Von Miller's suspension leaves the door wide open for Bills' rookie to make a huge leap
Future Hall-of-Famer Von Miller was off to a great start to the season for the Buffalo Bills. Now fully healthy, he looked like he was returning to his elite form, getting three sacks through the first three weeks. He provided an ability to get pressure on obvious passing down, and it was working.Now, Miller has […]
Future Hall-of-Famer Von Miller was off to a great start to the season for the Buffalo Bills. Now fully healthy, he looked like he was returning to his elite form, getting three sacks through the first three weeks. He provided an ability to get pressure on obvious passing down, and it was working.
Now, Miller has been suspended for four weeks.
The suspension seems to stem from domestic abuse allegations from November of 2023.
The Bills need to take a look at their pass rush group and figure out where they go from here. Obviously Greg Rousseau continues to hold down a key spot on the defensive line, but the depth at pass rush will certainly be tested.
One name stands out as someone with a huge opportunity to fill Miller's role as a rotational pass rusher in obvious situations, and that's rookie Javon Solomon, an undersized edge with great athleticism and motor that I believe has a high ceiling as a sack artist.
In Week 3, Solomon got his first career sack on a beautiful move against starting linemen.
Solomon wasn't active for the first two games of the season, and was elevated to the roster before Week 3, seeing 20% of the defensive snaps. In Week 4's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, Solomon saw only 5% of the snaps. That largely is matchup based. Against a run-heavy offense, Solomon's smaller size could be a liability.
Going forward, Solomon has every opportunity to step into a larger role and kick the door down as a rookie. This weekend's matchup with the Houston Texans will be his first chance to potentially make a big impact. Getting to the quarterback against a lethal passing attack like Houston's will be of the highest priority.
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp.
