The Buffalo Bills entered their game against the Cleveland Browns with numerous factors working against them. They lost their last two games, had limited practices in the week, and then they were forced to move a home game to Ford Field due to a snowstorm.
However, in what seemed like a must-win the Bills got a big performance from linebacker Matt Milano that played a key role in the team getting a 31-23 win over the Browns. That performance was recognized on Wednesday as Milano was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Milano finished the game with 12 total tackles, including three tackles for a loss, while also adding a sack and a fumble recovery in the second quarter that helped start to swing momentum back in Buffalo’s favor.
Matt Milano has been a big part of the success of the Buffalo Bills defense
While this was Milano’s first Defensive Player of the Week award, he has been playing at a high level all season. The fifth-year linebacker has made crucial plays in big moments, like the pick-six against the Tennessee Titans or a tackle for a loss at the goal line against the Minnesota Vikings in overtime.
After this past game, Jordan Phillips was quoted by Sal Capaccio saying that Milano should be considered Defensive Player of the Year. He went on to say:
“He makes the big play. He doesn’t miss tackles. Interceptions. Touchdowns. You name it. You can’t tell me anybody that’s playing better defensive football than Matt Milano. He’s consistent. He’s a leader. You can count on him every week. Tell me who plays better?”
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) November 20, 2022
This season, Milano has 55 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, two interceptions, five passes defended, one fumble recovery, one sack, and three QB hits.
He is a versatile linebacker that gives the coaching staff a lot of flexibility in their play-calling. Milano is one of the better coverage linebackers in the league and this allows them to play more nickel. Milano is a sound tackler that makes those open field tackles but also stops plays behind the line of scrimmage.
If Milano keeps playing the way he has recently, Jordan Phillips might end up being right in terms of his chances at Defensive Player of the Year.
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