3 Buffalo Bills who have to take the next step this season

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills speaks with Josh Allen #17 during warm ups prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 16: Terrel Bernard #43 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with Tyrel Dodson #53 against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Bills who need to step up: 2. Terrel Bernard

After five seasons in Orchard Park, inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds departed in free agency and signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Chicago Bears (via Spotrac). A first-round pick in 2018, the former Virginia Tech standout totaled 100-plus tackles in each of his five years with the club. The two-time Pro Bowler also came up with five interceptions, 6.5 sacks, and 35 passes defensed.

A year ago, general manager Brandon Beane used a third-round selection on Baylor University linebacker Terrel Bernard. He played in all 16 of the team’s regular-season contests and made one start (Week 9 vs. the Jets). He finished with 16 stops on defense and six special teams tackles. He appeared in the team’s playoff win over the Dolphins but was inactive a week later vs. the Bengals.

It appears that Bernard is about to be thrust into a starter’s role. The Bills’ run defense has been very suspect in recent seasons and has really struggled in the playoffs. The team gave up 182 yards rushing in the overtime playoff loss to the Chiefs in 2021. In the 27-10 home setback to the Bengals in this past season’s divisional round, the club allowed 172 yards on the ground.

A big year by the second-year pro could help solve what has ailed McDermott’s defensive unit.

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