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Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK

Should The Bills Shut Down Von Miller?

Originally posted on Buffalo Fanatics | By Bryce Martino | Last updated 1/10/24

The Buffalo Bills, and their fanbase, were excited all off-season to finally get Von Miller back on the field and wreaking havoc. Unfortunately, much to the dismay of the fanbase, Miller didn’t recorded a single sack all season, despite playing in 12 games. During the season, Von only racked up three tackles and three QB hits.

He is in his second year of his six year/$120M contract he received in 2022. Before tearing his ACL last season, Von was doing his normal Von things, causing havoc for the opposing QBs. However, that may have been the last we saw of (good) Von Miller. And the Bills aren’t doing him any favors, either.

Von Miller still isn’t playing at 100%, and was even walking out of the tunnel for warmups with a noticeable limp. In week 17 against the New England Patriots, the Bills made Von Miller a healthy scratch, and it benefited the whole defense. They got three sacks on Bailey Zappe, and forced enough pressure to force errant throws, and turnovers.

However, this whole situation the Bills are creating, where they bench him one game and play him another, isn’t working out. Before the playoffs begin, the Bills are going to need to take a firm stance on Von Miller. If he’s not 100%, shut him down and give Kingsley Jonathan his snaps. But if he’s truly healthy, which he’s yet to show this year, let him play and stop toying with him.

#Bills need to make a firm decision on Von Miller. Either keep him active, or deactivate him for the playoffs.

Walked out of the tunnel for warmups with a noticeable limp yesterday, and continued to have 0 impact during the game. Pass rush had 1 sack and 3 QB hits too.
— Names Bryce (@BillsByBryce) January 8, 2024

Deactivate him

If the Bills do decide to deactivate him, it not only benefits the team, but also gives him the chance to get fully healthy without causing more setbacks. Time after time this season we’ve seen plays where Von pretty much takes himself out of plays by rushing up the field and letting the OT drive him away from the QB.

Looks gimpy on right leg (surgical side) . Was inactive last week after his snap count was at a season high the week prior. Wondering if it swelled up and couldn’t recover > production (as to why he missed last week) #BillsMafia @BfloFanatics https://t.co/EKIf0B1s6p
— Thigh Doctor (@ThighDoctor) January 7, 2024

As Buffalo Fanatics’ own Thigh Doctor pointed out here, Von was gimpy on his surgically repaired knee heading into Sunday’s game. If that’s the case, he isn’t doing anything to benefit the team by playing. Just let Kingsley Jonathan take his snap share, and put Von back on IR again.

Keep him active

Let’s look at this from both angles before I give my final thought here. By playing Von Miller, you’re letting your $120M pass rusher work through his issues on the field, and hope that he can have it resolved come playoff time. As Bills fans, you’re hoping he comes out onto the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers and says “SIKE” before taking over the game as vintage Von Miller would. For the Bills coaching staff and front office, it’s tough to give up on your prized free agent signing so soon. And Coach McDermott is probably trying to do everything he can to let Von work through his issues.

What should the Bills do?

This is Von’s second ACL tear in his career. And, at 34 years old, he’s probably not coming back to his old dominant self; especially not this season. With his knee flare ups, his lack of production on the field, and the fact Buffalo will need production in the playoffs, the Bills SHOULD shut down Von Miller.

This article first appeared on Buffalo Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.

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