With the Buffalo Bills' defense ravaged by injuries throughout the year, they had to rely on some fresh blood to come in and replace some of their biggest stars, and one player made the absolute most of his opportunity.
Of course, that player was second-year linebacker Terrel Bernard. After starting just one game as a rookie, Bernard started all 17 games this season and solidified himself as a breakout star. The Baylor product was all over the field as he recorded a team-high 143 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and three interceptions, all while emerging as a leader on defense.
Bernard didn't just capture the hearts of fans, but those of his coaches as well. During an appearance on One Bills Live, Head coach Sean McDermott was asked who he thought the Bills' biggest breakout star this season, and unsurprisingly, he answered Bernard without hesitation.
"What Terrel Bernard did, having come from where he came from, I mean he started I think one game it was a year ago as a rookie. That was the will linebacker position, it wasn't even the mike linebacker position the middle position that he currently plays. But there's so much more that goes into that middle linebacker position, like leadership, in addition to just doing one's job.
"And I thought he had a magnificent year, I really did, and not only just on the field but also in terms of his leadership, right? I remember watching, I think it was Hardy had just scored the touchdown against the Dolphins in the game that won us the division. I walk down the sideline to address the defense to just say 'Hey, this is a big series right here' and I didn't have to do that because TB was already down there doing that. And to watch the look of his teammates, the look on their eyes was like 'Hey, we're with you, we've got you,' and you can just tell that they respect him and what he's all about. And I think that says a lot about a young player in particular.
Buffalo's defensive stars are getting up there in age, and the team will have to find a new wave of talent soon. Luckily for the Bills, they have a budding star in Bernard leading that wave.
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