Lemme Spillane it to you

[Buckinnuts]

I really like this kid..maybe a few mistakes but stepping up big time

[Devilsdancefloor]

he might not have that crzy sideline to sideline speed, but he has football speed and puts himself in the right spot

[BlackAndGold]

I still worry about the athleticism in the middle but Spillane has impressed.

[Mojouw]

Spillane is a heady guy with all the grit and instinct anyone could want in an ILB. I think he more than belongs on an NFL field.

BUT...I will be interested to see when the game film gets analyzed is how many of those inside runs were to his side and what did Spillane do or not do? Also, I am hoping someone looks at it in detail, but many of those option runs to the outside in the second half looked a heck of lot like when Spence and Fort just couldn't run fast enough to get outside and RBs were constantly beating the Steelers LBs to the corner. I worry that Spillane just doesn't have the physical capability to play with the elite RBs and TEs across the NFL.

My question is really of the 265 yards the Ravens got on the ground today, how many were because Spillane didn't fill a gap or couldn't get the angle on the edge?

[Buckinnuts]

Well how many did Dupree screw up on?

[Craic]

Spillane is a heady guy with all the grit and instinct anyone could want in an ILB. I think he more than belongs on an NFL field.

BUT...I will be interested to see when the game film gets analyzed is how many of those inside runs were to his side and what did Spillane do or not do? Also, I am hoping someone looks at it in detail, but many of those option runs to the outside in the second half looked a heck of lot like when Spence and Fort just couldn't run fast enough to get outside and RBs were constantly beating the Steelers LBs to the corner. I worry that Spillane just doesn't have the physical capability to play with the elite RBs and TEs across the NFL.

My question is really of the 265 yards the Ravens got on the ground today, how many were because Spillane didn't fill a gap or couldn't get the angle on the edge?

I don't know, a lot of those yards were also hard runs up the middle where the D line should've had the stop but didn't (Alalalalaluuu was all out all of the game). The were also running those option plays to both sides and being as effective both ways, if I remember right. Finally, when you have a QB that can take the ball down the field as much as a RB, you have to divvy out assignments rather than focusing on the RB. Several times I saw Watt completely ignore the RB with the ball to still pursue the QB (as, I imagine, was his assignment).

That's not to say Spillane didn't make mistakes, and I'd also be very interested in a breakdown as you mentioned. But I don't think as many of those yards would fall on him as it seems you think is possible (not that you're saying they do, just that my guess about the possible yards for which he's at fault is less than yours most likely would be).

[The Bark]

I'm an alumni of a MAC school (University at Buffalo) and have been watching the league for well over a decade (put it this way, I did cartwheels when Jacksonville skipped over Big Ben in the draft because I KNEW what the Steelers were getting, having won many parlay cards in Las Vegas taking Miami of Ohio with him at QB). Anyway, the league has always had a number of overlooked players at the ILB position in particular. Having seen Spillane play at Western Michigan, I'm not surprised at all by what he's doing.

[pczach]

Spillane is a heady guy with all the grit and instinct anyone could want in an ILB. I think he more than belongs on an NFL field.

BUT...I will be interested to see when the game film gets analyzed is how many of those inside runs were to his side and what did Spillane do or not do? Also, I am hoping someone looks at it in detail, but many of those option runs to the outside in the second half looked a heck of lot like when Spence and Fort just couldn't run fast enough to get outside and RBs were constantly beating the Steelers LBs to the corner. I worry that Spillane just doesn't have the physical capability to play with the elite RBs and TEs across the NFL.

My question is really of the 265 yards the Ravens got on the ground today, how many were because Spillane didn't fill a gap or couldn't get the angle on the edge?

I'll be honest. I didn't see film breakdowns of the game, but I know I saw Vince Williams out of position on some plays and flat out whiffing on tackles in the open field. He looked horrible in space today outside the tackles.

Spillane wasn't perfect, but to my eyes, he did a lot of good things today. I was impressed with the way he ran down a back after a reception. He's faster than I thought. For a backup player with no real experience, I think he has played pretty damn well.

