Vinnie vs. Spence

Hey just wondering if anyone had any idea why Vince Williams got so many snaps on Sunday vs. Sean Spence. I guess Shazier got nicked up a bit and left the game, but I was surprised we didn't see Spence more as opposed to Williams. I thought Spence did pretty good in the 2nd half against the Texans. I actually thought Williams was getting after it pretty good w/Indy but didn't see any standout plays from him.

 

Love VW's heart and hustle. I hope he and Spence both continue to get playing time and that they both continue to perform.

 

Vince was and should've been the theoretical starter on opening day. He played very well for a rook. Shazier and spence should've been chipping playing time off of him in my opinion. I like the rooks speed but he needs to bulk/strengthen up, and Spence, it's just a miracle that he's come back at all. I know spence was a speed guy as well, but not seeing much of it yet. Though he has gotten better the wetter his feet get wet. I have no worries with them mixing up personnel... Last week was a joy. I just hope with McClendon coming back soon that we we don't push big Dan back to the warm ups. I'd also like to see shark as opposed to Allen if he's ready to go in the nickel package.

 

Spence had one snap against the colts, while Williams and Shazier got most of the work. To me, it says Vince has passed Sean on the depth chart. Spence played pretty awful in the few games he started, and I thought he only had one good half to show for his first few games in the line up. I'm really glad for his sake that he made such an unexpected return to football, but in this league you don't play people just because they are a good story. His play was hurting the team, and he has been replaced by someone else.

 

Good question. I presumed there was something to do with the plays being called - Spence is prsumably better in coverage, whereas Williams can crash the line better - but what others have said is also true regarding Spence's development. It's easy to forget that he's basically where WIlliams was this time last year, so mistakes are going to happen. And if you have a guy whose learned from those mistakes already, then you put him in ahead of Spence.

 

Spence cant tackle and is too small thats why he dont play anymore..

 

I heard Dave Todd ask Tomlin in the presser about that. He just gave the standard response about moving Timmons around.

 

to be honest spence or Williams are not the answer in coverage. spence and Williams are playing pretty well against the run though. shazier will be better overall. yes he was limping pretty good in the indy game. what ever happened, happened early.

 

your right, shazier is better but Williams has done a lot better in coverage this year as opposed to last

 

and should keep improving the longer he's here. both will. spence is really a rookie on the field don't forget.

 

Timmons in coverage isn't too pretty either.......

 

yea, at times. LOL

 

I haven't watched Williams closely so I can't comment on him. I have watched Spence closely, and he doesn't tackle very well.

 

Situational football and skillsets............

Timmons can play both the strong side and weak side equally well. Shazier has the same skill set but with an edge at improved strong side play. Vince is strictly a weak side ILB. Spence is a strong side ILB with strong instincts but low reps in the NFL gives him a learning curve we must endure. He also has poor tackling skills ( as mentioned ) which seems to be a disease on this team.

Timmons will play Strong side, where he has more snaps at in his career, when Vince plays but he'll switch to weak side when they bring in Shazier, and that creates confusion for the QB when trying to find mis-matches. Vince is a solid tackling thumper. Spence, as quick is he is and smart with solid instincts is a bit undersized and really needs to learn to wrap up. We have a solid group of ILBers and using all 4 in varying combinations will be a wise thing moving forward.

Cajun-

 

Love watching Vince when he gets a chance to hit someone! He makes sure they feel it!

 

Oh boy does he.. I cringe when I hear that popping coming from Williams