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The Las Vegas Raiders made sure to fill out their roster with both veterans and youthful talent.
They also filled out their coaching staff with many former football players from various backgrounds and many different experiences across all levels of football.
Many of the players and coaches were connected or had similarities to each other, even aside from the Raiders.
Such is the case between linebacker Robert Spillane and Interim Coach Antonio Pierce. The similarities between the current linebacker and the former linebacker are uncanny.
From going undrafted to their style of play at the same position, Spillane and Pierce have many things in common.
“Yeah, that [both of them being undrafted linebackers] was kind of my selling point to get him here from Pittsburgh," Pierce said.
"And we talked about that, and when you look at him, and I embraced him after the interception because he's got that chip on his shoulder and that fire in his belly that I can really relate to, if that makes sense.
"And when I watch him play, when I watch him lead, when I watch him communicate, it is a little bit of flashback, and he has kind of that old school lunch pail mentality. But he's a play-maker, and he gets to the ball, he sees ball, he talks ball.
"He's a really good communicator for us. I'm sure (Defensive Coordinator) Patrick Graham will say the same thing. He makes our defense go. When he's going well, and things are going good, and he's communicating and barking out, and he's doing what he's doing, it's good for the Raiders.”
Spillane is at a similar point in his career as Pierce was when he arrived with the New York Giants from Washington and eventually completed his journey from an undrafted free agent to a full-time starting linebacker in the National Football League.
Spillane shared how his mindset is similar to Pierce's attitude when he was in the league.
"It's that real dog mentality, chip on his shoulder," Spillane said. "You always feel like you have something to fight for in this league and respect to earn. I just continue to try to go out there and earn the respect of my teammates and coaches first. Go perform on Sundays and let loose."
The veteran linebacker has taken his play to another level now that he is a full-time starter for the first time in his career. Spillane credits Pierce for helping him grow as a linebacker.
"I've gotten to work mostly with coach AP. His hands-on, one-on-one coaching has been nothing short of very elite coaching for me," Spillane said.
"Both in terms of understanding the opponent, in terms of fundamentals, my play, and play around me. I love getting to work with him, and I'm excited to continue to work with him."
Spillane is a coach's dream linebacker, and Pierce is a linebacker's dream coach. The two find themselves in the perfect situation in Las Vegas.
The Silver and Black will head out on the road to South Beach to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.
More must-reads:
- Top free-agent WRs still available after Odell Beckham, Chase Claypool signings
- Former Pro Bowler attempting comeback with NFC East team after two seasons out of action
- The 'AP First-Team All-Pro tight ends' quiz
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