Bills HC could see this young LB “grow” during Week 1 win over Cardinals

The “next man up” mentality was on full display for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, as second-year linebacker Dorian Williams was forced into the starting lineup for only the third time in his young professional career.

Williams filled in for the injured Matt Milano at linebacker in Week 1, as he is expected to do for most of the season as the All-Pro veteran is out “indefinitely” with a torn biceps. The sophomore performed well for Buffalo, helping the team to a 34-28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott spoke to the media on Monday and praised the young defender for stepping in despite his lack of NFL playing experience.

Related: McDermott rules out Bills' All-Pro DB and veteran DE as long-term prospects unknown

“I thought he did a good job,” McDermott said. “I know he started a little bit last year, I think, but didn't really get a lot of playing time this year other than in the preseason. I thought Dorian really got better as the game went on and got more and more comfortable as the game went on, especially on first and second down, and then he was on the field on the last drive of the game that we won the game on.”

Williams started only two games as a rookie, but appeared in all 17 matchups and played in about 20% of the team's defensive snaps throughout the 2023 season. He totaled 40 tackles, two quarterback hits and one pass defense as a rookie and started his sophomore year on the right foot against Arizona with eight tackles and a fumble recovery.

McDermott was unhappy with the play of the entire defense in the first half and felt that Williams and the rest of the unit played better in the second half thanks to adjustments made at halftime.

“At halftime, the coaches did a great job and the players came out and played aggressively,” McDermott said. “It showed on the first defensive series, which was three and out and I think ended with a sack on third down. The crowd was into the game and we got into a rhythm, which was important.”

The Bills defense allowed just 80 yards and three points in the second half to help Buffalo to its first win of the season. Williams was a key part of the defense in the second half and will need to keep his momentum going into the short week as they host the high-flying Miami Dolphins on Thursday.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Buffalo Bills on SI —