Bills LB Paul Posluszny Fitting In

wide right · Aug 15, 2007

In the hours leading into the preseason opener, Buffalo Bills rookie Paul Posluszny had convinced himself that everything would be fine. What nerves? The linebacker had played in bigger games before bigger crowds in college.

This was just another game, no big deal.

All was well and good until he actually stepped away from the huddle on his first defensive series and lined up for his first play. And thats when it hit him. It wasnt just any old game after all. He was in the Superdome, playing against the New Orleans Saints, in the National Football League.

I was just telling myself all day not to get nervous and just go ahead and play, Posluszny said between workouts Monday at St. John Fisher College. But that first play, man, once I got in there, it was a different world from college or anything that Ive experienced in practice. It took me a couple plays to get accustomed.

And thats about all it took a couple plays.

You might say Posluszny welcomed himself to the NFL. He was better than advertised, which says plenty considering how often he had been compared to the great linebackers who came out of Penn State. He led the Bills with nine tackles, all solo, and clearly established his knack for getting to the ball.

He looked like another No. 51. No, not ex-Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes. More like twinky Butkus? OK, its much too early and definitely unfair to compare a rookie to a Hall of Fame tackling machine. Still, he needed just one preseason game to impress his teammates with his intelligence and instincts. He definitely knows where the ball is, safety Donte Whitner said. He made nine tackles and a sack, and that was in one half of football. Hes a ball hawk. Hes going to get to the ball. Hes a tough guy whos not afraid to tackle and hit. Hes starting to learn the defense. I expect to see Poz on the field. I like Poz.

Apparently, the fans like Poz, too. The Bills sold twice as many jerseys bearing his name between the draft and training camp than they did the No. 23 worn by first-round pick Marshawn Lynch. Theyll sell many more if Posluszny, a second-round pick, becomes an anchor on defense.

The Bills were looking for immediate help in the middle after veteran and leader London Fletcher signed with Washington. John DiGiorgio remained the starter on the depth chart Monday. Many believe Posluszny will take over that role sooner than later.

I obviously want to start, Posluszny said. John DiGiorgio, the starter, obviously wants the job. Were just going to compete. Whoever gets the job will be whats best for our team, regardless of who it is. The better player will be on the field. Its just the way it is. Well continue to work hard and work with each other.

Posluszny is certainly off to a good start. He made three tackles in a span of four plays in second quarter against the Saints. He had a sack for a 9-yard loss in the third quarter. Four of his nine tackles came on plays in which the Saints gained 2 yards or less, including the sack on backup quarterback Tyler Palko.

Buffalo should learn more Friday night in its second preseason game, against the Atlanta Falcons in Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills defense, designed to free up the middle linebacker, has already helped make for a smooth transition. Posluszny should only get better once he gets adjusted to the speed and strength of the NFL.

Whats impressed me is just his ability to find the football and get off blocks, Bills center Melvin Fowler said. He seems pretty far along as far as rookies are concerned. I expect big things out of him this year. He looks like a very focused and committed football player.

Posluszny bears a striking resemblance to former Bills middle linebacker John Holecek, both in face and style. In college, he was frequently compared to former Bills linebacker and Frewsburg native Shane Conlan, who like Posluszny wore No. 31 for the Nittany Lions. If he can play like either, the Bills would be thrilled.

I know I can definitely compete with these guys, Posluszny said. Im just doing whatever the coaches tell us to do. It will be up to me to see how good I can really be.

First, he needs to become a regular on defense. He didnt look out of place while practicing with the first team last week, when DiGiorgio missed a few days with an injury. The adjustment to a new league and new teammates will take time. Hes also trying to navigate the nuances and that come with playing in the NFL.

In college, for example, he was required to wear a shirt and tie in public at all times for road games. Thats all he packed for his first preseason game in New Orleans. He showed up for a team meeting in the Bills hotel dressed to the nines while his teammates wore shorts and sneakers. Rookie.

Its just little things like that, he said. Because of the way we did things at Penn State, its completely different stuff. I was telling the older guys that something like that is going to pop up on every trip. Ill learn something new every day. By the time next year rolls around, Ill have everything down.
Click to expand...

Source: Bucky Gleason, The Buffalo News

nastynate184 · Aug 15, 2007

that guy was a monster in college... i still disagree with him winning the best lb award over Hawk two years ago though

TDJets72027 · Aug 15, 2007

Good luck Poz

DawkinsINT · Aug 15, 2007

I'm such a big Poz fan that the Bills are now my favorite AFC team. I really was hoping the Eagles would do something to get him.

Platoon 86 · Aug 15, 2007

DawkinsINT said: ↑

I'm such a big Poz fan that the Bills are now my favorite AFC team. I really was hoping the Eagles would do something to get him.
Click to expand...

You must have a good time watching Poz play for Penn St.

DawkinsINT · Aug 15, 2007

Yeah, he was a beast.

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Bills LB Paul Posluszny Fitting In

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Bills LB Paul Posluszny Fitting In

wide right Grumpy Old Man

nastynate184 Fuck Michigan

TDJets72027 Rex Ryan baby

DawkinsINT Tebow free since 9/5/2015.

Platoon 86 Loony

DawkinsINT Tebow free since 9/5/2015.

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