Scenarios Where A Starter Loses His Spot
 

What are the scenarios where a starter loses his spot? Whether it's an offensive or defensive player doesn't matter. For example could this be the year that Brown takes over for Strief? Is it possible that Will Smith might not get his spot back when he returns from suspension?
Kreutz lost his spot last year to de la Puenta(I believe he retired rather than play backup)jmo. Who is it this year? Shanle?

If you mean permanently, then I would say being out-performed on the playing field.

Jimmy Graham's play made Shockey expendable.

Charles Grant is no longer even in the NFL because he was out-played with the Saints as well as the Dolphins(?)

The classic example would be Drew Bledsoe/Tom Brady in New England. Although Bledsoe lost his starting position due to injury, Brady played so well in his absence Brady was named the Patriots starting QB and the rest they say, is history.

A coach could start one player over another out of nothing more than pure spite;see Brees and Rivers in San Diego the year that Brees was injuried.

Excellent topic Dale.


Will Smith
I think Will Smith's job could be in jeopardy. Will Smith's suspension combined with so many RDE prospects on the roster (Galette, Romeus, and now Wilson) his absence may be an opportunity for one of these young bucks to shine and never look back.

Scott Shanle
Obviously, with the slew of OLB talent we brought in I just can't imagine him keeping his job.

Jonathan Vilma
Hard to believe but with the signing of Lofton I can see him being replaced, or moved out of the MLB spot.

Sedrick Ellis
With the signing of Bunkley I see this as a watershed moment for Ellis. Johnson and or Hicks may give Ellis all he wants at that 3-tech spot.

Roman Harper
I'm reading Spagnoulo prefers his safeties to be interchangable. Great news for Jenkins, not so great for Harper. If Spags doesn't employ the typical Stong/Free safety set-up then Roman may see some legit competition from Abdul Quddus (ka-deuce).
Harper is an above average in the box safety, but if he's gonna be used in a lot more cover two schemes, he's probably not gonna excel. Although he was used a lot like that at Alabama, it doesn't appear to be his strong point at this level.