but he also made a diving deflection on another pass attempt. He's turned himself into a solid, every down, starting middle linebacker.

This post is sponsored by Sprint.