When the Bills lost their gut-wrenching game with the Chiefs in last year’s playoffs, they knew they were missing a special ingredient. A pass rusher like, say, Von Miller, who could potentially keep Patrick Mahomes from driving a stake into their heart.
He lived up to that status of “missing puzzle piece” during Sunday’s rematch in Kansas City.
With Mahomes and the Chiefs getting the chance to once again break Buffalo’s heart in the final minute of an instant classic, someone had to make a play. Someone had to force Mahomes off his spot, out of his comfort zone, and into a place where he’d make a mistake that could win the game for the Bills. Because anything less, and the guy in the red No. 15 jersey was probably going to do “it” again.
Enter Miller, who split a double team on the first play of the possession to pressure Mahomes off his spot as the QB rushed a sidearm throw that Taron Johnson picked off:
"Taron Johnson with the THEFT!!!"
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/AFADsHLO0K
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 16, 2022
Oh, man. What a move. Miller’s overall performance, even with the game-ending play, was impressive, too (four tackles, two sacks, two tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback hits).
Here’s what the superstar edge rusher did to Mahomes on the final few possessions for the Chiefs:
Von Miller on Chiefs' last three possessions:
1. Created pressure, chased Mahomes down on 3rd down to force FG
2. Sacked Mahomes on 3rd down to force punt
3. Flushed Mahomes out of the pocket on GW INT
A one-man difference-maker on defense. Exactly what the Bills hoped for.
— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) October 16, 2022
Barring any unexpected circumstances over the next few months, Miller’s incredible performance might also help the Bills to eventual home-field advantage in the AFC. That’s something Buffalo hasn’t possessed since the Jim Kelly era. In the event of a potential rematch with the Chiefs in the playoffs, it probably happens in Western New York now.
The Bills can thank Miller for that.
NFL fans didn't let Miller's clutch performance against Mahomes and the Chiefs go unnoticed
Von Miller gets double-teamed, gets pressure anyway and helps cause the game-winning interception. One of the best closers ever
— Cliff Booth (@_JonathonK5) October 16, 2022
Von Miller creates the pressure on Patrick Mahomes as throws the game killing interception. This is a Super Bowl statement by the Bills!!#BillsMafia
— Tadi Abedje (@realTadiAbedje) October 16, 2022
Can Von Miller also get like a half interception for providing that pressure to force Mahomes to throw it horribly?
— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) October 16, 2022
Von Miller split the double team and cause the pressure on Mahomes to force the throw. Earning that 💰
— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) October 16, 2022
It is an absolute joy to watch Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen play quarterback in the NFL. I’m excited to do it for the next decade+.
However, that okay Von Miller made at the end was spectacular. What a player. There is a reason the Buffalo Bills wanted/needed him.
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) October 16, 2022
Von Miller casually splitting a double team to force the pressure on Mahomes
Can’t block this man 😤#NFLAggies pic.twitter.com/2bktthm6C0
— Tim England (@tengland_150) October 16, 2022
The Bills paid Von Miller all that money to make plays against Patrick Mahomes in moments like this.
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) October 16, 2022
Von Miller made Mahomes hesitate just enough.
— Anyaa (@blackzag05) October 16, 2022
