The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2024 NFL season strong, winning their first three games. However, they’ve hit a rough patch, losing back-to-back games and now sitting at 3-2. In Week 6, they’re heading on the road to face the Las Vegas Raiders, looking to get back in the win column as heavy favorites.
Raiders Official YouTube Channel
Raiders' Robert Spillane speaks to the media.
This matchup carries extra weight for former Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane, who spent 2019-2022 in Pittsburgh. Although the Steelers had the chance to bring him back in free agency, Spillane signed a two-year deal with the Raiders after they matched Pittsburgh’s restricted free agent tender.
Ahead of the game, Spillane spoke with Paul Gutierrez, expressing that he’s especially motivated to face his former team. He’s eager to prove the Steelers should have made a stronger effort to keep him in Pittsburgh.
#Raiders LB Robert Spillane, a former member of the #Steelers: "Leaving them has only [added] to the chip on my shoulder...they had a chance to bring me back in free agency but I'm here now and I'm so thankful to be a Raider and I look forward to bringing it to them on Sunday."
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 10, 2024
Spillane didn’t hold back when discussing his departure from the Steelers. He acknowledged that the team could have made a stronger effort to keep him, but they ultimately chose to let him walk in free agency. Now, Spillane is motivated to show his former team what they’re missing as he prepares to face them.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers former linebacker Robert Spillane during his time with the team.
It's never ideal to have a player with extra motivation going up against you, but that’s part of the NFL. The Steelers will need to find a way to contain Spillane and minimize his impact on the field.
During his four seasons with the Steelers, Spillane played in 50 games, starting 16 of them. He recorded 191 combined tackles, eight passes defended, three sacks, five quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for loss.
Spillane was a reliable contributor, stepping up whenever the team needed him and making his presence felt in key moments. Despite his solid production, the Steelers decided to part ways with him in free agency, a decision that clearly still fuels Spillane’s drive.
Since joining the Raiders, Spillane has taken on a larger role. He’s started all 22 games in which he’s been active and has already surpassed his Pittsburgh numbers.
With the Raiders, Spillane has tallied 202 combined tackles, six passes defended, and 4.5 sacks. His expanded role with the team has allowed him to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage, and he’s become a key piece of the Raiders' defense.
Ex-Steelers Robert Spillane Extra Motivated To Face Pittsburgh
On Sunday, Spillane will look to bring that same impact against his former team. The Steelers offense will aim to limit Spillane’s influence and take control of the Raiders' defense. Facing former players always adds an extra layer of intrigue, and Spillane’s motivation to prove the Steelers wrong will only intensify the matchup.
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Former Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders.
It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh responds to Spillane’s words and how they handle a player with so much to prove. Expect a hard-fought battle as the Steelers try to contain their former teammate while Spillane seeks to remind them of what they let slip away.
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