As the Buffalo Bills prepare to face off against the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, the spotlight has once again been firmly placed on key players like Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Von Miller. These star athletes are undoubtedly crucial to the Bills’ success, but as any seasoned football fan knows, playoff games often come down to the contributions of players who might not get the same level of attention.
In this particular matchup against the Ravens, one underrated player could very well be the X-factor that propels Buffalo to victory. While the national media tends to focus on the big names, there’s one Bills player flying under the radar whose impact could be felt in ways that might surprise both fans and analysts alike.
That player is **Matt Milano**, the Bills’ dynamic linebacker.
### Who is Matt Milano?
Matt Milano, a 6’0″, 223-pound linebacker out of Boston College, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Since entering the league, Milano has consistently impressed with his coverage skills, football IQ, and ability to make big plays at crucial moments. Yet, despite his continued excellence, Milano has remained somewhat underappreciated by national media, especially in comparison to other linebackers who may be more well-known for their flashy tackles or sack totals.
Milano’s role in Buffalo’s defense has been invaluable, particularly in the past two seasons when the team has ascended to the upper echelon of the AFC. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game—coupled with his sideline-to-sideline range—makes him a versatile asset in defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier’s scheme. While Milano may not grab as many headlines as pass rushers like Von Miller or Tremaine Edmunds, he is absolutely vital to the Bills’ success on defense.
### Why Milano Could Be a Key Factor Against the Ravens
The Buffalo Bills are coming off an impressive regular season and are aiming to make a deep playoff run, but standing in their way is a talented and explosive Baltimore Ravens offense. Led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens thrive on the run game, featuring one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in the NFL. However, the Ravens’ offense is not one-dimensional. Jackson has developed into a legitimate MVP candidate through the air, and with players like Mark Andrews at tight end and Hollywood Brown at wide receiver, the Ravens can strike from all areas of the field.
This is where Matt Milano could make a significant impact.
#### 1. **Containing Lamar Jackson’s Mobility**
The most obvious challenge the Bills face in defending the Ravens is Lamar Jackson’s electrifying ability to run the football. Jackson’s vision, acceleration, and elusiveness make him a nightmare for defenders in open space. With the ability to break free for long runs and extend plays, Jackson is always a threat to rip off a huge gain.
Milano, however, has the mobility and awareness to keep Jackson in check. While he’s not necessarily known for rushing the passer, his ability to spy quarterbacks and react quickly to their movements has been one of his strengths. Milano’s ability to keep eyes on Jackson while still covering the middle of the field could be a key element in limiting Jackson’s rushing yards. Milano has consistently shown that he can track mobile quarterbacks and prevent them from escaping the pocket, a skill that will be tested to the maximum against Jackson.
In addition, Milano’s ability to read plays and make adjustments on the fly will be critical in dealing with Jackson’s improvisation. When Jackson is able to extend plays, it’s often the linebackers and secondary that are forced to scramble to cover the Ravens’ skilled receivers. Milano’s awareness and quick decision-making in these situations could prove vital in limiting big plays.
#### 2. **Covering Tight Ends and Running Backs**
Another area where Milano can make his presence felt is in the coverage game. The Ravens feature one of the best tight ends in the league in Mark Andrews, who has been a security blanket for Lamar Jackson. Andrews’ ability to create mismatches in the middle of the field makes him a dangerous weapon, and the Bills will need someone who can stick with him step for step.
Milano is an excellent coverage linebacker who has consistently been able to take away threats in the passing game. Whether it’s covering a tight end like Andrews or a running back out of the backfield, Milano’s ability to stay close to his assignment and make tackles in space will be crucial in limiting Jackson’s options. In fact, Milano has become one of the top linebackers in the league in pass coverage, often drawing praise for his ability to shut down tight ends and running backs in short-yardage situations.
With the Ravens using a variety of motion and misdirection to open up lanes for their offensive weapons, Milano’s ability to read and react quickly will be key. If he can neutralize Andrews and prevent the Ravens from exploiting the middle of the field, the Bills will be in a much stronger position defensively.
#### 3. **Sideline-to-Sideline Range**
The Ravens often attack all areas of the field, using both outside runs and quick passes to keep defenses on their heels. Milano’s ability to cover the entire field—from sideline to sideline—makes him a unique asset in this type of matchup. His speed and agility allow him to track down plays on the perimeter and prevent outside runs from turning into big gains.
In particular, the Ravens often use their running backs, like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, to stretch the field horizontally before cutting back upfield. Milano’s ability to flow to the ball and make tackles in space will be critical in stopping these outside runs. If he can disrupt the Ravens’ rhythm and prevent their backs from getting to the edge, it will force Jackson to make plays in the air—a more predictable situation for Buffalo’s defense.
#### 4. **Creating Turnovers**
In the postseason, every possession matters, and creating turnovers can swing the momentum in favor of a team. Milano has a knack for making big plays in clutch moments. Whether it’s through interceptions, forced fumbles, or timely tackles that prevent a first down, Milano has proven to be a ball hawk who thrives under pressure.
In a game against an explosive offense like the Ravens’, every possession will be valuable. If Milano can force Jackson into mistakes—whether by jumping a route or staying disciplined in his coverage—he could give the Bills offense valuable extra possessions. Milano’s ability to change the course of a game through turnovers could be the difference-maker in a tight contest.
### The Importance of Milano’s Leadership
While the physical tools Milano brings to the table are undeniable, his leadership on the field cannot be overlooked. Milano’s ability to read offenses, communicate with his teammates, and make adjustments on the fly makes him the heart and soul of the Bills’ defense. His experience in big games, including his pivotal role in the team’s 2020 playoff run, gives him the mental toughness needed to thrive in high-pressure situations.
As a seasoned linebacker, Milano’s ability to make calls at the line of scrimmage and help his teammates adjust to the Ravens’ fast-paced offense will be crucial. His leadership and football IQ will help the Bills stay organized, even when facing the unpredictable playmaking ability of Lamar Jackson.
### Conclusion: A Player to Watch
While much of the national conversation surrounding the Bills’ defense focuses on stars like Tremaine Edmunds, Von Miller, and Micah Hyde, it’s Matt Milano who could turn out to be the real X-factor in Buffalo’s divisional round game against the Ravens. His ability to contain Lamar Jackson’s mobility, cover tight ends and running backs in space, and provide leadership on the field make him one of the most underrated—and important—players on the team.
If Milano can execute his game plan effectively, the Bills defense will be in a much stronger position to slow down the Ravens’ high-powered offense and put the team in a position to win. Keep an eye on Milano this weekend; he may just be the unsung hero who helps propel the Bills one step closer to a Super Bowl.