Miller’s Surprise Sack Count Shakes Up Bills’ Defense
The Buffalo Bills entered the 2023 NFL season with a clear objective: fortifying their defense. Yet, as they head into the bye week, a surprising twist has emerged—one that casts doubt on the decisions made during the offseason.
Bills’ Defensive Overhaul
This past offseason, the Bills made significant moves to bolster their defensive lineup. They brought in high-profile players like Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht, Larry Ogunjobi, Shaq Thompson, and Tre’Davious White. The organization prioritized defense in the draft as well, selecting five defensive players consecutively and allocating six of their nine overall picks to bolster their defensive unit.
Despite this ambitious overhaul, the Bills’ defense has faced mounting challenges, particularly in stopping the run. They struggled notably against Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons, raising critical questions about their defensive strategies and effectiveness.
A Staggering Statistic
Amid these struggles, a startling statistic looms over the Bills: the player with the highest sack total on their payroll this season is not even on their active roster. Von Miller, who was released in a cap-saving maneuver, continues to impact the team financially, accounting for over $15 million in dead money. Currently, Miller suits up for the Washington Commanders, where he has already eclipsed every Bills player in sacks this season.
As a 36-year-old veteran, Miller is making his presence felt in Washington, ranking second on the team with 4.5 sacks—just 1.5 behind Dorance Armstrong. His performance raises eyebrows, especially when compared to the struggles of Buffalo’s current defense.
Miller’s Tenure with the Bills
Miller’s journey with the Bills began in 2022 when he inked a six-year, $120 million deal. However, injuries plagued his time in Buffalo, limiting him to 14 sacks over 36 games. While he did not register any sacks during the 2023 season, he bounced back last year with six. That performance, however, was not sufficient to secure his spot on the roster as the Bills opted to bring in Bosa instead.
Bosa, though currently tied for the team’s lead with two sacks, has had a more significant influence than numbers alone may suggest. His consistent edge presence has been crucial, and if he stays healthy, he could potentially match or exceed Miller’s output by the end of the season.
Questions for the Future
The Bills’ decision to part ways with Miller will undoubtedly be scrutinized if Bosa’s performance falters as the season progresses. General manager Brandon Beane, who believed he was enhancing the defensive front, faces heightened expectations as fans eagerly await the results of his decisions.
As the Bills navigate the remainder of their season, they find themselves not only evaluating the effectiveness of their current roster but also reflecting on the impact of a former player who continues to shine elsewhere. The question remains: will they find the answers they need to solidify their defense, or will the shadow of Miller’s success in Washington loom large over Buffalo?
