Film Breakdown on Terrel Bernard - Also, Keep an Eye on the Rest of the Defense as Well.

[sven233]

It wasn't a fluke.  It wasn't luck.  This guy just gets it.  For a 2nd year guy that didn't play much at all coming into this season, what he is doing on the field is incredible right now.  He isn't the most physically imposing player, but he's super smart, plays with great situational awareness and instincts, and communicates so well on the field.  This breakdown done by Cover 1 really shows off what he does extremely well and matches what I saw on the All-22 I've watched so far.  What's encouraging, is everything he put on film here is something that he will be able to repeat game after game because he just gets it.  I don't want to compare him to Edmunds.  It's not fair to either player because they offer different traits.  But, that said, Bernard is so much more instinctive and doesn't hesitate in fear of making a mistake.  I thought too many times Edmunds would get himself in position to make a play, but didn't trust himself enough, and that half second of indecision would have him slow to react and the opportunity to make a big play would pass him by.  But, it's totally different with Bernard to this point.  He trusts himself and what he is seeing, fires his gun, and that is leading to making the splash plays we've been waiting for out of this position.  Now, will he be right every time?  Of course not.  There will be times he makes the wrong read and it will take him out of the play.  But you can live with it because it seems, more often than not, he's going to be right.

 

While the film breakdown in this video is primarily about Bernard, I want you to take a look at the rest of the defense and how they played together as a unit.  Yes, Howell held onto the ball too long yesterday and took more sacks than he should have.  But there was a reason for it.  The back end was totally in sync and played with great communication and gave the guys up front that extra second to affect the QB.  It really is fun to watch.  There's another thread on here asking how to stop the Dolphins offense.  And sure, there will have to be some adjustments and a different game plan to combat their speed.  But, Washington did try to utilize a lot of crossers and some similar concepts that the Dolphins use and our defense was smart and sound against them.  Can we use the same game plan we did against Washington against Miami?  Of course not.  But there were concepts in this game on defense that you will absolutely see next week at times vs the Dolphins.  Anyway, enjoy this breakdown.  It's a real fun watch.

 

 

Edited September 25, 2023 by sven233

[Real McClappy]

Amazing how in Sync the entire D was yesterday. I love seeing how in tune Milano and Bernard are with one another.

 

This Cover 1 breakdown is really, really good. The 18:44 mark says it all about Bernard, dude is the real deal.

Edited September 25, 2023 by Real McNasty

[Royale with Cheese]

Plenty of examples in this video of him playing well vs the run.  From a guy that understands how to break down film.

Are you still going to lead the "Bernard is a liability in the run game" parade?

@PBF81

[DrDawkinstein]

34 minutes ago, Real McNasty said:

Amazing how in Sync the entire D was yesterday. I love seeing how in tune Milano and Bernard are with one another.

 

This Cover 1 breakdown is really, really good. The 18:44 mark says it all about Bernard, dude is the real deal.

 

Big week for McD to build on and keep it going.

[sven233]

2 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

Plenty of examples in this video of him playing well vs the run.  From a guy that understands how to break down film.

Are you still going to lead the "Bernard is a liability in the run game" parade?

@PBF81

 

The only thing that will prevent Bernard from playing the run well is if a lineman can get his hands on him clean and can wash him out.  His size is a liability when that happens.  However, Bernard, through 3 games this season has been very good at not letting this happen.  He is a great athlete and has been able to move around block attempts instead of letting lineman get to him.

 

Also, a big part of this is how well the line is playing in front of him.  Oliver and Jones often are eating up double teams and anchoring so well that they are able to keep Bernard clean and let him run downhill.  It's cliche, but everyone is really doing their 1/11 and it is making for some awesome team defense!

Edited September 25, 2023 by sven233

[Success]

Bernard was kind of a surprise pick in the 3rd, and most here have been scratching their heads over the last year and thinking that this guy would probably just be a back-up/ST kind of player.

 

It's like striking gold to put him in as a starter and have it work out this well, this fast.  He's one of the leaders out there now.  He's really fun to watch if you focus on him - seems to always be in the right place.  Great instincts.

 

[Doc]

4 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

Plenty of examples in this video of him playing well vs the run.  From a guy that understands how to break down film.

Are you still going to lead the "Bernard is a liability in the run game" parade?

@PBF81

Meanwhile Nakobe Dean is on IR…

[Maynard]

I just purchased his jersey. Better not mess with him! 

[NewEra]

2 minutes ago, Maynard said:

I just purchased his jersey. Better not mess with him! 

I was thinking about it, but I’m really hoping that he switches his number next year. 43 🤮 

[Royale with Cheese]

24 minutes ago, sven233 said:

 

The only thing that will prevent Bernard from playing the run well is if a lineman can get his hands on him clean and can wash him out.  His size is a liability when that happens.  However, Bernard, through 3 games this season has been very good at not letting this happen.  He is a great athlete and has been able to move around block attempts instead of letting lineman get to him.

