Spillane's Career Year Continues, Shines vs. Chiefs
The Las Vegas Raiders made a statement in their 20-14 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, as they fight to stay alive in the AFC playoff race.
The Raiders caused problems for the Chiefs’ talented offense all day, scoring two defensive touchdowns and holding quarterback Patrick Mahomes to his lowest yards per completion average this season.
Interim Coach Antonio Pierce and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham have done an excellent job with this Raiders defense. That side of the ball has kept the Silver and Black competitive all season, and the defense was the catalyst for the upset victory.
Right in the middle of the action for the Raiders was linebacker Robert Spillane, as he and cornerback Nate Hobbs tied for the team lead in tackles with 11. Both Spillane and Hobbs also had tackles for a loss.
Spillane has had a career season with the Raiders, as his two-year, $9 million contract looks more and more like a free agency steal with every passing week.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane had a big day against the Kansas City Chiefs, continuing his career season.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
After letting Denzel Perryman walk in free agency, the Raiders needed to find a replacement at middle linebacker. They found that in Spillane, who has posted a career-best 130 total tackles, seven tackles for losses, three and a half sacks, a forced fumble, four passes defended and three interceptions.
Spillane has provided a stabilizing presence at linebacker next to Divine Deablo, is constantly making plays around the football and has held his own in coverage. Spillane is an undersized linebacker but has played much bigger than his 6-foot-1, 229-pound frame.
And Spillane has been consistent all season for the Raiders, posting his fiive double-digit tackle games, and the fourth in five weeks. He has been a massive reason for the Raiders’ defensive turnaround in 2023.
The Chiefs could not get their running game going, and Spillane was a significant factor in that. According to Pro Football Focus, Spillane has been credited with 44 run stops this season.
The Raiders have been a hard-nosed, hard-working defense all season, which continued in their upset victory over the Chiefs. Spillane’s presence at middle linebacker has been everything the Raiders hoped it would be when they signed him in March.
The Silver and Black continue the season on New Year's Eve versus the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Don't miss it on Sunday, December 31, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.
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