The LB made two big plays against the pass.
By Sal Capaccio / wgr550.radio.com
There’s no way you can avoid noticing Tremaine Edmunds at Bills training camp. Even at just 20 years old, the 6’ 5” rookie linebacker towers over other players in the huddle, especially his fellow linebackers and defensive backs. But Thursday morning, it wasn’t just his size that made the Virginia Tech product stand out amongst his peers. It was his play.
Twice Edmunds was able to get his hands on the football in passing situations, with one resulting in an interception and the other a near-pick. Both times it happened the quarterback on the other side was A.J. McCarron.
On the first play of the entire practice, McCarron looked to his left and tried to throw a slant to a wide receiver cutting over the middle. Almost out of nowhere, Edmunds’ 83” wing span showed up to bat the ball up in the air. As it floated back the other way, the linebacker chased after it but couldn’t quite catch up to it as it fell incomplete.
Later in red zone work, McCarron looked to running back LeSean McCoy cutting over the middle right at the goal line. Edmunds was in perfect position on his back hip, but this time instead of knocking it down he was able to jump under McCoy and pick the ball off. Edmunds took off and was probably about 40 yards down the sideline before a couple of offensive players caught up to him.
After practice I asked Edmunds to walk me through the play. McCoy, walking nearby, overheard the conversation and came over. He said with a smile, “I want to hear what he says.” Edmunds diplomatically praised the 30-year old running back for how great of a player he is and how going against him makes the entire defense better. Before McCoy walked away he looked at the group of reporters interviewing Edmunds and said, “Something I will say this about him,” looking at his teammate. “In about two years, he’s going to be one of the best players in the league, for real.”
Not Practicing
Three players were held out of practice with injuries. DE Trent Murphy (groin), WR Andre Holmes (quad), and WR Quan Bray (toe). OT Jordan Mills and CB Vontae Davis both received veteran rest days and did not practice at all. De’Ondre Wesley took Mills’ spot as the starting right tackle and Phillip Gaines lined up as the starter in place of Davis.
Next up
The Bills will be back at New Era Field Friday night for “The Return of the Blue and Red” practice beginning at 6:15 pm. A ticket is required for fans to attend.