The Buffalo Bills acquired Micah Hyde through free agency this year from the Green Bay Packers. Some see this as a minor signing, but he will be way more than that this season.
Green Bay had one of the best safety duos in the NFL last year. Morgan Burnett and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix both had above average grades courtesy of Pro Football Focus in 2016. That left Micah Hyde as the odd man out.
Micah Hyde was a captain for many of the Packers’ game last season, including their divisional playoff game. The captain’s badge carries a lot of responsibilities and respect in the NFL. Sometimes more than people believe. The fact that Hyde is capable of leading men just makes the free agent signing that much sweeter.
The current state of the Buffalo Bills’ secondary is more talented than people believe.
The departure of Stephon Gilmore will hurt less than some believe. He is a talented player, yes, but there were always issues. Whether it was effort, work ethic, or refusing to take the blame for mistakes there always seemed to be a problem surround Gilmore.
Ronald Darby will step up into the cornerback one role with confidence. The team has a lot of faith in him and expects him to exceed expectations. Darby is formidable in coverage but extraordinary in run-defense.
Tre’Davious White was picked in the first round of the draft this year, and for good reason. He will quickly step up into the cornerback two role behind Darby.
Buffalo News describes Micah Hyde:
"“McDermott wanted an assertive veteran, someone who would instantly shed any feelings of having to first get comfortable with new surroundings before stepping forward as a leader. That’s Hyde.He understands the Bills’ defense is going through a makeover, especially in the secondary, and that experienced voices need to be heard. Sometimes, it’s calling out coverages and adjustments on the field, but most of the time it’s making sure everyone is on the same page in the meeting room.Not just with Xs and Os, but with grasping all that it takes to become a winner, like the one on which he played in Green Bay.”"
This is the perfect explanation of the Hyde signing.
Hyde performed very well in mini-camp and OTA’s. Once the playbook becomes second-nature to him, he will be even better. Once training camp rolls around, he will be completely up to speed.
He has a locker room presence that is unmatched. This is exactly what the Bills need. When a new coach gets hired by a franchise, not everyone agrees with their tactics. They sometimes struggle to get players to buy-in to their method. A veteran football player will aid the coach in having players buy-in. Micah Hyde is just the right player to be that guy.
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Do you think the Bills’ secondary improved in the offseason? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!