Tag: linebacker

Will Steelers’ LB rebound in Week 8 after inconsistent start to 2024?

Patrick Queen hasn’t really lived up the hype that surrounded his signing. Can the linebacker bounce back in Week 8 against the NY Giants?

Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen is due for a breakout game in Week 8, right? While the word ‘elite’ may describe fellow linebackers Elandon Roberts and Payton Wilson, ‘inconsistent’ better summarizes Queen’s 2024 performance.

He’s currently on pace to record his highest number of missed tackles in any of his five NFL seasons, and he’s currently tied for the second-worst missed tackle percentage of his career this year.

With that being said, Queen’s play hasn’t been all bad—he was solid in Weeks 2, 3, and 5. However, one major setback for the fifth-year linebacker from LSU has been his pass coverage. What was once a strength during his final years in Baltimore, has taken a significant step back in 2024 with the Steelers, as he’s allowing an average passer rating of 103.2 when targeted by opposing QBs.

While Roberts and Wilson have been more consistent on the field, Queen has a good chance to bounce back against the struggling Giants’ offense in Week 8.  Tune in to Monday Night Football this week to see if Queen can finally turn things around this season, on October 27th at 8:15 PM EST.

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Saints defense could welcome back a badly-missed starter against the Chargers

The Saints defense could return a badly-missed starter against the Chargers this week. Pete Werner is working his way back from a hamstring injury:

The New Orleans Saints defense could welcome back a badly-missed starter against the Los Angeles Chargers this week. Veteran linebacker Pete Werner is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Saints head coach Dennis Allen  is optimistic about his chances.

“He’s doing well,” Allen said Monday, “I’m expecting that we’ll have some guys coming back this week. But, we’ll see how it goes throughout the course of the week.”

Injuries have hit the Saints hard before the regular season’s midpoint. Werner has had to miss their last three games, all losses in which the run defense was gashed for a combined 671 yards on the ground. Missed tackles and miscommunication have run rampant, and it’s clear they miss Werner’s presence at the second level.

Of course he isn’t the only player out with an injury; Allen has previously said that key offensive players like right guard Cesar Ruiz, tight end Taysom Hill, and even quarterback Derek Carr are trending in the right direction, though at varying paces. But when Allen’s reputation hinges on being a defensive mastermind, his defense’s breakdown will draw the most scrutiny.

Hopefully Werner’s return can clean up their mess in the middle of the field. Backups like Anfernee Orji and D’Marco Jackson have been around the ball a lot, but they have each missed tackles, and Demario Davis hasn’t looked like himself while dealing with an injury of his own. The Saints are planning on Werner leading the way to the future at linebacker after signing him to an extension during training camp, and a strong performance in L.A. would do a lot to build confidence in that plan.

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Jets’ guard headed to hospital after hit from Steelers’ LB

Jets’ offensive guard Xavier Newman took a scary hit from linebacker Patrick Queen in Week 7’s contest on Sunday Night Football. He was stretchered off the field and is being taken to the hospital.

Fans of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets held their breath when Jets offensive guard Xavier Newman lay motionless following a hit by linebacker Patrick Queen. The hit occurred during a runback after cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.’s second interception of the night, as Queen aimed to clear a path for his teammate. 

Initially, the hit appeared to be a routine blocking assignment, but things quickly took a turn for the worse when Newman remained motionless on the field and was eventually carted off on a stretcher. 

According to reports, he was able to squeeze the athletic trainer’s hand and had movement in his limbs, providing a small relief after the terrifying incident. Newman is a pivotal member of the New York Jets’ offensive line, but his long-term health is far more important than one football game.  Fans from both teams now hope and pray for Newman’s quick recovery. 

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Chiefs LB Nick Bolton describes George Kittle’s impact: ‘He’s a huge matchup problem’

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton describes George Kittle’s impact: ‘He’s a huge matchup problem’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton spoke to the media on Friday, revealing his thoughts on San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle.

