Mark Madden's Hot Take: Robert Spillane is better option than Devin Bush for Steelers

Devin Bush Jr.’s father called a Pittsburgh radio show to defend his son’s subpar performance at inside linebacker for the Steelers.

Devin Bush Sr. made two points:

• Devin Bush Jr.’s knee isn’t all the way back after ACL surgery last year.

• If you didn’t play the game, you don’t know what you’re talking about. (Bush Sr. played eight seasons in the NFL.)

Ex-Steelers Chris Hoke and Arthur Moats did play the game. Not long after Bush Sr.’s whining, each criticized the play of Bush Jr.

Rightly so. Bush Jr. has been brutal. Can’t tackle, can’t cover, can’t shed blocks, low football IQ. What else is there?

The Steelers visit Cincinnati Sunday. The Bengals have a host of weapons, including running back Joe Mixon. Mixon has 759 yards on the season and averages 4.2 yards per carry.

The Steelers should bench Bush Jr. and play Robert Spillane.

Spillane has no pedigree. He played MAC football at Western Michigan. He went undrafted. His skills are underwhelming.

Bush Jr. played at Michigan. He was a first-round pick, going 10th overall in 2019. The Steelers traded up to get him, surrendering first-, second- and third-round choices. Bush Jr. may have talent, but it’s not currently on display often enough. If Bush Jr.’s knee is the problem, it can’t be the Steelers’ problem right now.

Spillane can tackle. He can’t do anything else, but he can tackle.

That’s one more thing than Bush Jr. can do.

If the Steelers lose at Cincinnati, their season is in the toilet. Play every card you have.

Bush Sr. coached Bush Jr. in high school and at Michigan. He followed his kid around like a puppy. (I bet he tried to get a job with the Steelers.) Now, he’s calling talk shows to stick up for Junior’s indefensible play. If I’m Bush Jr., I’m embarrassed.