Backup LB Appreciation Thread 🏈

[TheyCallMeAndy]

Name a bigger preseason surprise than Andre freaking Smith and Tyler Matakevich. Both have been solid all preseason, and all with splash plays sprinkled in. Both men seem to be ‘reacting’ on the field, rather than ‘thinking.’ 
 

Smith had an epic INT vs Wash and bone crunching hit vs Chicago, both of which were wiped out by penalty. 

 

Matakevich, who has been dubbed a ‘special team only’ guy, has shown pretty solid instincts in both run and pass defense. When he’s on the field he seems to always be around the ball. 

Dodson and JGH have flashed potential too. 

Not to mention we have seasoned vets in Klein (who technically is starter when 3 LBs take the field) and Marquel Lee.

 

Hats off to the LB coaching staff for training these guys up, the whole room looks to have been vastly improved and well coached headed into this season. 
 

Smith was a protected P-squader and Matakevich an elite Special Teamer, but is there a chance we could see them push Klein for playing time or the top reserve role?

 

What does the Wall think about our backup LBs? How many LBs in total make the 53 and practice squad?

[NI Bills Fan]

I agree with your points OP and the team will be better for better depth at linebacker.

 

However what this LB room REALLY needs is a leap forward from Tremaine Edmunds and a season long healthy Milano.  Then we will really be cookin'. 

[RoyBatty is alive]

2 minutes ago, NI Bills Fan said:

I agree with your points OP and the team will be better for better depth at linebacker.

 

However what this LB room REALLY needs is a leap forward from Tremaine Edmunds and a season long healthy Milano.  Then we will really be cookin'. 

Tremaine can no longer use the "young" excuse, his fourth year, he has to live up to all the incredible potential he has.

[mushypeaches]

but, but, but, but - weren't we supposed to cut our overpaid ST demon LB who can also actually play LB pretty decently for a backup??

 

SMFH

[Allen2D̶i̶g̶g̶s̶TBD]

Andre Smith looks fast and instinctive both in pass coverage and run support. Klein had his moments late last season (mostly as a blitzer) but Smith fits our defensive scheme much better.

Edited August 25, 2021 by Allen2Diggs

[Mark Vader]

Very pleased with Smith, Matakevich & Dodson.

 

I think it is very likely that they will get their share of snaps this season, and not just on special teams.

[Brennan Huff]

I’m trying to stay grounded and not get too overly hyped about anything I see in the preseason. It’s really hard because we look really good in every aspect of the game. Awww hell you know what, I’m saying Super Bowl right now. I’ve seen enough 

[LeGOATski]

I've had a soft spot for Matakevich since college

[billsfan89]

Andre Smith gives this team some needed depth at LB, Matakevich has also been a nice surprise as I wrote him off as a fanatic special teams specialist but seeing him be someone that can add depth to the team is a nice plus. The front office continues to build the team very well. 

[billybrew1]

Where was Andre Smith last year!??!?

 

what, was he hurt? Or something? IDK?

 

He sure looks like a LB this year!

[Marv Levy]

3 hours ago, TheyCallMeAndy said:

Name a bigger preseason surprise than Andre freaking Smith and Tyler Matakevich. Both have been solid all preseason, and all with splash plays sprinkled in. Both men seem to be ‘reacting’ on the field, rather than ‘thinking.’ 
 

Smith had an epic INT vs Wash and bone crunching hit vs Chicago, both of which were wiped out by penalty. 

 

I think you meant, Detroit Lions, correct?

 

And yeah, the hit on QB Justin Fields was freaking awesome!!

[TheyCallMeAndy]

18 minutes ago, Marv Levy said:

I think you meant, Detroit Lions, correct?

 

And yeah, the hit on QB Justin Fields was freaking awesome!!

Yes yes sorry my mistake… I’m in preseason form…

1 hour ago, billybrew1 said:

Where was Andre Smith last year!??!?

 

what, was he hurt? Or something? IDK?

 

He sure looks like a LB this year!

Learning, this is year 3 for him. Hard not to root for a #59 LB.

[The Dean]

2 hours ago, billybrew1 said:

Where was Andre Smith last year!??!?

 

 

On the PS most of the year. Called up a couple times.

[Kwai San]

Smith is good....I'm all about Mr. Smith.....Mrs. Smith is hawt also!!!

 

[Saxum]

1 hour ago, TheyCallMeAndy said:

Name a bigger preseason surprise than Andre freaking Smith and Tyler Matakevich. Both have been solid all preseason, and all with splash plays sprinkled in. Both men seem to be ‘reacting’ on the field, rather than ‘thinking.’ 
 

Smith had an epic INT vs Wash and bone crunching hit vs Chicago, both of which were wiped out by penalty. 

 

Matakevich, who has been dubbed a ‘special team only’ guy, has shown pretty solid instincts in both run and pass defense. When he’s on the field he seems to always be around the ball. 

Dodson and JGH have flashed potential too. 

Not to mention we have seasoned vets in Klein (who technically is starter when 3 LBs take the field) and Marquel Lee.

 

Hats off to the LB coaching staff for training these guys up, the whole room looks to have been vastly improved and well coached headed into this season. 
 

Smith was a protected P-squader and Matakevich an elite Special Teamer, but is there a chance we could see them push Klein for playing time or the top reserve role?

 

What does the Wall think about our backup LBs? How many LBs in total make the 53 and practice squad?

 

When Matakevich was signed I said he was a good LB from film I viewed from college.

LBs seem to be Steelers' specialty which is why he did not get many snaps on defense.

 

I do not think Marquel Lee is making active roster nor would I consider him a veteran.

 

Bills like flexibility in position but sometimes when you get a flexible player you lose the player who is very good at one specific position.

 

 

 

[Doc]

4 hours ago, billybrew1 said:

Where was Andre Smith last year!??!?

 

what, was he hurt? Or something? IDK?

 

He sure looks like a LB this year!

 

1 hour ago, The Dean said:

On the PS most of the year. Called up a couple times.

 

Yeah, he was signed August 31st last year.  Needed time to learn the playbook and get comfortable in the system.

[Saxum]

5 hours ago, Mark Vader said:

Very pleased with Smith, Matakevich & Dodson.

 

I think it is very likely that they will get their share of snaps this season, and not just on special teams.

 

I hope so.  Giving starters breaks when not needed helps keep them healthy. 

Several players were injured in last game against Phish when game was already in hand.

They could have substituted some who were active (which is why it is important that player can play special teams as well) and if game situation changed put back in some starters.

[Doc]

2 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

I hope so.  Giving starters breaks when not needed helps keep them healthy. 

Several players were injured in last game against Phish when game was already in hand.

They could have substituted some who were active (which is why it is important that player can play special teams as well) and if game situation changed put back in some starters.

 

I think some of the players who were injured were going for personal records.  There was no need for them to be in the game at that point and there were options to replace them.

[Saxum]

4 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

I think some of the players who were injured were going for personal records.  There was no need for them to be in the game at that point and there were options to replace them.

 

Personal records and financial incentives.  I believe the rules allow teams to give incentives even if player does not reach milestone when team decides to not play them.  The problem is every player's agent would be arguing client deserves incentive even if not earned.

[JoPoy88]

Agree with pretty much everyone in this thread. andre smith looks great in preseason play.