Linebacker AJ Klein received a call to rejoin the Buffalo Bills while heading to a family vacation. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
A call from Buffalo Bills ruined Florida vacation plan for AJ Klein and his family; in return, he could turn the 32-year-old linebacker into a key piece for the team in the playoffs.
With a defense plagued by injuries again, the veteran was called up to not only take a spot on the practice squad, but saw significant action in the wild-card round win. about the Pittsburgh Steelers by 31-17.
With the Kansas City Chiefs in front, as well as the Baltimore Ravens o Houston Texans If he wins, he has suddenly become a key piece for Buffalo and its aspirations to win the first Lombardi Trophy in its history.
An irregular season for Klein
After being signed to the practice squad and released several times during the regular season, Klein was ready for a family vacation. The linebacker and his family had already loaded their luggage for the trip to Florida when he received the call again to join the practice squad.
However, now was the absence of Tyrel Dodson which caused Klein to be called into uniform on Sunday. Another series of injuries during the game, now Baylon Spector y Terrel Bernard, They forced Klein to see action, and he finished the game with 11 tackles and calling the plays on the field for the defense.
The 11-year veteran has experience in extended playing time, but in 2022 he barely saw action in 8 games with the Bills and Ravens, while this year he did not enter a single game during the regular season.
The injury curse in Buffalo
For some reason, the Bills always seem to come into the postseason with injury problems, particularly on defense. Last year, Micah Hyde y By Miller they were out in the playoffs (Hyde returned in the divisional round, but out of rhythm). In 2021, it was Tre’Davious White, but this year has been chaotic.
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Linebacker Matt Milano’s injury affected the Buffalo Bills during the second half of the season and in the playoffs. (Photo by Peter Nicholls/Getty Images)
Two key players, White and Matt Milan, They have missed most of the campaign. Jordan Phillips He’s also been away for the last month. For this weekend, Dodson, Bernard, Taylor Rapp, Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford y Johnson conference appear on the injury report.
It is because of these absences that Klein’s role has completely changed. By not being on the team or simply helping them prepare for their opponent each week, he could now play a vital role for the Bills.
Golden opportunity for the Bills?
Although it is never ideal to reach the postseason with as many injuries as those led by Sean McDermott, This season looks like the best option for the Bills in a long time.
The Buffalo Bills are seeking their first NFL title and first trip to the Super Bowl since the 1993 season. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
The attack has been the most balanced of the team since it arrived Josh Allen. The change of offensive coordinator to Joe Brady has allowed some weight to be taken off Allen’s shoulders with a more consistent running attack, with James Cook as the centerpiece.
Furthermore, the Cincinnati Bengalswho dominated the Bills last year in the playoffs, this year in the regular season they did not advance to the playoffs after the injury of Joe Burrow. Kansas City, responsible for eliminating Buffalo the previous two years, will now have to travel to Orchard Park, and they are far from their best offensively.
Baltimore is still the team to beat in the American Conference, but among its recent problems in the playoffs (Lamar Jackson is 1-3 in the postseason, with a loss to the Bills) and the team’s overall inexperience in this instance, Buffalo would seem to have some advantages in a head-to-head matchup.
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