Buffalo Bills star linebacker gets a late lump of coal from the NFL days after Christmas
The holidays might be over, but Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard got a lump of coal from the NFL in the form of a fine for a hit in last week's game. As the Bills prepare for a massive game against the New York Jets on Sunday with an opportunity to clinch the No. 2 […]
The holidays might be over, but Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard got a lump of coal from the NFL in the form of a fine for a hit in last week's game. As the Bills prepare for a massive game against the New York Jets on Sunday with an opportunity to clinch the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a win, Bernard's bank account took a bit of a hit.
With 2:32 left in the game, Bernard dropped back in coverage, changed directions, and went in for a hit on Patriots' tight end Austin Hooper as the ball was approaching him, leading with his shoulder. It's a tough call. The hit was flagged for unnecessary roughness for a hit on a defenseless player. Even though he lead with his shoulder, the contact looked to be to the head and neck area, drawing the flag.
The linebacker group for the Bills has been dealing with injuries all season, with Bernard, Matt Milano, and Dorian Williams all missing time at some point this season.
Heading towards the playoffs, the Bills winning the Week 17 matchup with the Jets is of utmost importance. If they're able to do so, they would lock up the No. 2 seed in the AFC, no matter what happens in Week 18, allowing the Bills to rest players and get healthy before Wild Card Weekend.
The defense desperately needs to get right and get healthy for this team to make a deep playoff run. Bernard and the rest of the linebackers will be crucial to their success.
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