Jay-Z may have 99 problems, but so does Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller.
According to Pro Football Focus, over the last 20 games (the 2016 season and Weeks 1-4 of 2017) Miller has faced a total of 99 chip blocks – the most of any edge defender over that time period.
More unique data. The most chipped defenders in the NFL from last season and so far this year pic.twitter.com/cotg8IVoes
— PFF (@PFF) October 5, 2017
When seeing the stat on Twitter, Miller responded with a simple “No Fun ??♂️” reply.
No Fun 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/Fu553XAnfB
— Von Miller (@VonMiller) October 6, 2017
Despite being the NFL’s top target for chip blocks over the past 1.25 seasons, Miller has still amassed some impressive stats.
His 13.5 sacks in 2016 were second-best in the NFL even though he faced more chip blocks (79) than any other edge rusher in the league. No. 2 on the PFF list, Whitney Mercilus recorded just 7.5 sacks last season. Brandon Graham, who was third (56) had only 5.5.
Miller (20) trails Minnesota’s Everson Griffin (21) this season in chip blocks faced, but has still tallied 4.0 quarterback sacks. (Griffin has 5.0.)
When Miller isn’t getting the quarterback to the ground, he’s still effective in disrupting plays. His 29 QB hurries last year ranked sixth in the league, according to Sporting Charts.
Forcing Miller to evade an extra body is nothing new. In fact, Old Spice made light of the added challenges Miller faces in getting to the quarterback in one of their 2016 campaigns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkkwNzNCluI
Opposing teams haven’t resorted to tying Miller’s shoelaces or attacking him with bees quite yet, but if his productivity remains as high as it has through the past 20 games despite all the extra attention he receives, they may have no other choice.
The Broncos are off this week on a bye. They return to action on Sunday, Oct. 15 in a primetime matchup with the New York Giants at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Giants have allowed eight sacks an 19 QB hits through four games.