Matt Milano Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Weakside linebacker enjoyed monster game in win over Minnesota

Buffalo Bills starting weakside linebacker Matt Milano was all over the field during Sunday’s shocking 27-6 upset win over the Minnesota Vikings, and his stellar play netted Milano AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for Week 3.

Milano enjoyed perhaps the finest game of his young career, finishing with a sack, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Milano’s strong outing, which included eight tackles and one pass break-up, helped Buffalo (1-2) knock off the reigning NFC North champion Vikings (1-1-1).

He became the first member of the Bills to accomplish that feat since Troy Vincent in 2004, and the first Bill to earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors since cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman in Week 5 of the 2016 season.

Matt Milano has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week by the @NFL for his Week 3 performance (1 sack, 1 INT & 1 FR) in the Bills 27-6 win over the Vikings. pic.twitter.com/uf0F6GMAbL

— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) September 26, 2018

Thanks to an inspired effort from Milano and the rest of the defense, Buffalo limited Minnesota to only 46 first-half yards, the fewest a Bills’ defense had allowed in the first half since the Cleveland Browns managed two first-half yards in 2004.

While Milano (71 percent of the snaps) and Ramon Humber (29 percent of snaps) split time at weakside linebacker vs. the Vikings, if the second-year pro out of Boston College keeps producing like he did Sunday, the playing time should continue to tilt significantly in Milano’s favor.

Through three games (all starts), Milano has amassed 21 tackles (three for a loss) with one interception, two fumble recoveries, one sack, and two pass break-ups.

In his rookie season, Milano compiled 44 tackles with one sack, one interception, and a 40-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in Buffalo’s 34-14 win over the Oakland Raiders.

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