How Broncos Can Limit Von Miller in Bills Matchup on MNF

The Denver Broncos have a tough matchup ahead of them at the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Historically, the Broncos struggle on the East Coast and MNF.

When the Broncos go to the East Coast for MNF, they have a record of 4-16 dating back to 1970, with their last win coming in 1989. Making things worse, the referee crew is led by Bill Vinovich, with the Broncos holding a record of 3-8 in games he has officiated. Vinovich's most infamous game for Broncos fans was his first playoff game in 2012, when the Baltimore Ravens defeated them in Denver in the Divisional Round.

However, it all comes down to the players on the field and execution. While the Bills have suffered injuries on defense and haven't been playing up to their usual standards, they have dangerous pieces, including a capable pass rush with plenty of depth that can attack the Broncos' offense.

Even though he isn't a starter, Von Miller is the biggest threat against this Broncos team. The fact that this will be a revenge game for the veteran pass rusher only makes him more dangerous to Denver. Miller was a star, and Super Bowl MVP in Denver, and this is his first game against the team that drafted him since he was traded over two years ago.

Beyond Miller, the Bills have other talented pass rushers in A.J. Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, Shaq Lawson, and Ed Oliver working inside. Buffalo ranks fifth in sack percentage and eighth in sacks per game. There is pride in the Bills' ability to get after the quarterback, which was without Miller for most of the season.

Miller has played 103 snaps on defense over the last five games as he has still been working back from injury. 82 of those snaps have come against the right tackle, which we will get to in a minute, though every Broncos fan knows why that's a concern.

Over his 103 snaps, Miller only has four pressures, but he has shown signs of returning to form over the past few games. He seems poised for the type of breakout game that declares his full return from the injury, and what better time than a home game against his former team?

What happens next on the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second, sign up for our free newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

With Miller mainly playing against the right tackle, he will face off against Mike McGlinchey. These two players matched up once before, back in 2018, but they didn't face each other often. McGlinchey allowed one pressure that game, while Miller had seven total pressures.

However, McGlinchey has been a liability for the Broncos this year in pass protection, and he hasn't been helped by Russell Wilson's questionable pocket awareness and holding the ball too long.

Over eight games this season, McGlinchey has allowed 31 total pressures and five sacks. His career high of sacks allowed is six, while the most pressures he's relinquished in a season is 39. He has come close to matching his career highs in these categories through eight games. On top of the pressures, penalties have also been an issue this season.

Miller will stress that, and even when he isn't on the field, Epenesa, Oliver, and Rousseau will also be problems for the Broncos' right tackle. McGlinchey will be itching to jump with how they get after the quarterback, which could lead to multiple pre-snap penalties, especially on the road.

Miller is the labeled threat, but the Broncos have to be on their toes with all of Buffalo's pass rushers because of the liability McGlinchey has been to this offense. There are ways the Broncos can help him, and the easiest path is to sustain a strong run game.

Despite his issues in pass protection, McGlinchey has done well in the run game. That will also keep the Bills' pass rushers on their heels. The Broncos must get Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Samaje Perine going and keep them going.

The Broncos can't let the Bills' pass rush tee off on the quarterback, which means keeping the ball out of Wilson's hands. Doing that also means limiting McGlinchey's exposure in pass protection, which is the biggest issue for the Broncos' offense in this matchup.

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!