After a season with the Dolphins in 2020 where he never got a chance to break through in Miami, running back Matt Breida decided to stay in the AFC East for the 2021 season by signing a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.
While with the Dolphins last year, Breida only played in 12 games (one start), rushing for 254 yards on 59 carries. Before last season, Breida spent the first three years of his career with the San Francisco 49ers. During that time, he managed to rush for 1,902 yards and six scores in 43 games. He also averaged 821 yards from scrimmage over his three seasons in the Bay Area.
The 26-year-old entered the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Southern. His best season came in 2018 with the 49ers, where he ran for 814 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 27 receptions for 261 yards.
By signing with the Bills, Breida joins a running backs room that already consists of Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, Taiwan Jones, Antonio Williams, and Christian Wade.
While the group in Buffalo consists of plenty of good talent, Breida certainly has a chance to place his stamp on the roster going forward. He has the ability to break through holes with his dynamic speed, while also adding another dimension to the offense with his pass-catching skills.
Breida has already gotten the chance to impress with the rest of the running backs through the early stages of training camp. He's likely on his way to making the roster and having a prominent role on the offense along with Singletary and Moss.
Ahead of Friday's training camp practice at the ADPRO Sports Training Center in Orchard Park, Breida took some time to join the "Howard and Jeremy Show" on WGR. During his chat with Howard Simon and Jeremy White, he talked about his decision to join the Bills, what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs, and his first thoughts on quarterback Josh Allen.
Here is some of what Breida had to say:
Breida on why he chose to sign with the Bills in free agency:
"They're on the right track and they're winning. They were one game away last year from making it to the Super Bowl. I was with [San Francisco] before and I've been there. We didn't win, so I definitely want to get back and I want to win. I feel like the Bills have the right things lined up to do that."
Breida on what it takes for a team to reach the Super Bowl:
"First and foremost, knowing how to win, knowing how to finish. I had seen that last year as the Bills went on throughout the season. I know when I was with Miami, we played them earlier [in the season] and it was tight. Last game of the season, they handled us pretty well. You could see throughout the season they were getting better with a lot of younger guys. Second, just how close this team is. I knew some guys on this team before I got here, and then once I arrived I had seen it. I've seen with the coaches, the training staff; just everyone involved in the organization is very close. I think you need that to get to where you want to get to."
Breida on splitting time in the backfield with Devin Singletary and Zack Moss:
"You can't be worried about playing time, what your stats are going to be like. At the end of the day, I just want to win. I feel like we have a great running back room with a great group of guys that can get that done. At the end of the day, as long as we're winning, all that stuff will take care of itself."
Breida on what makes Josh Allen so good:
"I think first and foremost his leadership, just the way he goes about things. He knows everyone on the team, everyone's name, where they're from. I think that's important to have that as a leader. You want to have someone that you want to play for, and his skill set is second-to-none. I think he's a generational talent. Just watching him throw the ball, how he's getting off the type of plays at the huddle. I think he's going to be around for a very long time with the Bills, and I'm excited to play with him this year."
Breida on getting to practice in front of Bills fans last Saturday at Highmark Stadium:
"It was great just to have fans back in the stadium compared to last year without having any fans. Especially 'Bills Mafia,' they're something different. They're a special group, and I'm excited to play in front of a full stadium."
You can listen to Breida's entire interview below:
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