 

Also, a big part of this is how well the line is playing in front of him.  Oliver and Jones often are eating up double teams and anchoring so well that they are able to keep Bernard clean and let him run downhill.  It's cliche, but everyone is really doing their 1/11 and it is making from some awesome team defense!

 

I think this applies to most linebackers.  If you have a 300+ lineman coming clean, he should win that battle nearly 100% of the time.

 

I think what separates a good linebacker from a bad one is the speed of diagnosing plays.  If there is a play to be made, they make it or effect it.

Someone like Edmunds, I think was a big missed opportunity linebacker...its why he didn't make a lot of game changing plays.  

 

[Beck Water]

32 minutes ago, Success said:

Bernard was kind of a surprise pick in the 3rd, and most here have been scratching their heads over the last year and thinking that this guy would probably just be a back-up/ST kind of player.

 

It's like striking gold to put him in as a starter and have it work out this well, this fast.  He's one of the leaders out there now.  He's really fun to watch if you focus on him - seems to always be in the right place.  Great instincts.

 

 

If the MLB is the "QB of the defense",  i had the crazy thought that last season, McDermott and Frazier gave Bernard a Mahomes "watch and learn" rookie year.

2 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

I think this applies to most linebackers.  If you have a 300+ lineman coming clean, he should win that battle nearly 100% of the time.

 

It was certainly true of Edmunds and Milano in 2021 vs 2022.  People said "Oh, Milano and Edmunds are playing so much better against the run this year".  Well, yeah, but a lot of that was that the DL was better, and was doing a better job of keeping the LB clean.

[MJS]

Great video. I love how he points out all the communication and hand signals, also what keys he is looking for from the offense.

 

Football is so complicated. That's what I love about it.

[Max Fischer]

45 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I was thinking about it, but I’m really hoping that he switches his number next year. 43 🤮 

 

I think 43 is a cool number unless you hate Richard Petty.

 

[Allen2Moulds]

1 hour ago, sven233 said:

 

The only thing that will prevent Bernard from playing the run well is if a lineman can get his hands on him clean and can wash him out.  His size is a liability when that happens.  However, Bernard, through 3 games this season has been very good at not letting this happen.  He is a great athlete and has been able to move around block attempts instead of letting lineman get to him.

 

Also, a big part of this is how well the line is playing in front of him.  Oliver and Jones often are eating up double teams and anchoring so well that they are able to keep Bernard clean and let him run downhill.  It's cliche, but everyone is really doing their 1/11 and it is making from some awesome team defense!

LB are only successful if the Dline keeps them clean. Sure they could occasionally shed, but more often than not, they will lose that battle. I remembered thinking at how washed Ray Lewis looked, after Siragusa retired, and before they drafted NGata. Once he had help on the Dline again, he went on to arguably play his best ball.

Edited September 25, 2023 by Allen2Moulds

[Maynard]

48 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I was thinking about it, but I’m really hoping that he switches his number next year. 43 🤮 

I like the 43 actually. 

[NewEra]

42 minutes ago, Max Fischer said:

 

I think 43 is a cool number unless you hate Richard Petty.

 

Not a nascar fan, but Richard Petty was pretty cool

[BillsUberAlles]

1 hour ago, MJS said:

Great video. I love how he points out all the communication and hand signals, also what keys he is looking for from the offense.

 

Football is so complicated. That's what I love about it.

 

For him to be in control in this way 3 games into starting is really impressive.

[Doc]

I figured he'd get the commuication down sooner than later.

[NewEra]

43 minutes ago, Max Fischer said:

 

I think 43 is a cool number unless you hate Richard Petty.

 

 

39 minutes ago, Maynard said:

I like the 43 actually. 

In HS, basketball was my biggest passion as it was my best sport.  I played varsity as a sophomore and when asked what my top 2 number choices were.  My first choice was 42, for my favorite player James Worthy.  My second choice was 44, for Hank Gathers.  Just my luck, both were taken by upper class men and they defaulted me to 43.   Epic fail and 43 has been 💩  to me ever since 

[Robert Paulson]

1 hour ago, Maynard said:

I like the 43 actually. 

tony green

 

[SoonerBillsFan]

The kid will make mistakes and have bad games... All players do. But over all I think this kid might be the exact fit for what McDermott is doing and I am very pleased with him so far.

[Luka]

1 hour ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

I think this applies to most linebackers.  If you have a 300+ lineman coming clean, he should win that battle nearly 100% of the time.

 

I think what separates a good linebacker from a bad one is the speed of diagnosing plays.  If there is a play to be made, they make it or effect it.

Someone like Edmunds, I think was a big missed opportunity linebacker...its why he didn't make a lot of game changing plays.  

 

 

Exactly. A good linebacker in the run game is able to diagnose the play before the linemen can get to that second level. 

[GottaRun]

When the camera is on him pre snap his mouth is usually moving, he's a communicator, he gets his role, I'm not sure Edmunds ever did.

