All eyes were on Devin Bush when he had a strong start to his preseason with 10 tackles in the first half of the Steelers' 30-28 win against the Buccaneers. But other linebackers also had solid debuts for the Steelers, including second-year player Robert Spillane.
Spillane made the Titans' roster last season as an undrafted free agent and played in their 21-0 loss in October to the Ravens, but he was cut two weeks after that game. In Steelers training camp, he's shown the capability to be a reliable backup linebacker who could make the roster. Let's review why he has a case to make the team:
To make the roster as a fourth or fifth linebacker, you need to show that you're good enough at fulfilling position assignments while also being an asset on special teams. Spillane played only against the Buccaneers' third and fourth teams Friday night but fared well, as the Steelers continue to look for inside linebackers who can cover tight ends and running backs. Spillane's 6-foot-1 height also makes it difficult for tight ends and backs to make catches over him in coverage.
When Spillane had to cover over the middle, he did so as smoothly as if he were a seasoned veteran. Watch how he locks onto tight end Antony Auclair over the middle and forces the high pass. Spillane doesn't get greedy and overplay the ball, but keeps his focus on Auclair and gets right in his hip pocket to squeeze the passing window too tight for Ryan Griffin:
He displayed the same skills just two plays later when he had to cover receiver Justin Watson over the middle, only this time he also swatted the ball away.
Here Spillane knows he has to run with Watson and beware his speed, but when Watson stops and turns for his hook route Spillane is still right with him in coverage and breaks up the pass:
Granted, these were very limited spots for Spillane and he still needs to show more lateral speed, but for earning a fifth spot on the linebacker depth chart, this is a good showing. He's in direct competition with Ulysees Gilbert III, a sixth-round draft pick who also had a strong game with an interception, two sacks and a forced fumble. We'll get into him tomorrow.
But Spillane also showed up big on special teams when he broke down in his lane on a return and made a form tackle while putting his hand right on the ball to force a fumble. Special teams contributions are what keeps Tyler Matakevich on the Steelers' roster, as I broke down weeks ago.
Plays like this forced fumble will catch the eye of special teams coach Danny Smith and push the argument for him to make the roster because he can fill multiple roles:
Spillane has a hill to climb because Gilbert III has the advantage of being a draft pick and also had splash plays Friday, but Spillane is off to a strong start with his performance against the Buccaneers. When the Steelers play the Chiefs on Saturday, keep an eye on how Spillane plays in space and how much time he and Gilbert III see in the second half.
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