Could Brandon Spikes land in Buffalo with his former coach Pepper Johnson?
Today, Boston Herald writer Jeff Howe said he felt that Brandon Spikes’ days in New England are over. Well it was strange that earlier this year, Bill Belichick cut ties with his former player and linebacker coach Pepper Johnson. This came after the season, but could it have been because Brandon Spikes was told he could not play for being late?
Spikes’ days with the Patriots appear to be over. The leak of the late meeting was proof that someone wants him gone, and his greatest ally in Pepper Johnson is out. Spikes and Dont’a Hightower even exchanged helmets the day after the season ended. All parties saw the writing on the wall. – Boston Herald
Well regardless of the situation, one thing that did happen recently was Pepper Johnson landed on his feet. He landed in Buffalo, where he will face his former team two times a year. Could he bring the former Florida Gator in with him and put Kiko Alonso the runner up for Rookie of the Year next to him? Buffalo definitely needs a run stuffing middle linebacker and I am sure Spikes would love to play for Pepper.
The 6’2, 255 lb linebacker from Florida has been one of the most intimidating, physical run stuffers in the NFL since being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft. And now he is a unrestricted free agent.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Spikes was the 2nd ranked inside/middle linebacker against the run. And in 2013 with big Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly and Jerod Mayo on IR with an assortment of injuries, Spikes stepped up big time in run support as the team struggled with rookies inside.
I could see this move happening, and if it does Buffalo might finally get over the hump of beating their arch nemesis.
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