Ed Oliver, Von Miller agree Bills' teammate was 'born' for crucial role

Unlike last year's playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills have their defensive leader available for the AFC Championship Game.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) gets sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) and Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller (40) | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

To say he was sorely missed would be an understatement.

With Matt Milano already on the shelf, Buffalo Bills' linebacker Terrel Bernard was unavailable for last year's divisional round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Instead, Buffalo had to rely on semi-retired street free agent AJ Klein, and in the end, the Chiefs took advantage.

Fortunately for the Bills' defense, their on-field communicator is healthy and ready to go for the most-meaningful game of the season. Bernard, who accounted for an important takeaway in last week's divisional round win, is fully healthy for the AFC Championship Game set for January 26 at Arrowhead Stadium.

“To have the opportunity to go and play in the AFC Championship is something that we don't take lightly," said Bernard. "You're never promised to make it back to this point again.”

Despite missing multiple games due to a pectoral injury, Bernard exceeded the 100-tackle mark for the second straight year since taking over Buffalo's defense.

Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) runs for a gain as Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (43) | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

"Honestly, I think he was born to be a middle linebacker. The way he carries himself. The way he handles the defense. The way he gets everybody set and it's all on his shoulders. I think he was born to do that," said defensive tackle Ed Oliver.

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The 25-year-old Bernard also has the confidence of future Hall-of-Fame edge rusher Von Miller.

“I've been so impressed with Terrel Bernard, third year in the league, middle linebacker. He's commanding the whole defense. He's the sole captain on that side of the ball," said Miller.

Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller (40) rushes the quarterback in the third quarter of an AFC wild card game | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

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