"The New England Patriots lost one of their best and most important defensive players to foot and ankle injuries that kept him from playing a snap against the Buffalo Bills last week. Robert Spillane has been the team's leading tackler, racking up 97 in total to this point. PFF grades him to be the league's 13th-best linebacker and among the most effective against the run, with an 87.3 overall grade."
"His absence against Buffalo was felt. The middle of the field seemed wide open, with James Cook becoming the second player this season to amass over 100 rushing yards against the Patriots. Tight ends have also hurt New England all season, and Sunday was no different: Dawson Knox had three catches - two for touchdowns, and a third that set the Bills up inside the 10 for one of Cook's three scores."
"2023 third-round pick Marte Mapu has played more sparingly this season, with just 21 tackles to his name, but as a converted safety, he's also their best coverage linebacker. He's posted two PFF grades of 92-plus this year. The team also added Chad Muma from the Colts' practice squad this week; the 2022 third-round pick from Wyoming has 99 career tackles."
Robert Spillane missed the Bills game with foot and ankle injuries and leads the Patriots with 97 tackles. PFF ranks him 13th among linebackers with an 87.3 overall grade and strong run-defense ability. His absence opened the middle of the field, enabling James Cook to rush for over 100 yards and Dawson Knox to score twice. Defending the Ravens' rushing attack and tight-end threats will be more difficult without Spillane. The Patriots' linebacker group includes Christian Elliss (four tackles shy of 80), Jack Gibbens (61 tackles, one sack), Marte Mapu (best coverage linebacker, two 92-plus PFF grades), and recent addition Chad Muma (99 career tackles).
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