Bills Name Terrel Bernard Starting Middle LB vs. Jets: 'One Play At A Time!'

Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott announced that second-year player Terrel Bernard has won the starting middle linebacker job, filling in for Tremaine Edmunds

Throughout the offseason, one of the Buffalo Bills' biggest questions was who would start at middle linebacker. 

Tremaine Edmunds had held down the middle of the defense for the past five years, but his departure in free agency left a big void. The Bills have spent the offseason looking for someone to fill that void, with Terrel Bernard and Tyrel Dodson both competing for the starting job.

That competition came to an end on Wednesday, as coach Sean McDermott officially announced that Bernard has won the starting job.

"We thought he did some good things when he was healthy and available," McDermott told reporters. "We're confident in 'TB' and excited to watch him play. He's gotta take it one play at a time."  

The No. 89 pick in last year's draft, Bernard played every game but one in his rookie season and had 11 solo tackles. The Baylor product also started in the Bills' Week 9 road game against the New York Jets, who just so happen to be Buffalo's opponent on Monday. Bernard unfortunately missed much of the preseason with an injury, but still did enough to earn the starting job and is eager for the chance to prove himself.

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"Excited for the opportunity to go out there and play," Bernard told reporters. "Lock into the details, be out there with the guys and play some football and have some fun."

No matter who won the starting job, their communication with fellow linebacker Matt Milano would be paramount. Milano earned his first All-Pro selection last season, and is the heart and soul of the Bills' defense. For Bernard, chemistry with Milano has just come naturally.

"I feel like we're on the same page," Bernard said. "Going all the way back to last year and he was one of the guys who I looked up to and he mentored me a lot when I first got here. So having the chance to play beside him is going to be super fun."

Bernard and the Bills will have their hands full to start the season as they face quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the new-look Jets offense. As Bernard looks to endear himself to Bills Mafia, a strong performance against a hated rival would be a phenomenal start.