The Buffalo Bills have experienced significant changes this offseason, one of the most notable being the promotion of linebackers coach Bobby Babich to defensive coordinator.
Since stepping into this role, Babich has been dedicated to re-calibrating the defense for a strong 2024 season. He particularly praised one standout player from his former position group:
This guy’s just got it.’ The six-foot guy who’s not north of 230 pounds and is not what the prototypical linebacker looks like, but guy makes plays. It is what it is. The expectation that we set was he would be that type of player. He took it, ran with it.
Terrel Bernard emerged impressively in 2023 after the team lost Tremaine Edmunds to free agency and Matt Milano to injury just five games into the season. The second-year linebacker led the team with 143 tackles and added 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, three interceptions, and five pass deflections.
As Bernard enters his third year, expectations are high for him to maintain his high level of play. In 2022, the Bills were considered to have one of the strongest linebacker tandems with Edmunds and Milano. However, with both absent for much of 2023, others had to step up.
Bernard and Tyrel Dodson provided reliable performances, but only Bernard will return for the 2024 season. With Milano healthy again, the Bills are poised to have a formidable linebacker unit once more.
Operating behind a defensive line featuring Gregory Rousseau, Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, A.J. Epenesa, and potentially Von Miller, the linebackers’ job becomes easier. While the offense found its stride late last season, the defense was hampered by injuries. If both units can stay healthy and perform to their potential, the Bills could compete for the top seed in the AFC.
With Bernard’s strong offseason showing, the team is optimistic about his continued impact.