Bills' position group quickly backed up front office's savvy bet
Although Von Miller was eyeing a quick return after suffering a knee injury in Thanksgiving, the Buffalo Bills decided to play it safe and place him on Injured Reserve. "I'll be back in Week 14," Von Miller essentially said in his untiredly monitored show, The VonCast. "No, you won't," fired back the Bills' front office. […]
Although Von Miller was eyeing a quick return after suffering a knee injury in Thanksgiving, the Buffalo Bills decided to play it safe and place him on Injured Reserve.
"I'll be back in Week 14," Von Miller essentially said in his untiredly monitored show, The VonCast.
"No, you won't," fired back the Bills' front office.
It's obviously a tough blow for the Bills as they'll miss Miller for three more games (Thursday's game versus the New England Patriots counted as the first). But head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane are making a smart bet here.
They brought in Miller for the playoffs and they want him healthy in the playoffs. Period.
On Thursday's statement win over the Patriots, the Bills' edge rushers backed up the gamble.
Gregory Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa not only returned to the lineup from injury but were highly productive in pressuring the quarterback. Rousseau led the Bills with four QB pressures and Epenesa had three himself.
Boogie Basham and Shaq Lawson also stepped up with three QB pressures each only one week after failing to record one against the Detroit Lions. As a unit, the Bills' defensive ends combined for three QB hits on Mac Jones.
Now granted, Buffalo faced a banged-up offensive line that has had issues with protection all year long.
But it was a much-needed performance from a unit that will need to step up during Miller's absence with every game being as important as the Bills chase the AFC East title and even a first-round bye week.
Featured image via David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
