Von Miller‘s Commanders Tenure Reflects Pursuit of Championship, Amidst Team Struggles
LANDOVER, MD – Von Miller’s decision to sign with the Washington Commanders in March stemmed from a desire to contend for a championship, a goal increasingly challenged by the team’s mounting injury woes and defensive struggles. While Miller continues to contribute as a situational pass rusher, his arrival hasn’t instantly translated into the team success he envisioned.
Miller, 36, joined the Commanders after 10 seasons with the denver Broncos – where he holds the franchise record with 110.5 sacks – and a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills. Washington, lacking a consistent edge rusher, appeared to be a logical fit. however, the Commanders’ defensive line has been ravaged by injuries, losing Deatrich Wise jr.(quad), Dorance Armstrong (ACL), and Javontae Jean-Baptiste (pectoral) for the season.
The loss of Armstrong, who leads the team with 5.5 sacks despite missing the last four games, has been particularly impactful. According to Next Gen Stats, the Commanders blitz 6.1 percent more often when Armstrong is absent, yet their pressure rate drops by 12.2 percent and they allow 1.5 more yards per pass attempt.
Miller has largely fulfilled the role Washington anticipated: a focused pass rusher deployed on critical downs. Nearly 62 percent of his QB pressures and three of his five sacks this season have come on third downs. While not the explosive force he once was – his get-off time has diminished compared to last season in Buffalo – Miller is currently converting 23.8 percent of his pressures into sacks, his highest rate in seven years, per Next Gen Stats.
“He’s kind of a designated pass rusher and he’s still got it all in his body,” Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said recently. “he’s someone we’ve got to be aware of and make sure he’s not ruining the game, as he’s still got that ability.”
Miller is pursuing a place among the NFL’s all-time sack leaders. He currently has 134.5 career sacks, needing just 3.5 more to surpass Richard Dent and John Randle for 10th place, trailing former teammate DeMarcus Ware (138.5).
“He’ll problably say, ‘what took you so long?'” Miller joked about Ware, who reached the top 10 in 12 seasons. “I can’t just be 10. I gotta be like No. 6 to stay in there as you got guys getting five, six sacks a game.”
Despite the challenges in Washington,Miller remains committed to extending his career. He has stated his intention to play at least a 16th NFL season, focusing on maximizing his sack total and enjoying the present.
“At this stage, 15 years, there’s always something to play for,” Miller said. “I want to get as many sacks as possible. I’m playing now … I want to play next year, but I’m here in the present right now.” He added that facing his former team, the Denver Broncos, on Sunday Night Football would be a “special night.”
– Nick Kosmider contributed to this report.