“He’s a huge matchup problem,” said Bolton. “He’s bigger than most safeties and faster than most linebackers.”

The Chiefs last faced off against Kittle and the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, where the defense held the Pro Bowler below his typical production. Kittle only managed two catches for 4 yards and left momentarily with an injury in the Kansas City victory.

“We have to mix our matchups up on him,” said Bolton, “Put some hands on him when we can, disrupt his timing, and hopefully can frustrate him a little bit as the game progresses, but I think it’s going to be different matchups, different guys get on him a little bit, try to rough him up when we can, and then ultimately just make them make tight throws and live to play another down.”

The Chiefs’ defense has held opponents late in games to close victories, contributing to the undefeated start. Bolton has 38 tackles heading into Week 7 feeling healthier after the bye week.

Broncos LB Cody Barton had a huge game against the Saints

“It was just one of those nights where it just comes to you and you just kind of feel it,” Cody Barton said of his big game on ‘TNF.’

Denver Broncos inside linebacker Cody Barton dominated the New Orleans Saints in a 33-10 victory on Thursday Night Football in Week 7.

Barton finished the game with eight tackles, one pass breakup, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery that he returned 52 yards for a touchdown. Barton also scored earlier in the game, but that touchdown was negated by a pre-snap penalty on defense.

After his impressive performance, Barton did not shine the spotlight on himself.

“It was just one of those nights where it just comes to you and you just kind of feel it,” Barton said. “It was a great team win. It was just one of those games. It was a great team win on the road on a short week. I am happy for everyone.”

Denver’s defense ended the day with two takeaways and six sacks. They didn’t allow a touchdown until backups entered the game late in the fourth quarter.

“Being on this defense is fun,” Barton said. “It’s aggressive. Everyone has a chance to eat. Today, I feel like it was kind of my day. Some of those bigger splash plays came my way. If this game were tomorrow, you don’t know who it is going to be. That’s kind of how this defense is. It’s a lot of fun just running around.”

If Barton and the defense continue playing at this level, the Broncos will be playoff contenders this fall.

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Broncos LB Alex Singleton shares injury update on social media

“Thank you everyone for the positive vibes and prayers today,” Alex Singleton wrote. “Going to attack this like everything else full speed!”

Denver Broncos inside linebacker Alex Singleton underwent successful ACL surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

After the surgery, Singleton shared a positive update on social media.

“Road to recovery starts now!” Singleton wrote on his Instagram and X pages. “Thank you everyone for the positive vibes and prayers today. Going to attack this like everything else full speed! Go Broncos!!”

Singleton, who will turn 31 in December, tore his ACL during a 26-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. The veteran linebacker did not realize the severity of his injury and played the final 49 snaps on defense.

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After the game, Singleton reported a sore knee and tests revealed his torn ACL. The linebacker now begins the road to recovery with a goal of returning in time for the 2025 season next fall.

In the meantime, the Broncos have turned to Justin Strnad to fill in at linebacker, starting next to Cody Barton in Singleton’s old position.

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Broncos cut 2 players from active roster on Tuesday

The Broncos cut LB Kristian Welch and DB Tanner McCalister from the active roster on Tuesday.

The Denver Broncos cut two players from their active roster on Tuesday, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.

The Broncos released inside linebacker Kristian Welch and waived safety Tanner McCalister from the 53-man roster. Both players could be potential candidates to return on the practice squad.

Welch signed with Denver on Aug. 29. He played in the first six games of the season, earning one start. He played 97 snaps on special teams and 36 snaps on defense over the last six weeks.

McCalister joined the Broncos in January and he dressed for three games this season, playing exclusively on special teams (54 snaps).

Denver opening up two spots on the active roster might mean that two players are on the verge of returning from injured reserve. Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey (MCL), outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) are all eligible to return from IR this week.

Denver will face the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football on Oct. 17.

