Brandon Spikes: ‘Master’ Linebacker

Jul 21, 2014; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Brandon Spikes (51) catches a pass during training camp at St John Fisher College. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Spikes signed with the Bills as a free agent over the offseason and the Bills couldn’t be happier., especially when Kiko Alonso torn his ACL.  With Kiko going down and being out for the season, Spikes could be Buffalo’s best linebacker at the moment. 

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Spikes came over from a 4-year term with Buffalo’s rival, the Patriots.

When coming to a new team, the player is usually at the disadvantage of learning the new system and playing catch-up but this is not the case as the Bills have a new defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, with a new defensive scheme that everybody has to learn.

Brandon Spikes has been taking snaps as part of the first team in the ‘Mike’ position at LB.  He was seen out on the field as well with the second team defense during their red zone portion of the day.  Spikes, wasn’t dropped to the second line by any means, he was out their helping the other players out.

"“I wouldn’t say leadership, it just comes with the title,” Spikes said after practice. “You know, the ‘Mike’ linebacker, he’s responsible for getting everybody lined up, getting everybody in place so we can execute the scheme and the defense. That’s just part of the job, so it comes with it.”– Syracuse.com"

Brandon Spikes was also seen after practice, talking, at length, with new coordinator Jim Schwartz and figuring out this new defense.

"“This is a new scheme for me, so I want to kind of master it, man,” Spikes said. “I critique myself everyday. I make mistakes, I’m human, but I just have to make sure I keep it to a minimum. Whenever we have a blown coverage, I take a big responsibility on that.”“As the week progresses, I’m getting better and better,” Spikes said. “I had a good jump start with the OTAs, so I think it’s coming together. The most important thing is to just build.”– Syracuse.com"

A new guy coming in, but a veteran at that, it is always good to see everyone working together and working as a team.  There is no “I” in team and Spikes is obviously going to great strides to learn this defense and also help to teach it to the other younger players.  Having someone like Spikes helping out, not only with the new scheme but just basics at the LB spot, it can only help Spikes learn the defense and make everyone else better around him.