Bills defense set to receive major boost based on Sean McDermott’s latest comments
Last year, one of the defining storylines of the Buffalo Bills season was the injuries on defense. A silver lining from those injuries was the emergence of Terrel Bernard, who stepped into a starting linebacker role and racked up 143 tackles and three interceptions. The latest update from Sean McDermott provides valuable insight though to the […]
Last year, one of the defining storylines of the Buffalo Bills season was the injuries on defense. A silver lining from those injuries was the emergence of Terrel Bernard, who stepped into a starting linebacker role and racked up 143 tackles and three interceptions.
The latest update from Sean McDermott provides valuable insight though to the return of one of the best linebackers in the league in Matt Milano, who looks set to join Bernard in what could be a truly special linebacker group.
Sean McDermott gives update about Matt Milano's journey back from injury
When asked about Milano, McDermott mentioned that he's still working his way back.
"With respect to Matt [Milano], it reminds me of year round injuries, where it takes a year to really get themselves back. I'm not saying it's going to take him a year, but I do think it's him getting acclimated to moving at full speed, playing at full speed, and trusting, trusting that he's back, right. So there's just more than a physical component that goes into it, and he's working through that. I think every day it's gotten a little bit better. I think yesterday, I think it was yesterday, he had James Cook in the flat, and that's tough. James is a tough matchup in space, and Matt did a good job," McDermott said.
Milano returning to full strength will be huge for this defense, but there still might be some hesitation and/or rust for Milano to work through early in the season. How he fares in the preseason, getting some live game action under his belt, will likely be a big step in the rehabilitation process from last year's broken leg. By all accounts, though, Milano seems very close to being full speed.
The Bills linebacker group is poised to emerge as one of the best units in the league
Before going down to injury, Milano was absolutely crushing opposing offenses last fall. He had two interceptions and two forced fumbles in only 211 defensive snaps. Milano's ability stems from his ability to identify and trust his run/pass keys with immediate reactions, constantly flying to the ball.
Bills Mafia will want to be patient early in the season, but the speed, communication, and ability to recognize what opposing offenses are doing is going to see Milano and Bernard step up as one of the best linebacker duos in the league as the season goes on.
Around training camp, Milano and Bernard have constantly been at each other's sides, both on the field and off. It's been a very intentional, very coordinated approach to building chemistry and communication that is going to pay massive dividends. This linebacker duo is capable of stuffing the run, flying to the ball, and covering in the pass game, and will be instrumental in anchoring a defense that will have new playmakers stepping up behind them at safety.
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