In Buffalo, the playoff drought lingers like a lake-effect snow band, dragging on relentlessly until hopefully some sunshine breaks through.

Coming to the Bills, safety Micah Hyde inherits that snow band to join the locals in waiting and hoping to get back to the playoffs.

Hyde comes to the Bills from one of the most successful and storied franchises, the Green Bay Packers. Buffalo and Green Bay are much alike: two small cities on a map, buried six months by snow. Many people still wonder how such cities could support a franchise. It comes down to how much the fans support their team through thick and thin.

Hyde touched on the subject with Howard Simon on WGR 550.

Playing at Lambeau was fun, such a historical place. I’m glad I went from there to here, and I’m excited to play in Buffalo.

Historical.

Buffalo and Green Bay definitely have that in common, although one of them is known for its history in a more positive light.

But the Bills now more than ever are dead set on returning to their prior glory. The new ownership realized their lack of judgment in hiring Rex Ryan and owned up to it. They’ve replaced him with someone seen as a savior despite having not yt coached a game, Sean McDermott.

McDermott is on a mission. I could see it since Day 1. I’m ready to get back to the playoffs. Can’t wait for this season to start.

With McDermott stepping in as head coach, along with Brandon Beane as general manager, it signals a complete culture change from the previous administration.

McDermott and Beane choose to fight with discipline, character and attention to detail rather than headlines and splashes.

Hyde is fighting hand and hand with McDermott and Beane, showing the leadership he carried in Green Bay.

I see myself as a leader in the secondary. We’re all on the same page in Buffalo. We’re all trying to take that next step.

Hyde replaces a well-known fan favorite in recently released safety Aaron Williams but appears more than willing to show Buffalo what he is about.

The safety is just 26 years old and played under legendary defensive coordinator Dom Capers.

Bills fans may be used to the big leaders on defense such as Jerry Hughes, Marcell Dareus or Kyle Williams. Micah Hyde is almost instantly thrown into that mix.

Hyde is a leader like them all and has as much motivation and drive to get the Bills back to the playoffs. It’s now his mission.

Hyde has that chip on his shoulder like fans and other Bills players. After being taken in just the 5th round, he’s grown to show tenacity and drive and has carved out his place in the league. Now, that place is located at One Bills Drive.