The Pittsburgh Steelers got unexpected help from several players on the defensive side of the ball in a surprising 20-18 upset over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady in Week 6. The team had injuries on both sides of the ball, but especially in the secondary. Four every day starters, including Minkah Fitzpatrick, were all sidelined and inactive for the matchup. The 'next man up' approach was put into action and the defense held Tampa four different times to field goals coming up with big play after big play. Head Coach, Mike Tomlin has been complimentary of the group since Sunday, but was especially impressed with a linebacker who has often received criticism.
Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin at 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. |Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
After the game on Sunday, Tomlin spoke to local and national media as he usually does. The very last question he encountered was about all three linebackers and their contributions in the win. He specifically singled out linebacker, Robert Spillane.
"We play all three of our inside linebackers in various packages, because that's where our depth was. Robert Spillane was, I thought critical today in terms of us being able to do things, because he played positions other than inside linebacker. To be able to do that, I'm appreciative of his intellect. It allowed us to put our very best collection of people on the field and that's what you gotta do sometimes when you're in less than ideal circumstances."
Spillane came up with a huge pass break up in coverage with 10:00 left in the third quarter. He was on Buccaneers tight end, Cade Otton and although he got beat, recovered and got his hands on the pass to prevent a touchdown. Tampa would settle for a field goal.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 16: Robert Spillane #41 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after breaking up a pass during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
On Tuesday, at his weekly press conference, Tomlin touched on the linebacker again after being asked about how important he was on Sunday. He believes that Spillane stepped up in an uncomfortable position.
"In some instances, he was representing the nickel, in some instances, he was representing a down safety or a box safety. I live by the philosophy when you got red paint, you paint your barn red and what that means is if we have unusual depth at a position, then we need to create schematics to highlight that depth. If we're thin at another position, we better create schematics that minimize that lack of depth and so we were running short in the secondary."
The maximum amount of depth inside on defense was what allowed the game plan to open up Spillane's more aggressive side.
"We had all of our regulars at inside linebacker and so in some instances, threw some schematics. Robert's versatility and the depth at that position allowed that to happen. We are appreciative of his contributions."
Nov 1, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Robert Spillane of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Layton-USA TODAY Sports
Tomlin was asked what if defensive assistant/linebackers coach, Brian Flores had an impact by helping Spillane prepare for the game on Sunday and the head coach's answer was simple and blunt.
"No, I mean a lot of it is because Spillane's smart."
Were you impressed with Spillane's play on Sunday afternoon in the win against the Buccaneers? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
