Williamson, Allen, UG3

23 tackles by our inside linebackers. Williamson and Allen had the bulk of those. Avery had 11, Marcus had 8. UG3 had 4. If there was a bright spot, this was it. Maybe we build on this group as they play together more, though I think UG3 is still hurting.

 

UG3 did not look as unprepared as I thought he would be. That said, I only wish he did not re-aggrrivate his back earlier in the season. He would received some much needed experience and playing time.



Definitely agree on Avery though. Dude is a tackling machine.

 

As much as I'd like to glass half full this game weren't these three responsible for clogging up the middle zone so that Diggs and Allen couldn't pick the Steelers apart? I'd say the needle is off then.

 

I think Marcus Allen being thrust into action as an ILB did quite well, even though he was blitzed play after play after play.

This should of been the sole reason for the Steelers to lose, but it really wasn't the reason they lost.

 

Williamson was impressive in the run defense, but as thorn pointed out, the inside linebackers were part of the problem with the passes over the middle.

I think Williamson and Williams will be fine as starters, assuming Vince can return soon. I'm guessing we won't see him against the Bengals.

 

Who whiffed on that blitz that let Allen run down the field?? Luckily there was a penalty, but it was really bad.

 

Marcus Allen may have had 8 tackles but I saw him miss on 2 or 3 more tackles.

 

I'd still be a lot happier if the Steelers had this guy.

 

We got lucky being able to get Williamson when we did. He is a quality linebacker that was having a pretty good year. I hope they can keep him after this. Nobody knows how well Bush will come back of when from this injury. We can sit here and pick apart many on this team but we should be darn glad we have him at this point.

 

I also like Williamson, but I'm guessing he is a rental. The Steelers have Bush, Williams, and Gilbert under contract for 2021. I doubt Williamson would take less than what Williams is making now if they chose to move on from Vince. Spillane is also a cheaper option for 2021. I imagine the Steelers would be fine going forward with Bush, Williams, Gilbert, and Spillane.

Yes, I'm leaving Allen out of this. I just don't see him as a viable option. It is a real problem that he has to play so much right now.

 

My concern is busy being ready enough come next year. Gilbert and that back is another concern. I would love to see us draft that kid from NC. Surratt. Williamson will be 29 next year, Vince will be 31. Use the money from Vince to sign Williamson would be my hope. One way or another it will be an interesting off season with money and holes to fill.

 

I believe the dead-money cap hit if they cut Williams is over $3 million. It just isn't worth it to move on from him. I'm not sure Williamson would stay for $4 million a year, either.

 

They save 4 mil. to cut him. Depends on what Williamson would want. If they have him 5 it's still cheaper then Vince and you get a better LB that can wear the green dot if Bush is limited and Gilbert remains limited. I don't think Vince will be worth the 7 mil.+ that we will have to pay him next year. That's my opinion. Williamson is so much more mobile at the position. He's just a better player. We shall see, it's early.