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Steelers-Raiders matchups to watch: Najee Harris vs. Robert Spillane

A matchup that is shaping up to be the most entertaining positional battle in Week 6, is RB Najee Harris versus LB Robert Spillane.

Pittsburgh’s Week 6 contest has some extra intrigue, as former Steeler and current Raiders LB Robert Spillane goes head-to-head with Steelers RB Najee Harris.

Najee Harris’s lack of yards stems from his inefficiency. Analyzing his average yards per carry from Weeks 1-5 reveals the key area of concern: 3.5, 4.1, 3.9, 1.5, and 3.0. While the Steelers’ offensive line has suffered key injuries that could play a role, the interior linemen consistently rank as the offense’s best players.

Robert Spillane has exploded onto the scene through five weeks of football in 2024. After producing 148 combined tackles in 2023, Spillane is on pace to shatter that number—averaging almost 11 tackles per game this season, putting his projected total at over 180 tackles.

Spillane and Harris have surely felt each other’s presence before—as both players have experienced the classic Steelers tradition of ‘Backs on Backers.’ Who will come out on top in Week 6?

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Bills’ Dorian Williams: ‘It’s all starting to click now’

Bills’ Dorian Williams: ‘It’s all starting to click now’

Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams has found himself in a big role in year two.

Williams, a 2023 third-rounder out of Tulane, was projected to be a top reserve linebacker for the Bills this year. A training camp injury to starting linebacker Matt Milano changed the course of Williams’ season.

Thrust into a starting role from Week 1, Williams has now had five consecutive starts to begin the year. It’s near-impossible to replace the production from the former All-Pro Milano, but Williams has shined so far.

While Williams has started to his his stride, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott complimented him even earlier.

“I thought he did a good job,” McDermott said after Williams’ first start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1.

He enters Week 6’s matchup against the New York Jets (2-3) tied for the league lead in tackles (54). He posted 11 solo tackles in his last game. Williams is flying around the field, using his instincts, and making solid tackles. The way he finishes plays is reminiscent of Milano.

When asked about his play this year in Thursday’s post-practice press conference, Williams was appreciative of the support around him.

“Learning every week, taking what everybody has to say into account. I think it has helped a lot, for sure,” he said.

Williams was transparent in saying he wasn’t prepared to see much time during his rookie year, but fellow linebacker and team captain Terrel Bernard reassured him that his time would come.

“Last year I did come in a little under the bar I think,” Williams said. “[Bernard told me] ‘learn every day… my first year I didn’t really know what was going on either’. Once he told me that, I understood what was expected out of me. I took the offseason to learn a lot. They let me keep my iPad so I studied all summer and it’s all starting to click now, for sure.”

In 2023, Williams started just two games for the Bills. Now, he is looking like he could be the long-term answer at weakside linebacker given Milano’s health struggles. Milano will take his job back when he’s ready to go later this season, but Williams is taking the opportunity in front of him and running with it for now.

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Former Steeler turned Raider LB eager for revenge vs. Pittsburgh

Former Steeler and current Raider, LB Robert Spillane, explained that Pittsburgh’s choice to allow him to leave left a chip on his shoulder.

It seems Robert Spillane isn’t thrilled that Pittsburgh didn’t bring him back when he entered free agency in 2023.

While Spillane was reliable for the Steelers, playing in 50 games over four seasons, his best performance came during his first season as a Raider. Through twenty-two starts in Las Vegas, Spillane has accumulated over 200 tackles and three interceptions. The former Steelers LB is also leading the NFL with 43 solo tackles, compiling his best statistical start to date in 2024.

Spillane stated that he had a chip on his shoulder, and although he was arguably upset that Pittsburgh didn’t bring him back to the ‘Steel City,’ he claimed he was grateful to be a Raider.

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Can Pittsburgh’s offensive unit silence Spillane’s jealous tirade and show him that the grass isn’t always greener? Najee Harris and the underwhelming Steelers’ run game have an opportunity to put their stamp on the 2024 season when they travel to Las Vegas in Week 6.

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