The Buffalo Bills were the Super Bowl favorites heading into the 2022 NFL season.
One key reason for that was the signing of edge rusher Von Miller.
While the Bills have been inconsistent at times this season, Miller has been a bright spot.
Unfortunately, Buffalo has lost Miller for the season due to a torn ACL.
Here are two reasons why Miller’s injury will hurt the Bills.
1. Lost Their Best Pass Rusher
For a Bills team that has been mediocre at sacking the quarterback this year, losing Miller is a big blow.
The 33-year-old pass rusher leads the Bills in sacks this season with eight.
No other player on their roster has more than five sacks.
A disappointing end for Von Miller’s first season in Buffalo, and a huge loss for one of the AFC’s Super Bowl favorites. Von Miller ranked top-10 in pass rush win rate, pressures and sacks this season. https://t.co/XeguQorNt4
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 7, 2022
Having to rush players like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow in a playoff game will be a problem without Miller.
That is why the Bills signed him in the first place, after losing to Mahomes in the AFC Divisional round last year.
Replacing Miller on this defense will be almost impossible.
So it will be pass-rusher-by-committee as they chase a Super Bowl title.
2. Super Bowl Experience
One of the spots where losing Miller will hurt the Bills cannot be found in a box score.
His playoff experience and ability to close out big games is rare.
Miller is one of the few defensive players to ever win Super Bowl MVP.
Big plays in big games.
That's what the @BuffaloBills just added in @VonMiller. 💪 pic.twitter.com/XpHOJxUhAf
— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2022
Despite having great teams the past two seasons, the Bills have struggled to close out games.
That was why they brought Miller in this offseason.
Replacing that experience on the field will be impossible for the Bills.
But at least Miller can still play a vital role in the locker room.
