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Von Miller’s injury impact on Bills’ Super Bowl aspirations in 2022 and beyond

By Logan Lazarczyk

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Von Miller #40 of the Buffalo Bills rushes the passer during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Highmark Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Von Miller #40 of the Buffalo Bills rushes the passer during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Highmark Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Bills’ star pass rusher Von Miller underwent season-ending surgery on his torn ACL on Tuesday. The injury not only impacts this season obviously but potentially next season as well. This is something the Bills cannot afford, as they have made win-now moves, and this type of injury could affect the team beyond this season.

Signing a 33-year-old Miller to a six-year, $120 million deal signified that the Bills were pushing all of their chips in to win a Super Bowl this season. The deal says six years, but the contract is really a three-year deal since Buffalo can get out of the contract after the 2024 season.

Von Miller was key to the Buffalo Bills’ title chances

The Bills have regressed in recent weeks after a hot start, and Von Miller’s injury clearly does not help. Since week seven, Josh Allen has thrown eight touchdowns, seven interceptions, and has seen his passer rating drop 30 points. Buffalo’s defense has also been much more vulnerable compared to the first half of the season. From weeks 1-6, the Bills’ defense surrendered 81 points, an average of 13.5 points per game. From weeks 8-13, the Bills’ defense has given up 128 points, an average of 21.3 points per contest.

The reason I believe that this could be so devastating for the Bills moving forward is the fact that Von Miller is being paid to win these next couple of seasons. The pass rusher was supposed to be a major component in competing for a Super Bowl, but that will not be the case for at least this season.

A torn ACL at this point could cost Miller not just the rest of this season, but potentially a large portion of next season. First of all, Miller is 33 years old, and injuries generally do not heal as fast when you get older. Secondly, there is an example of a pass rusher who tore his ACL last season and still has not played a snap in 2022. That is Chase Young. The Commanders’ pass rusher tore his ACL on Nov. 14, 2021, which is one year and 10 days before Miller tore his ACL. As stated, Young has not played a snap this season, and he is also much younger than Miller.

This sample alone should be cause for concern when it comes to Miller’s healing process.

Not to mention that the surgery was originally planned to repair a meniscus. However, doctors found the torn ACL during surgery. 

There is a solid chance we do not see the future Hall-of-Famer in action until 2024. By that time, Miller will be 35 years old and might be nothing close to the player he is right now.

The Bills’ Super Bowl hopes do not solely depend on Von Miller’s health, but he was a major reason why this defense had so much success early on. Miller being out the rest of this season and possibly next season could be a major reason why the Bills do not hoist a Lombardi trophy.

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