Miller managed to defy the odds by coming back from an ACL tear within nearly 10 months. However, despite his return to the field in October following the injury sustained on Thanksgiving Day the prior year, the Buffalo Bills’ edge rusher has not been able to perform at his previous level.
Since his comeback, Miller has played eight games but has struggled to make a significant impact on the team’s defense, which has been plagued by injuries. He has only managed to make two tackles and one quarterback hit during this season, frequently facing challenges in surpassing opposing linemen and putting pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback.
While the Bills have faced criticism for fielding Miller despite his struggles, Eric Washington, the team’s assistant head coach and defensive line coach, has stood by the 34-year-old player. He remains hopeful that Miller can turn things around and make valuable contributions to the team before the season concludes.
Von Miller’s ‘Mental Toughness’ Earns Praise
Washington dismissed criticism of the All-Pro edge rusher, saying Miller has demonstrated a lot of tenacity in returning to the field and striving to improve this season. Miller returned to the field as soon as he could, despite the fact that rehab for a ruptured ACL can take a year or more.
“I watch a motivated veteran laboring every day in circumstances with which none of us can empathize… “I see a veteran who has demonstrated a great deal of toughness, mental toughness, heart, leadership, and sacrifice,” Washington told SI.com. “Von didn’t wait until he was in an optimal position as far as what he’s used to doing.”
Despite Miller’s lack of notable contributions reflected in the statistics, Washington emphasized observing glimpses of the exceptional talent that earned Miller a substantial $120 million contract as an All-Pro player for the Bills.
Washington highlighted a recent instance where Miller executed a sharp inside spin move reminiscent of his performance against Kansas City a year ago, successfully pressuring the quarterback. Additionally, Miller displayed a strong stab outside rush, forcing the quarterback to release the ball quickly.
Washington acknowledged that these aspects might not be evident in the scores or highlight reels, but he viewed them as extremely positive signs of Miller’s returning prowess and potential impact on the field.
Insider Called on Bills to Bench Von Miller
While Washington remains supportive of Miller, criticism toward the player has been growing from sources outside the Bills organization. Sal Maiorana, a writer for the Democrat & Chronicle, has suggested that the Bills should contemplate benching Miller and allocating his playing time to younger edge rushers within the team.
Maiorana expressed his viewpoint multiple times, emphasizing that regardless of Miller’s positive attitude and desire to return to action, the player wasn’t adequately prepared for his comeback. He stated that Miller’s readiness was questionable when he debuted against the Jaguars in Week 5, and even after six subsequent games, there is clear-cut data indicating that Miller has not regained his form.
Nathan Dougherty, a sports reporter covering the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions for Heavy.com, is critical of Miller’s performance. Dougherty previously contributed to the Rochester Business Journal and served as an assistant editor for athletic trade magazines. Based in Rochester, New York, he holds a deep passion for football.
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