The trickle-down effect from the absence of starting safety Steve Gregory saw rookie Tavon Wilson start in his place. Wilson usually plays a linebacker-type role in the dime package (6 defensive backs), but with him bumped up the depth chart, Ras-I Dowling assumed that role over rookie Nate Ebner. Perhaps this time of thinking might lead the coaching staff to consider Dowling at more of a traditional safety position in the coming weeks.