If anyone had their doubts about Von Miller, he put those doubts behind him Thursday night.
In his first game with his new team, the Buffalo Bills, he put on an amazing performance.
While pundits said he was getting too old, Miller was out there proving he’s worth the money Buffalo gave him.
It was his performance, along with that of quarterback Josh Allen, that gave the Bills everything they needed to win.
But just how well did he play against his former team, the Los Angeles Rams?
Miller Dominated The Rams Offensive Line All Game
The Rams’ new offensive line had no answers against their former teammate.
In Thursday night’s game, Miller recorded four tackles and two sacks.
He was also a disruptive force that helped the team pressure Matthew Stafford.
A Von Miller sack once again disrupts a solid looking #Rams drive.
The big time signing already looking like a big time signing.
— The GOAT House (@GoatHouseNFL) September 9, 2022
Overall, the Bills defense had seven sacks that were in part thanks to Miller’s force on the field.
They also held the Rams to 243 total yards and ten points, a vast improvement over the already good Bills defense from 2021.
However, is the improvement all on Miller or is it just luck that helped the Bills defense?
He Is A Force, Even If He’s Not Recording Sacks
While the savvy veteran only got two sacks Thursday night, his presence helped the team record five additional sacks.
He takes eyes off the Bills other defenders, allowing them to strike their target.
With that Bills defense coming off a great 2021 season, Miller gives them the big name threat they need.
There was no great linebackers plays last night 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ it was the defensive line with Von Miller that created the havoc💯💯 it all starts upfront when they occupied all of the Oline which allowed the linebackers free to roam and make plays.
— RC (@redlake44) September 9, 2022
He creates the pressure other Bills players are now capitalizing on this season.
While some think the money he’s getting hinges on his success, it’s more about how he disrupts the offensive line.
Doing this makes him worth every penny he got in 2022 from Buffalo.
However, can he play out his entire contract in Buffalo?
Miller Is Too Old To Complete A Six-Year Deal
At 33 years old, Miller taking a six-year deal puts him at 39 when his contract expires.
For a defensive player, it’s a stretch to have him playing until he’s 39.
There might be some examples of people playing into their 40’s. However, the general trend for professional athletes is that 40 is old. NFL has a average retirement age of 27.6, NBL has 34, and tennis players usually retire before 30.
— Doug Rowe (@fam_rowe) August 11, 2022
Fans have to go back to 1979 to find a defensive lineman who played past 40 in the NFL.
With it being rare for NFL players to continue playing when in their upper 30s, it’s not likely he can make it to 39.
However, it didn’t stop him from making a commitment to play that long.
But even if he can’t make it to 39, the Bills can still use him in the present.
He clearly has enough in the tank this season and possibly for two more seasons.
This gives the Bills enough time to use his defensive prowess to reach the Super Bowl.
Reaching the Super Bowl was the main reason behind the Bills getting Miller when he became a free agent.
However, the reason he signed with the Bills comes from him wanting to win three Super Bowls while playing for three different teams.
With the way he played last night, that hope can easily become a reality this NFL season for Buffalo.
