Matt Milano
Another player who has been dealing with injuries for most of the season was Matt Milano. He had been on injured reserve with a pec injury and the coaching staff was easing him back by limiting his snaps.
The focus appeared to be that they wanted their starting linebacker ready for the playoffs and the plan has worked as he is playing some of his best football of the season. In the game against the Ravens, he finished with seven total tackles and two passes defended.
The pass coverage in particular is what makes Matt Milano stand out on this defense. He is one of the better coverage linebackers in the NFL and the Bills needed an answer to slow down Mark Andrews, who is an excellent tight end.
The Bills certainly were able to do that as Andrews finished with only four receptions on 28 yards on 11 targets on Saturday night. This was one of those key plays that Milano that helped this defense have the performance they did.
Bills LB Matt Milano registered 7 total tkls + 2 PBUs (including the one below) in last night's AFC Divisional Round win over the Ravens.
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) January 17, 2021
Milano has logged 18 total tkls + 3 PBUs this postseason.
The Bills are 12-0 with the @BCFootball alum on the field this season. pic.twitter.com/yn9oxnyNKP
There is no question that when Matt Milano is on the field, and completely healthy, this defense is much better. After a down season, Milano once again is making a strong case for a big contract this offseason.