[nedboy7]

3 hours ago, Real McNasty said:

Amazing how in Sync the entire D was yesterday. I love seeing how in tune Milano and Bernard are with one another.

 

This Cover 1 breakdown is really, really good. The 18:44 mark says it all about Bernard, dude is the real deal.

 

Dude is coaching Milano out there.  His grasp of the game is excellent. 

Edited September 25, 2023 by nedboy7

[Blank Stare]

7 minutes ago, GottaRun said:

When the camera is on him pre snap his mouth is usually moving, he's a communicator, he gets his role, I'm not sure Edmunds ever did.

Probably on to something here. The last 5 years we haven’t seen as much animation coming from the MLB position calling the defense. So much so that the last couple games has made it seem to me that the defense was confused and not in proper position. Now, does that mean Tremaine didn’t communicate? Of course not. A lot of that defense under Frazier was just “line up and play”. In this version of the defense, it’s not that the defense isn’t set, it’s this mad man knowing exactly what’s coming and telling everyone else. Preparation and instinct. 

[Mr. WEO]

Plus he's only 18 years old.

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

3 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

Plus he's only 18 years old.

 

 

 

 

 

he's 24

[Casey D]

He's a bust.  I am sure I read that here repeatedly. Or maybe not.

[Southern_Bills]

Just now, Casey D said:

He's a bust.  I am sure I read that here repeatedly. Or maybe not.

 

That was decided .5 seconds after he was drafted...lol

 

I didn't think he would contribute at this level honestly, figured he would be a big nickel player in sub packages only at best.

[eball]

BUT IS HE BIG ENOUGH????!!!!!

 

 

 

 

[noacls]

3 minutes ago, Casey D said:

He's a bust.  I am sure I read that here repeatedly. Or maybe not.

Don't forget he is slow and a terrible athlete. Read that here too

[Royale with Cheese]

2 minutes ago, noacls said:

Don't forget he is slow and a terrible athlete. Read that here too

Good read

[stinky finger]

Thanks for sharing this - thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

Bernard is an impressive young player.

 

My goodness. Did anyone see this coming?

[SoTier]

2 hours ago, MJS said:

Great video. I love how he points out all the communication and hand signals, also what keys he is looking for from the offense.

 

Football is so complicated. That's what I love about it.

 

Complicated????   No, it's not.  A 12-year-old with Madden can create a perfect game plan for any opponent.

 

/sarcasm

[Buffalo716]

2 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

I think this applies to most linebackers.  If you have a 300+ lineman coming clean, he should win that battle nearly 100% of the time.

 

I think what separates a good linebacker from a bad one is the speed of diagnosing plays.  If there is a play to be made, they make it or effect it.

Someone like Edmunds, I think was a big missed opportunity linebacker...its why he didn't make a lot of game changing plays.  

 

Yep

 

Every single linebacker struggles  when an offensive lineman gets to the second level and gets hands on them

 

But Bernard definitely has exceptional instincts... That's what stood out at Baylor too

 

Like Milano he's just always around the ball

 

[JerseyBills]

I saw this this morning and ya it's awesome watching the defense as a whole play so in sync , the way they pass routes off is impressive, they are confident and extremely well coached. 

 

And ya, Edmunds had that slight hesitation which cost us more than not, Bernard is all gas no brakes and in his 3rd start likely wins defensive player of the week 

[Gunsgoodtime]

Someone pass the hot sauce, I have a huge plate of Crow I need to eat

[stinky finger]

3 hours ago, Success said:

Bernard was kind of a surprise pick in the 3rd, and most here have been scratching their heads over the last year and thinking that this guy would probably just be a back-up/ST kind of player.

 

It's like striking gold to put him in as a starter and have it work out this well, this fast.  He's one of the leaders out there now.  He's really fun to watch if you focus on him - seems to always be in the right place.  Great instincts.

 

 

Count me as one who didn't understand the pick. 

 

I'm also guilty of judging a book by its cover (cover = size).

 

Such a a pleasant surprise. Let's hope his play continues.

[stinky finger]

27 minutes ago, JerseyBills said:

I saw this this morning and ya it's awesome watching the defense as a whole play so in sync , the way they pass routes off is impressive, they are confident and extremely well coached. 

 

And ya, Edmunds had that slight hesitation which cost us more than not, Bernard is all gas no brakes and in his 3rd start likely wins defensive player of the week 

 

But not all gas until he reads what he sees. Not a lot of wasted movement. Very in control.

29 minutes ago, Gunsgoodtime said:

Someone pass the hot sauce, I have a huge plate of Crow I need to eat

 

Wait in line....and no cuts.

[TheWeatherMan]

Go to the 14:20 mark.  Forward progress my bum hole.  Should have been another FF for our new and improved MLB.  Honestly one of the most inexcusable calls I’ve seen made worse by the refs doubling down and disallowing a challenge.  The league owes answers for that one.