What does Jay Gruden feel about the Von Miller signing?
The former Bengals offensive coordinator (2011-2013) and Redskins head coach (2014-2019) provided a brief summary of his perspective on why the Commanders would sign a 36-year-old veteran free agent.
“Well, it’s a good signing, a veteran guy who knows how to rush the passer,” began Gruden. “He’s not going to be much of a run-stopping guy in Coach Quinn’s defense. But they do need some juice on 3rd down and five yards plus, and he will give them that added spark.”
“You know, it’s a one-year deal, so you are not tied to him for a long time. You know, it’s a good thing. Because they had a good chance in OTAs to look at some of their young pass rushers, to see what they had, they probably realized, ‘hey, we need a little spark. We need one more guy who can come in on third down and provide a spark. Whether he makes the team or not is yet to be seen. But he would be a good addition for those types of situational games.”
Gruden was asked what the benefit is of having a player like Von Miller for some of your younger players, such as Javontae Jean Baptiste. “He knows how to rush the passer. A lot of what he accomplished in his prime was due to his athleticism. It is hard to teach athleticism, that speed, that ability to bend, his closing rate. He does have great hands, knows how to work against the tackle (offensive) in his techniques. If the tackle does over set, he (Miller) knows how to use his hands to get underneath him. If he short steps him, he can swipe him, and get around the tackle. A lot of different techniques he can use, but it was his athletic ability that made him Von Miller.”
Former Redskins HC Jay Gruden on what Von Miller gives the Commanders. (via @TheDentonDay) pic.twitter.com/BxdQWYHro1
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“He doesn’t quite have that same athletic ability anymore, but he is still an effective pass rusher, and that can help the younger guys work out something.”
In 2024, at the age of 35, he recorded six sacks and 32 quarterback pressures in just 279 defensive snaps for the Buffalo Bills. Za’Darius Smith in 2024 was one of two players over 31 to get 25 pressures or more. Some fans may recall that some keen pass rushers played fewer plays in their later years, yet still contributed to their teams. Dwight Freeney, Osi Umenyiora, and John Abraham come to mind.
Joe Gibbs’ great teams, at various times, also signed veteran pass rushers to supplement their younger rushers. Perhaps Commanders/Redskins fans will recall such players who fit this role, such as Jumpy Geathers, Tony McGee, Bruce Smith, Coy Bacon, Jimmie Jones, Renaldo Wynn, and Jason Buck.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Ex-Washington coach thinks Von Miller will help the Commanders