The season has been marred by injuries for the Bills, which is a trend that carried through the playoffs for Buffalo last season. This year, though, Buffalo is entering the playoffs as healthy as they've been this year, which is a sigh of relief and a change that Bills fans have every right to be excited about.
Among the most important injured players that are ready to go for the Divisional Round is linebacker Matt Milano, who, after a year and a half of injuries, is finally starting to look like he's back to the player we all know and love.
At his best, Milano is an athletic and savvy linebacker that identifies what's happening in front of him and triggers. As the weak side linebacker, his role off the ball is to fly downhill and to disrupt what the offense is doing. In 2022, Milano was the second-leading tackler on the team with 99 combined tackles, including 12 tackles for loss. He missed the entire 2023 season, was slated to return this year, and then suffered a torn biceps in training camp.
Milano has been working his way back into shape, but it's been a journey. Last weekend's performance was massively encouraging. Milano resumed his spot as the starter, making four tackles. He acted as the spy on Bo Nix, reacting to a scramble and closing down on him on the sideline.
Milano was the second-highest graded defender on the Buffalo defense according to PFF. In no way am I saying Nix is the same level of athlete as Lamar Jackson, but Milano flashing his open field and recognition abilities in recent weeks is a positive for the upcoming matchup.
Linebacker is arguably the most crucial position group for the Bills on Sunday. Them being in position to defend the duo of Jackson and Derrick Henry, and their ability to see what's happening in front of them and read and react will be crucial to the team's success against the run.
