Colt Anderson Has Deep Familiarity With New Coaching Staff
By Ryan Brennan
![Sep 1, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Colt Anderson (33) holds a ball before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Lions win 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports Sep 1, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Colt Anderson (33) holds a ball before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Lions win 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0b097c4a48bcbe96d00492a7ab894d8b7d0319e7789cbc76627f2d162080df18.jpg)
Buffalo Bills’ safety Colt Anderson is ready to put in work with a coaching staff he’s seen before.
When the Buffalo Bills re-signed Colt Anderson on January 27th, they knew they were bringing back an excellent special teams player with the ability to play safety — a much needed position on the Bills’ roster.
In the words of Colt Anderson, the decision to re-sign was “an easy decision.”
Here’s what Anderson had to say about it:
"“I got to Buffalo last offseason and immediately fell in love. My season was cut short with an injury, so I felt it was an easy decision. The way I looked at it I felt I had some unfinished business there. So I’m looking forward to getting back and being the leader on special teams.”"
Buffalo Bills’ fans only got to see Anderson play 2 games last season before being placed on the injured reserve with a hand injury. The injury happened in Week 5 vs. the LA Rams, a game he finished with 2 tackles on special teams. He also played in the Week 4 shutout vs. the Patriots, but didn’t record any tackles.
Colt Anderson is entering his 8th year in the NFL and his experience will come in handy this season. With the amount of coaches he’s seen over his career, it turns out that a couple of them landed in Buffalo this offseason. His familiarity with their defense will be something to look for this summer.
Not only has he played under Sean McDermott in Philadelphia, but also Leslie Frazier in Minnesota. Not to mention, the Buffalo Bills brought back their special teams coordinator Danny Crossman.
"“Not only did they keep Danny, but the guy they hired I’m familiar with too,” Anderson said on the John Murphy Show. “Sean McDermott was my first defensive coordinator in 2010. And then a couple of other guys, when I was on the practice squad in Minnesota, my defensive coordinator was Leslie Frazier, so I’m familiar with his system and Sean’s system. And I know a couple of other hires on the coaching staff. So I’m definitely looking forward to the season and believe the guys they hired are the right guys. I’m ready to get the offseason program going.”"
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Colt Anderson will definitely be a full-time special teams player, but his experience with the coaches could give him a good chance at contributing on the defensive side as well. Who knows, maybe he has the type of breakout season Lorenzo Alexander had last season.
Sometimes, players just need a chance to prove themselves. These guys are in the NFL, which means they know how to play.
Luckily for the Buffalo Bills, Anderson is going to be ready for whatever lies ahead. As of right now, he is back home in Butte, Montana — but that isn’t stopping him from preparing for the 2017 season. In fact, he’s taking his training to different heights:
"“I like doing this high elevation training back in my hometown, I’m a mile up right now,” said Colt Anderson. “So I come back here and train here with a friend of mine. I just do a bunch of different things. I do what the Bills give me along with some things that I’ve picked up along the way. Some Olympic lifts and power movements. I’m a big believer that the more powerful you are then the faster you are. I’m always looking to build on my craft and improve. I am going into my ninth year, but I feel like I’ve got a few more years on me.”"
I think he has a few years left in him, too. With a fully recovered arm, there’s a reason he was the first player to re-sign with the team this offseason.
Next: Buffalo Bills Should Consider Signing Josh Gordon
Who do you think the Buffalo Bills will re-sign next? Leave your comments below!