The team struggled to reach the same level of play those two stalwarts along

Heading into the 2018 season www.buffalobillsteamonline.com , the Buffalo Bills knew they faced a daunting task trying to replace the production of center Eric Wood and left guard Richie Incognito. the offensive line previously provided in sinking to a 6-10 record after making the playoffs in 2017. Fast forward another offseason, and the Bills once again are faced with major questions along the offensive line, especially at the two guard positions, where Buffalo received below-average play from starters John Miller (right guard) and Vladimir Ducasse (left guard). On a unit that Pro Football Focus ranked as the 26th-best offensive line in football, new offensive line coach Bobby Johnson is going to have his hands full trying to bolster a unit that finished with the next-to-last grade in PFF’s run-blocking grades. Miller has been an on-again, off-again starter at right guard since being drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Louisville, appearing in 47 games (all starts) over his four years in Western New York. Miller, who is an unrestricted free agent, made 15 starts in 2018, allowing only one sack and four penalties. On this unstable line, re-signing Miller to a low www.authenticsbuffalobills.com , mutually-agreed upon two-year extension might be the wise move, for Miller has proven himself to be capable when he’s on the field. Ducasse, who enjoyed a resurgence at right guard in 2017, moved back to left guard for the 2018 season, with less-than-desirable results. He appeared in ten games (nine starts) and was part of an underachieving left side of the line that, time and time again failed to open holes for Buffalo’s running backs. Ducasse graded out at a 49.8 according to Pro Football Focus, good for 67th among all eligible guards. He committed four penalties and, remarkably, did not allow a sack. Unlike Miller, he is still under contract for 2019.Ryan Groy, who started six games at center and can also play guard Buffalo Bills T-Shirt , is an unrestricted free agent who allowed three quarterback hits and eight hurries (zero sacks allowed) in his time at center. Rookie Wyatt Teller, entering his second season, displayed a ton of promise in eight games (seven starts), allowing only eight quarterback pressures with no sacks and five committed penalties. The fifth-round draft pick proved himself capable in pass protection, though his run-blocking has room for improvement. Jeremiah Sirles, who recently inked a one-year contract extension with Buffalo for the 2019 season, was active in 12 games (five starts) and saw time at both tackle and guard. He is a swingman who is expected to compete for a roster spot in training camp. He could start in a pinch but shouldn’t be handed the job.Lastly, there’s Ike Boettger, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Iowa who spent the entire off-season, training camp and the pre-season with the Bills. After serving as Buffalo’s backup right guard, he was released before the regular season. Boettger eventually released by the Kansas City Chiefs and claimed on waiver by the Bills and appeared in the team’s last four games. Miller (if he re-signs) and Teller appear to be the best in-house bets to start at guard for a team that could use an infusion of talent in 2019 Buffalo Bills Hats , but don’t rule out Ducasse sticking around. 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. Play 1The Bills frequently have Matt Milano around the line of scrimmage to bring some extra heat, or at least the illusion of it. One key to the success of the defense against the Titans and recent weeks is the willingness to sell out for the anticipated play call. Both things harmonize on this play. As Marcus Mariota is all alone in the backfield, Milano creeps up from his spot in the middle to become an edge rusher. The linemen are aligned wide as they sell out to stop the pass. Milano’s quick pressure forces an incompletion and the Bills are off to a great start. Play 2If this play looks familiar, it was used in the Taron Johnson analysis from this week. Here we highlight Milano’s piece of the puzzle. As the slot receiver moves across the formation he leaves a sizable gap off the tackle. Milano slides over and shows blitz, which has already pressured Mariota into one bad pass. Even with the running back staying in to block, this would put the Titans at a disadvantage. Milano actually falls into coverage but the uncertainty on what Milano is doing on any given snap has begun.Play 3Milano made some really nice tackles in this game and it’d be easy to have a strict highlight reel. This play was selected to show a little of the Devil in the details. The, ahem, blatant hold on Milano pairs nicely with the lineman’s position. Milano is at risk of being tossed to the turf as a result. However Buffalo Bills Hoodie , as he’s being shoved he twists his body weight to fall into the running lane and shut the play down. This isn’t a textbook tackle by any means, but the MacGyver strategy works. Play 4Harrison Phillips takes up two blockers in the middle of the line while Kyle Williams occupies the third interior lineman. This leaves a nice gap for Matt Milano to occupy. Milano steps up and puts himself in place to help Phillips out if necessary and jump in front of the runner if he goes left. As a result of the work put in by all three, Milano shuts the run down. Play 5Ben Jones pulls to his left to block for this run. He finds Matt Milano and looks to be winning the match-up. As Dion Lewis runs for the edge, Milano shoves off of the block from Jones and accelerates into Lewis to help make the tackle. Play 6Individual victories pretty much across the board set up a near disaster for the Titans. Kyle Williams and Star Lotulelei beat the three interior offensive linemen. The pair create a large gap that the running back gets funneled into. Lorenzo Alexander come clean into the gap and is ready to make a play. As quickly as he gets there though, Alexander is beaten to the tackle by Jerry Hughes from the edge and Matt Milano. In Milano’s case, he weaves through the traffic and bursts into the back. Williams has also shed his block and the running black is blanketed.