AFC Notes: Bills, Steelers, Texans

Bills

Bills HC Sean McDermott said he loves the toughness CB Leonard Johnson brings to their defense.

“The thing that I love about Leonard is how tough he is,” McDermott said, via the Buffalo News. “He’s like a little Tyson in terms of just the way he approaches the game. He gives us an edge on defense, which is important.”

McDermott added that Johnson’s familiarity with his defensive system has helped not only himself but the other players that are trying to pick things up.

“His familiarity with the system certainly helps in terms of his comfort level, and then also helping teach the players around him at times when coaches aren’t around – or on the field, to correct within a drive, that’s important, that ability to do that,” McDermott said. “I remember the thing that sticks out about Leonard was last year, his first game that he played for us, he had a sack or two and you saw the energy and the juice, the toughness – there’s no substitute for that mental and physical toughness that he brings to the table.”

Steelers

• Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports puts the odds of the Steelers signing RB Le’Veon Bell to an extension before the July 17 deadline at 50 percent.
• One issue for the two parties is the fact that no running back in the NFL is making over $8M a year, but Bell stands to make $12.1 million under the franchise tag.
• While La Canfora considers Bell to be the “most complete back in football“, he admits that $12.1 million is a “steep premium and the timing works against a deal here.”

Texans

Texans LBs coach Bobby King mentioned that they’re expecting “big things” out of LB Benardrick McKinney this year.

“He can still get better, too, as he would tell you, too,” King said, via HoustonTexans.com. “We’re expecting big things out of him leadership-wise and playmaking-wise.”

Texans HC Bill O’Brien added that he felt McKinney played well enough last year to be in the mix for a Pro Bowl selection.

“I thought he had a Pro Bowl-type of year last year,” O’Brien said. “Last year’s over but I think the guy is poised to have a really good career here. A lot of it is going to have to do with health, but I think as long as he stays healthy he’s a hell of a football player.”