Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady wasn’t mincing words. When he faced the media out on the West Coast, questions about veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson, who just rejoined the squad via the practice team a few weeks back, came up hard and fast. But Brady wasn’t embracing any immediate chances for Thompson to jump in at SAM or MIKE linebacker. Someone actually asked him if there was “any consideration to maybe getting him out there and seeing what it looks like,” and Brady, totally stoic but with a smirk, just said: “No.” Boom. Right there. No hesitation.
Brady Rides With His Current Starters, No Issues Here
Brady made it crystal clear he’s got full confidence in his current linebacker crew. He even threw a little shade back at the reporter, saying, “I mean right now I think you’re not as [much of] a fan of the way our linebackers are playing, based off some of the questions.” But for him? “No, I have no issues with the way our linebackers are playing right now.” That’s a pretty strong endorsement for Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams, who’ve been out there grinding. Brady elaborated, stating, “Look, I like where the linebackers are at right now. They’re continuing to get better.” It sounds like any debate about how Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard and Inside Linebackers Coach John Egorugwu are using Thompson is settled, at least for now.
Shaq Thompson’s Role Is All About Leadership, Not Immediate Starts
So, if Thompson isn’t getting immediate snaps, why’d they even bring him back? Brady had an answer for that too. He stated, “Shaq, Shaq has , he knows he was brought here as, obviously from a leadership component.” This tells you everything you need to know about Thompson’s immediate value to the team. It’s not about making plays every Sunday, but being ready if the call comes. Brady added, “if an opportunity came up, and, you know, it’s a long season that having a guy like himself with his background and his history to be able to come in and play, and play meaningful football… and, you know, that’s why he’s here.” It’s about veteran depth and guidance in a long, grueling NFL season, not a quick fix.
Youth Movement Is Happening, Even If It Means Hiccups
Despite the love for his starters, Brady did hint at a youth movement that outsiders have been clamoring for. He expressed a desire for rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr to get more playing time than he did the other day. Brady quickly clarified, “And that’s not an indictment on Dorian (Williams) or TB (Terrel Bernard). That’s just being able to get these guys fresh, you know, throughout games and when the game’s on the line.” The idea here is getting fresh legs in, and letting the young guys adapt to the system, just like Bernard is doing. It’s a clear signal that the Bills are leaning into developing their young talent, even if it means “embracing any hiccups or struggles that may prove marginally detrimental.”
As the Bills get set for their next game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Nevada, you can bet every snap from Bernard, Williams, and hopefully more from Elarms-Orr, is going to be under a microscope. Brady’s betting on these guys, and it’s going to be a wild ride watching them grow.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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