26CornerBlitz Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 (edited) MATT MILANO, LB, BUFFALO BILLS Week 5 Grade: 80.4 Milano became the starting weakside linebacker for the Bills in Week 14 last year after proving himself with some standout games, most notably his 87.8 graded showing in Week 7 against the Buccaneers where he had a couple of pressures, made two stops and picked up an interception in coverage. He finished the season with 450 snaps and an adequate 60.3 grade This wasn’t unreasonable production for a fifth-round pick with the ability to kick on as shown in his best game. Kick on, as it happens, is exactly what he’s done, turning his form around somewhat and making poor games as much an exception as good ones were last year. His only poor outing so far has come against the Packers (48.6 grade) and outside of that, he’s graded no lower than a 71.5. Some issues with tackling aside (eight missed tackles), he’s been solid in run defense, graded well in coverage, picked up four pressures blitzing and ranks as our 11th overall linebacker. He just needs to maintain this level of play and improve his tackling to become one of the more well-rounded linebackers in the game. Edited October 11, 2018 by 26CornerBlitz 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 PFF is not very good at keeping secrets. If you’ve been watching, this is no surprise. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollars 2 donuts Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 I'm confused, many people wanted this guy ridden out on a rail during only his second pre-season with the team after an impressive rookie season. Could some Buffalo fans have been mistaken? Sincerely, Ray Sheppard 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPS Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 10 hours ago, Augie said: PFF is not very good at keeping secrets. If you’ve been watching, this is no surprise. Certainly for Bills' fans, but I'm guessing this is written for a broad audience of NFL fans, most of whom couldn't name the starting LBs of the Bills. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricojes Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 1 minute ago, dollars 2 donuts said: I'm confused, many people wanted this guy ridden out on a rail during only his second pre-season with the team after an impressive rookie season. Could some Buffalo fans have been mistaken? Sincerely, Ray Sheppard I think Beane and McD were in utter terror regarding Milano going into the season, bet he's been great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soda Popinski Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 He's very good when he's clean, when blockers get to him not so much, but you can say that about most linebackers in the NFL. He more than makes up for it though. He's still learning as well in his what..8th start? He'll get better with time as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 He may be a secret to the rest of the League, but I’ve seen a major jump in play from a pretty fine rookie year. I think he’s great and paired with Edmunds, this should be a great team strength for years to come. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 It's such a secret even Bills Fans can't recognize it !!!! ! Just now, Chandler#81 said: He may be a secret to the rest of the League, but I’ve seen a major jump in play from a pretty fine rookie year. I think he’s great and paired with Edmunds, this should be a great team strength for years to come. simultaneous posting 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanC883 Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 looks like a nice young LB duo with him and Edmunds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yungmack Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 5 hours ago, dollars 2 donuts said: I'm confused, many people wanted this guy ridden out on a rail during only his second pre-season with the team after an impressive rookie season. Could some Buffalo fans have been mistaken? Sincerely, Ray Sheppard They did? Who? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 5 hours ago, ricojes said: I think Beane and McD were in utter terror regarding Milano going into the season, bet he's been great! Same duo that was very comfortable with NP starting the season, so..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 4 hours ago, Soda Popinski said: He's very good when he's clean, when blockers get to him not so much, but you can say that about most linebackers in the NFL. He more than makes up for it though. He's still learning as well in his what..8th start? He'll get better with time as well. Our supposidly overpaid DT free agency pickup says "Yoooooooour Welcome" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soda Popinski Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 3 minutes ago, John from Riverside said: Our supposidly overpaid DT free agency pickup says "Yoooooooour Welcome" I don't think Star lines up with Milano behind him much but I get the point. I still think we could have spent less money on a NT and thrown a little at the oline. Well a little more than Newhouse and Bodine. Protecting linebackers should never be more important than protecting the QB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marv's Neighbor Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 He didn't have a really good pre-season, but it's great to see him doing so well now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain_Quint Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 26 minutes ago, John from Riverside said: Our supposidly overpaid DT free agency pickup says "Yoooooooour Welcome" I dont know. The guy who wrote this article is kind of a idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted October 11, 2018 Author Share Posted October 11, 2018 In case you haven’t heard, this Matt Milano guy has been playing the ol’ linebacker position pretty darn well for the Buffalo Bills. After about a year of splitting snaps with Ramon Humber, Milano was on the field for all but one play against the Tennessee Titans. This will hopefully become a pattern. Milano wasn’t perfect against the Titans, but he maintained a high level of play with his increased role. Let’s over-analyze some highlights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaw66 Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 If you know me you know what's coming: Coaching trumps talent. With the exception of the 10 or 20 best linebackers, there isn't a huge difference in talent among linebackers. What does make a difference is scheme and absolute dedication of the player to learning and executing. THAT'S why Milano is succeeding, not because he's some previously undiscovered superstar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan89 Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 21 minutes ago, Shaw66 said: If you know me you know what's coming: Coaching trumps talent. With the exception of the 10 or 20 best linebackers, there isn't a huge difference in talent among linebackers. What does make a difference is scheme and absolute dedication of the player to learning and executing. THAT'S why Milano is succeeding, not because he's some previously undiscovered superstar. The levels of stratification with talent at linebacker are bigger than you think. But I do agree that coaching and putting players in a position to maximize their skill sets are huge component to getting productive levels of talent out of players. So much of coaching is understanding what players do and don't do well and putting them in positions to hide their weaknesses and maximize their strengths. The Pats are always getting the most out of role players and players who weren't able to be successful on other teams. That's a huge component of their success. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralonzo Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 8 hours ago, dollars 2 donuts said: I'm confused, many people wanted this guy ridden out on a rail during only his second pre-season with the team after an impressive rookie season. Could some Buffalo fans have been mistaken? Sincerely, Ray Sheppard 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
