LATROBE, Pa. -- Our Dale Lolley wrote in last week's Friday insider that Tyler Matakevich's roster spot is all but guaranteed because of his contributions on special teams. Despite the new investment in Mark Barron, Devin Bush and Ulysees Gilbert III, Matakevich looks like he will hold his job. He's the slowest inside linebacker on a defense that is prioritizing speed and already has Vince Williams as the traditional "buck" position.
Let's look at how he helps with multiple special teams roles:
The top five players used in special teams in 2018 were L.J. Fort, Anthony Chickillo, Roosevelt Nix, Jordan Dangerfield and Matakevich. None of these players accounted for more than 29 percent of the snaps on either offense or defense.
It is important to keep starters as fresh as possible, and especially veterans. Matakevich is not a threat to start or even be the first to substitute, so he's the perfect candidate for special-team duties. And with the departure of Fort, the Steelers could use the savvy Matakevich has developed.
Matakevich made his name at Temple by being the leading tackler in the NCAA in 2015. But working in space and covering the field is his weakness, so it makes more sense to put him in situations where he's primarily responsible for one specific lane. Watch how he comes down the middle (just left of the kicker from this view), shoves out a blocker and brings down Cleveland's Antonio Callaway at the 11 for just an 8-yard return:
In these situations Matakevich doesn't have to worry about changing directions or traveling sideline to sideline. Instead he can simply build momentum and channel his strength into winning his lane to either make the tackle or force the returner into the rest of his coverage team.
But Matakevich has also shown he can have attention to detail. Back in 2017, he was the key player who identified a fake punt by the Vikings, who were getting dominated by the Steelers and trying to sneak their way to a comeback. Watch how Matakevich maintains his responsibility on the edge but picks up on the fake. He sticks to his man and plays the ball properly:
Matakevich may not have the athleticism to play the type of inside linebacker that today's passing NFL requires, but he is still a good football player, and a gamer. Combine that with his technique and familiarity with Smith's specific strategies and systems and Matakevich becomes a significant player for the roster.
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