The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team unless specified by a direct quote.
It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time to open the mailbag and see what questions Washington Commanders fans want answered. We’re pretty light on questions this week, but the ones we did get are worth examining further. So, let’s get into it.
— @MrEd315: What, besides being a mentor, has Von Miller brought to the Commanders?
Let’s break this down, because I think Miller has actually brought a lot to the Commanders’ defense. I know the question is about what qualities he adds besides being a mentor, but I don’t believe we should simply write that off.
Miller’s resume speaks for itself, but there is tremendous value in having him on the roster to provide players like Javontae Jean-Baptiste and even veterans like Preston Smith and Dorance Armstrong with some insight on how to rush the passer. Washington’s coaches have spoken about how players perk up when Miller speaks because of the production he’s had over his career. Obviously, there is a benefit to being around a master of your craft, and if the rest of Washington’s defensive front can learn something from him, there are some long-term advantages to that as well.
Now, on to his production. Of course, Miller is not the player he was earlier in his career. Despite him being more athletically gifted than most at his position, he’s simply not as dominant as he was when he was in his 20s. Go figure.
However, Miller has proven this year that he can still provide some production value in the right role. He’s mostly been a pass-rush specialist, and in the last five games he is tied for the third most pressures on the team. He has a win rate of 15.4% on true pass sets — fourth among Washington’s defensive linemen — and is credited with three sacks, which is second only to Dorance Armstrong.
What’s more, Miller’s total pass-rush win rate, according to ESPN, is tied for 16th among all edge rushers. Are there players out there performing better? Sure, but none of them are as seasoned as Miller.
So, what does Miller brought to the Commanders besides being a mentor? Depth, experience and production. He isn’t playing perfectly, but he’s the second-best pass-rusher on the roster right now, and considering how many quality quarterbacks are on the schedule, the Commanders will need every ounce of his talent.