[Mojouw]

To be clear, I'm totally open to the conclusion that Spillane played exceedingly well. I'm just not ready to assign credit/blame or "grades" until I can see more details on what did and did not work.

[Rotorhead]

Well how many did Dupree screw up on?

At least one, on the Lamar run, he didn’t do his job and set the edge and Lamar burned him. I will give him credit though, it didn’t happen again after

[Fire Goodell]

SPEARLANE

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Well how many did Dupree screw up on?

Dupree overpursued and hesitated on some plays, but overall didn't have a bad game. Shit will happen. Lamar Jackson is one of the most talented athletes in the league and makes that money for a reason

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

I'm an alumni of a MAC school (University at Buffalo) and have been watching the league for well over a decade (put it this way, I did cartwheels when Jacksonville skipped over Big Ben in the draft because I KNEW what the Steelers were getting, having won many parlay cards in Las Vegas taking Miami of Ohio with him at QB). Anyway, the league has always had a number of overlooked players at the ILB position in particular. Having seen Spillane play at Western Michigan, I'm not surprised at all by what he's doing.

Thanks Bark for that input and good to know.

[Mojouw]

Well how many did Dupree screw up on?

At least one, on the Lamar run, he didn’t do his job and set the edge and Lamar burned him. I will give him credit though, it didn’t happen again after

SPEARLANE

- - - Updated - - -



Dupree overpursued and hesitated on some plays, but overall didn't have a bad game. Shit will happen. Lamar Jackson is one of the most talented athletes in the league and makes that money for a reason

As others have pointed out, Dupree got caught peeking into the backfield at the RB and Jackson made him pay. The question is why was Dupree trying to cheat inside? Because the Steelers defense was getting cut to ribbons between the tackles. That brings it back to the original question - why? Until that is answered, I am not going to let any of the interior defenders off the hook.

[Fire Goodell]

As others have pointed out, Dupree got caught peeking into the backfield at the RB and Jackson made him pay. The question is why was Dupree trying to cheat inside? Because the Steelers defense was getting cut to ribbons between the tackles. That brings it back to the original question - why? Until that is answered, I am not going to let any of the interior defenders off the hook.

Yes Dupree blew his assignment because the interior line wasn't getting it done. Losing Alualu really hurt IMO. But the play would have been blown up if he stuck to his assignment, sometimes things like this happen because a player's trying to do too much. But I really don't blame him. Players like Lamar will make their plays, they're too good not to.

[Mojouw]

Yes Dupree blew his assignment because the interior line wasn't getting it done. Losing Alualu really hurt IMO. But the play would have been blown up if he stuck to his assignment, sometimes things like this happen because a player's trying to do too much. But I really don't blame him. Players like Lamar will make their plays, they're too good not to.

xt f
Agreed. It will be interesting to hear more details over the next few days on what did and did not work for the defense on Sunday.

[cubanstogie]

In fairness, defending Lamar and company is toughest test in NFL. It has to be 11 guys staying with scheme and being in their spot. And even if they do there job they have fastest QB in league to chase down. Mickey had a few bad angles early but was tenacious and obviously had a couple of game changing plays. A success against LJ. Next time I think they adjust and force LJ to throw in order to win, if thats a possible scheme to plan. Buggs too was beat badly early, but made a few great plays when they were needed. Doesn’t have to be perfect.

[tube517]

[steel striker]

I have really been impressed by Spillane and, after hearing the local 105.7 the fan in Baltimore saying before the game that Spillane will be the weak link! I LOL when to Jackson pass for a pick six and, who is the weak link now? I live in Delaware so, hard for to get any Burgh stations.

[polamalubeast]

[Steel Peon]

Spillane began making plays right out of the gate, alleviating any concerns I could've had about the Bush injury.

[Fire Goodell]

The winged god of linebacker coverage

[86WARD]

The winged god of linebacker coverage

Who’d a thunk...