Shaq Thompson

[Process]

We are cutting Knox in the off-season so we'll have a spot open on the roster for a backup making $13M a year. Bernard can fill that spot. Hopefully he's started his last game for us, the defense is just better when he's not on the field. 

 

Beane has handed out a lot of bad contracts, this may be the worst. A small, injury prone LB coming off a bad season, and he paid him 2x his market value when he was still under contract for another year. 

[Paup 1995MVP]

26 minutes ago, MiltonWaddams said:

The difference is obvious to everyone who watched the game. If Bernard goes on IR or not, Shaq should be the starter at MLB.

Agree totally.  I was commenting during the game that the players looked much more organized and know where to line up when Shaq is on the field.  He is better than Bernard as a player.  And is a great leader on the field.

[Paup 1995MVP]

22 minutes ago, UConn James said:

Almost like having Milano & Bernard as dudes who are 210-215 pounds at LB get rolled over vs the run... and also aren't fast enough in coverage... is the worst of both worlds. Shaq comes in at 230 and was actually stopping guys.
 

McD's small LB philosophy is terrible. 

Milano is so slow now.  He is so not the player he was before his injuries.  Williams needs to play more.  He and Thompson are our best LB's.  This is Milano's swan song in the NFL.  

[BigAl2526]

9 minutes ago, kkim0904 said:

Then he will be back on the starting line up soon.

Then he will be back on the starting line up soon.

Then he will be back on the starting line up soon.

Then he will be back on the starting line up soon.

Then he will be back on the starting line up soon.

I didn't understand you.  Could you repeat that?

[BillMafia716ix]

Shaq Thompson is better than Bernard. It’s not even close really

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

1 hour ago, Paup 1995MVP said:

Milano is so slow now.  He is so not the player he was before his injuries.  Williams needs to play more.  He and Thompson are our best LB's.  This is Milano's swan song in the NFL.  

True, milano is fading— but he also looks a lot better than Bernard has in recent weeks. I would run a starting 3 LBs of Dorian, Shaq, and Milano. 

[Victory Formation]

1 hour ago, Process said:

We are cutting Knox in the off-season so we'll have a spot open on the roster for a backup making $13M a year. Bernard can fill that spot. Hopefully he's started his last game for us, the defense is just better when he's not on the field. 

 

Beane has handed out a lot of bad contracts, this may be the worst. A small, injury prone LB coming off a bad season, and he paid him 2x his market value when he was still under contract for another year. 

Bernard needs to go outside. Buffalo needs a true MLB..

[BillsFooteball]

Seems very clear to everyone just hope the bills staff knows this. Defense is significantly better anytime Shaq plays over Bernard. You can’t start him over Shaq once he returns. Play your best 

[Bookie Man]

Bernard needs not see the field. he's been atrocious 

[wppete]

Shaq is a far better player and leader than Bernard. Hopefully Bernard can play some special teams if he returns this year. 

[BuffBillsForLife]

Easily the best LB on the team.

[Vark]

McDermott noted his leadership in his post game presser and mentioned Thompson got up and spoke to the team on Friday. 

 

[Shortchaz]

This is our house 

[BananaB]

He’s an upgrade. Every time he gets on the field instead of Bernard the D looks better

[streetkings01]

6 quarters without Bernard and the defense gives up a total of 10 points.

[TheyCallMeAndy]

You all do know Bernard played through an ankle right? Perhaps even a high ankle sprain? 
 

Do the last 2 years just not count?

[ganesh]

1 hour ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

True, milano is fading— but he also looks a lot better than Bernard has in recent weeks. I would run a starting 3 LBs of Dorian, Shaq, and Milano. 

Dorian played well too.

[TheyCallMeAndy]

I do think we need to tap the breaks a little.

 

Bernard is a good player, and a real good pass defender LB who also has had success as a blitzer. His contract is crazy team friendly, he's pretty cheap this year and next year IIRC, and the cheap years is where he gets the bulk of his guaranteed money. 
 

I'd make the argument he should be next year's WLB, MLB should still be up in the air. I'm not so sure Thompson, who has missed a significant amount of time this year as well and will be 32, is the answer.