Steelers rookie earns legendary comparison after win vs. Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker room looks vastly different than it did at the beginning of the season. For one, Robert Spillane has once more taken over his position. For the past three weeks, he has played in 100% of the Steelers' defensive snaps. That includes Sunday's 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 27-year-old has […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker room looks vastly different than it did at the beginning of the season.
For one, Robert Spillane has once more taken over his position. For the past three weeks, he has played in 100% of the Steelers' defensive snaps. That includes Sunday's 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 27-year-old has shown tremendous toughness staying on the field.
Pittsburgh has welcomed that, especially considering Myles Jack's limited play due to a hamstring injury.
Spillane's way of stepping up shouldn't surprise Steelers fans considering he's been around for four seasons now and is usually a guy that gets the job done even though he doesn't separate himself as one of the best in the league.
“We expect that from Rob," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters postgame. "Rob’s been around. He’s been steadily on the rise since he’s been here."
But Spillane isn't the only one stepping up at linebacker for the Steelers. In fact, seventh-round rookie Mark Robinson stole the show on Sunday night.
"Mark (Robinson) throws his face in the fan every time he is going to hit hard," Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt told reporters. " I’m super proud of the development he is showing this year."
The rookie made seven tackles in the game in only 50% of the defensive snaps. All of them were hard hits, too. His performance has many wondering if he'll see more playing time. He's certainly earned it.
The question is particularly intriguing since Devin Bush appears to be benched as he only played in five snaps in Baltimore.
Robinson's play was so impressive that beloved NFL analyst Brian Baldinger compared him to Steelers' legend James Harrison.
Tomlin downplayed the situation when asked if Robinson is set for more playing time by claiming the Steelers "divide the labor up appropriately based on game circumstance."
For now, one thing is clear. The Steelers' linebacker room is playing some of its best football this season. The reason why?
"I think there’s a lot of love in that room," said Robert Spillane following the eighth win of the season. "We all want to look out for each other and take care of each other. It shows in the victory tonight."
Featured image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
