Terrel Bernard happy to have running mate Matt Milano back

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) – Buffalo Bills weakside linebacker Matt Milano was on the field for the first time Tuesday during mandatory minicamp, and was also on the field Wednesday afternoon in Orchard Park.

Milano's season ended last year in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars when he suffered a significant leg injury in the early goings of that game.

Milano was limited for both days of practice, but his partner at middle linebacker, Terrel Bernard, was happy to see him on the field again.

"Just having him to talk to and communicate to, go through some of the drills with, you know, just his presence is felt," said Bernard on Tuesday.

"Me and him have been working this whole offseason with our communication, really trying to see things the exact same way and to be able to go out there and have some 11-on-11 time to where we’re working together. It felt great."

With Milano missing so much time, it’s almost like signing a new player for the defense.

"What he’s done in the past speaks for itself. He’s an All-Pro, he does everything the right way, he’s a leader and he’s just a guy that you want by your side," Bernard said of Milano. "Having him back in the huddle, it boosts everybody. Whether that’s just the will linebacker position or helping the safeties out or the D-line, I think everybody gets better when he’s out there."

Both Bernard and Milano missed last season's playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. One has to wonder if that game would’ve been different had they both been healthy and able to play.

"Yes, I think so, but you never really look at it like that," Bernard said. "We’ve had conversations about what we think we can do, and who we think we can be, and how we can work with each other and work off of each other. You have to go out there and do the work and make it happen, but we’re definitely excited to work together to see what we can do."

When Tremaine Edmunds left the Bills last offseason to sign with the Chicago Bears, nobody knew who would take his place at middle linebacker. It was looking like the Bills would be in trouble, but head coach Sean McDermott mentioned more than once that maybe the replacement was already there.

In 2022, the Bills took Bernard out of Baylor in the third round, and the 25-year-old just waited for his chance.

"I wasn’t putting any expectations on myself. I think the main thing was trying to just show up and do what I can to help the team and the defense, and do my part," he said. "Whether that’s making the calls, making plays on the field, trying to be a leader in some aspects. Looking back on it now, I was never really seeing the end. I was just taking it day-by-day, and trying to improve myself, which in turn, would help the defense."

Bernard says he knew he could do it, but he needed to get out on the field to know for sure.

Last year, McDermott was the de facto defensive coordinator, but now it's Bobby Babich serving that role in 2024. Babich was the linebackers coach last season, which Bernard says it helps to know him with this transition.

"My relationship with Bobby has been great. He demands a lot from everybody in his room, whether that’s a rookie or you’re an All-Pro, and I feel like he helped me really understand the defense, understand my strengths and my weaknesses, and things I needed to get better at," Bernard said. "He has a standard of excellence for everybody.

"He’s been hard on me, but he’s been fair and honest. He’s been the exact same person every day since I’ve been here."