‘Concern' About 1 Position, Admits Coach; Can Bills Fix It?

“There's room for improvement,'' Bills coach Sean McDermott says when it comes to the starting middle linebacker job, adding that "it's an area of concern right now.''

The Buffalo Bills, as has been the case over the course of three straight seasons of winning the AFC East, once again appear to have a champion-contending loaded roster. That means the bar is set high ...

And it means if there is a position or position group not keeping pace, it stands out.

“There's room for improvement,'' coach Sean McDermott said this week, when it comes to the starting middle linebacker job, adding that "it's an area of concern right now.'”

Middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds of course moved on via NFL free agency, and he's with the Chicago Bears. McDermott has other potential answers, and the Bills are working through those - with this weekend's preseason meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers another chance to evaluate.

The Bills depth chart presently list Tyrel Dodson as the starting middle linebacker. And maybe that is the way things will shake out. McDermott's comments, however, suggest one or all of three things ...

First, that maybe Dodson is being pushed by Terrel Bernard and Baylon Spector, who line up behind him on the depth chart.

Second, that maybe McDermott's comments are meant to light a fire under Dodson, a nudge to get him to grab this chance to claim that top spot.

Third ... maybe McDermott's "concern'' is legitimate enough to suggest that the entire position group is simply not good enough.

Dotson recently talked of his approach to winning the job, which is the master plan here.

“My approach is the same as it is every year, being the best player I can be, defense, special teams,” Dodson said via the Buffalo News. “My mindset has always been to be the starting middle linebacker. Even when Tremaine Edmunds was here, my approach was to prepare as the starting middle linebacker. My approach hasn’t changed one bit.”

Does Buffalo need a different "approach''? Can the Bills dive in to free agency to find a solution? Doubtful. Does GM Brandon Beane want to move the capital necessary to trade for a star? Doubtful. the trade market in order to shore up the position.

The Bills entered this training camp and this preseason knowing there was a hole to fill at middle linebacker. It's now the job of the candidates - and the job of Sean McDermott, too - to develop an answer. And to do so quickly.

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