17islongenough Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 But what happens in 2 years when his contract comes up? Just trade him now and get a conditional late round pick. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaw66 Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 53 minutes ago, billsfan89 said: The levels of stratification with talent at linebacker are bigger than you think. But I do agree that coaching and putting players in a position to maximize their skill sets are huge component to getting productive levels of talent out of players. So much of coaching is understanding what players do and don't do well and putting them in positions to hide their weaknesses and maximize their strengths. The Pats are always getting the most out of role players and players who weren't able to be successful on other teams. That's a huge component of their success. You may be correct about the stratification. I doubt it. There is no effective grading system for evaluating raw talent of players, but I know that if the talent levels follow conventional statistical patterns, the difference between the 50th and 51st outside linebackers is relatively small. Regardless, your second and third sentences are what I was getting at. We've watched the Pats do it year after year. No-name guys doing adequate to good jobs and occasionally making big players. Bill B asks them to do almost everything they're capable of, but not more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logic Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 1 hour ago, Shaw66 said: If you know me you know what's coming: Coaching trumps talent. With the exception of the 10 or 20 best linebackers, there isn't a huge difference in talent among linebackers. What does make a difference is scheme and absolute dedication of the player to learning and executing. THAT'S why Milano is succeeding, not because he's some previously undiscovered superstar. Agreed. The Bills have some really EXCELLENT teachers on the defensive side of the ball. Bob Babich with the linebackers and his son Bobby Babich with the secondary have been doing some amazing work teaching fundamentals and getting their position groups to play fast. Recently, an opposing coach was asked whether he saw more of McDermott or more of Leslie Frazier in the Bills defense. He replied that the defense seems to feature the schemes and tendencies of McDermott, but the emphasis on fundamentals of Leslie Frazier. This seems to be an outstanding combination. Additionally, the Bills defensive scheme is simple enough that their players are able to play fast and not overthink things, but well-disguised and varied enough that the opposition has a hard time with it. This ALSO seems to be an outstanding combination. Time will tell what this staff is able to do with the offense, but color me highly impressed with their work on defense. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boca BIlls Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 9 hours ago, dollars 2 donuts said: I'm confused, many people wanted this guy ridden out on a rail during only his second pre-season with the team after an impressive rookie season. Could some Buffalo fans have been mistaken? Sincerely, Ray Sheppard Many... no just a few idiots Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dopey Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 5th rounder!! This is why we should keep all 10 picks this year. Moving up for Allen and Edmunds last draft, I'm fine with. This year we need all, if not most of the picks to fill out the wr and oline positions and depth elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 14 minutes ago, Dopey said: 5th rounder!! This is why we should keep all 10 picks this year. Moving up for Allen and Edmunds last draft, I'm fine with. This year we need all, if not most of the picks to fill out the wr and oline positions and depth elsewhere. Again, thanks Cheaters! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Things Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 10 hours ago, ricojes said: I think Beane and McD were in utter terror regarding Milano going into the season, bet he's been great! I think I see what you did there. ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 14 hours ago, Dopey said: 5th rounder!! This is why we should keep all 10 picks this year. Moving up for Allen and Edmunds last draft, I'm fine with. This year we need all, if not most of the picks to fill out the wr and oline positions and depth elsewhere. I agree. This Draft was an anomaly that I concur with. But McBeane & Co. have already proven to me they’re very good at college player evals, so accrue all the Picks we can and fill in the gaping holes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted October 12, 2018 Author Share Posted October 12, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted October 19, 2018 Author Share Posted October 19, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSHMEAB Posted October 19, 2018 Share Posted October 19, 2018 I don't think most fans realize how valuable Matt Milano is to this team. As far as I'm concerned, he's one of the best OLB's in all of football and he's only getting better. He doesn't do anything at an elite level, but he does EVERYTHING extremely well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted October 19, 2018 Author Share Posted October 19, 2018 Just now, LSHMEAB said: I don't think most fans realize how valuable Matt Milano is to this team. As far as I'm concerned, he's one of the best OLB's in all of football and he's only getting better. He doesn't do anything at an elite level, but he does EVERYTHING extremely well. He's all over the field in coverage, the run game, and applying pressure on QBs. Great to see him raise his game to such a high level. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted October 20, 2018 Author Share Posted October 20, 2018 Opponent Scouting Report: Matt Milano is a Game Changer The choice on who to do this week’s opponent scouting report on was certainly a tough one. The Buffalo Bills’ offense is statistically the worst in NFL history up to this point in the season but their defense is loaded with talent. Currently ranking as the third best defense in football, the Bills have many contributors such as Trent Murphy, Kyle Williams, Lorenzo Alexander, former Colt Jerry Hughes, Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Micah Hyde. That is a ton of talent right there but none of those guys intrigued me as much as inside linebacker Matt Milano. Milano is a very underrated player and is the leader of the Bills defense. In only his second season out of Boston College, Milano has made a name for himself as a sure tackling, coverage linebacker. The former collegiate safety currently has 42 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 1 interception, and 1 sack. Last year against the Colts, Milano tallied his career high 11 tackles. So what makes Milano such a good player on the Bills’ defense? Serving as the Thomas Davis in Head Coach Sean McDermott’s defense, Milano is the best coverage linebacker on the team. He is currently ranked as the 9th best linebacker in all of football according to PFF and has the 9th highest coverage grade among linebackers as well. So why am I worried about Milano for Sunday’s game? Let’s look at some film and find out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted October 20, 2018 Share Posted October 20, 2018 Thanks again Cheaters for stealing “TD Mike.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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