Bills Down to Final Pair for Middle LB? 'True Competition!'
The Buffalo Bills loss of middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds leaves a hole that's yet to have been filled. However, the team is in the prime time to analyze what they've currently got at the position to fill that void.
During training camp, the Bills have rotate Tyrel Dodson, Terrel Bernard and Baylon Spector, and the position battle seems to be leaning towards Dodson and Bernard as a starter at the position.
Though a decision hasn't been made Bills linebackers coach Bobby Babich called the starting linebacker spot a "true competition" and noted that it he'd like it to be settled "sooner rather than later" while hinting that the position battle is down to Dodson and Bernard.
"We want to see a little bit more of Tyrel and Terrel," he said. " ... That's just where we're at right now. That’s not an indictment on Baylon by any means. He’s getting plenty of Mike reps, are they all coming with the 1’s? No, but he’s getting the repetition load that’s needed where he can prove himself."
Each of the three linebackers have gotten first team reps on the defensive side of the ball, which remains a great indicator that the battle is very undecided despite Babich's indications. The coaching staff will be able to get a clear look at each player as a result.
This position battle could end up being incredibly important during the season, too. The middle linebacker is in a prime spot to be the voice of reason defensively. The selected player needs to both be physically talented enough and a leader capable of assuming the position.
With the Bills possessing an all-around solid, defense, it's hard to imagine they can go a wrong direction with the linebackers in play for the starting spot. Each player will provide something different, but, evidently, each of the three add a unique wrinkle to the defense.
Dodson, 25, has made a great case at winning the position battle, though. He's heading into his fourth season in the NFL, having played each of his three seasons with the Bills. Over his time in Buffalo, Dodson has appeared in 42 games and five starts for the team. He has two tackles for loss and two sacks in his career.
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