The final regular-season game for the Buffalo Bills offered plenty of moments that highlighted camaraderie, achievement, and some lucrative incentives. One standout event was Von Miller’s remarkable sack against New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Initially, there was some confusion about who would officially be credited for the sack since Maye didn't hit the ground immediately. Ultimately, Miller was awarded the sack, resulting in a 9-yard loss during the first series of their Week 18 clash.
This moment carried significant personal and financial meaning for Miller. It marked his sixth sack of the season and unlocked a $1.5 million bonus. Earlier in the season, Miller had already earned a $1 million bonus by reaching two sacks. These incentives were part of the restructured contract he agreed to during the offseason, saving the Bills $8.645 million in cap space while allowing him opportunities to achieve these bonuses.
For Miller, 35, who ranks 16th on the all-time sacks leaderboard with 129.5, this milestone felt particularly rewarding. Reflecting on the play, he said, “I wasn’t even thinking about it, but my teammates kept saying, ‘Just get one, just get one.’ It was a good sack, especially early on; it took me three plays to get there. So, I’m very, very thankful and grateful for that.”
Excitingly, this sack came on just Miller’s second snap out of three total during the game. With the Bills already locked into the AFC’s No. 2 seed, the coaching staff limited the participation of starters and key players. The Patriots ultimately secured a 23-16 victory, but for the Bills, the day’s focus wasn’t on the scoreboard.
Head coach Sean McDermott shared his perspective on balancing the team’s health, the importance of individual achievements, and the bigger picture. “In particular, [reaching the sack incentive] was great because I think it was the first third down and third play of the game,” McDermott said. “It made it a lot easier on me, even though we left him out there for just a little bit more of a check-and-see.”
Miller’s performance and his journey this season have been noteworthy. Despite missing four games due to a suspension stemming from allegations of assault—a case later closed with no charges filed—Miller has remained focused on contributing to the team. As he emphasized, “We got bigger fish to fry. It’s all about these weeks coming up.”
The game was also significant for other players reaching key milestones and incentives. Punter Sam Martin showcased precision when he nailed his 25th punt of the season inside the 20-yard line, earning him a $100,000 bonus. This achievement came after a punt from the Patriots' 35-yard line, with defensive back Ja’Marcus Ingram ensuring the ball stayed out of the end zone. Interestingly, Ingram was unaware of Martin’s incentive before the play but joked afterward, “Martin is going to take me out to dinner. I eat a lot, so I’m looking forward to that dinner.”
Coach McDermott also praised Martin’s effort. “Feel good for Sam. You like to be able to kick a field goal there, but it felt outside of Tyler Bass’ line at that point. We felt better about going in the other direction,” he explained.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins hit a notable benchmark as well, snagging two receptions to reach 30 for the season and secure a $50,000 bonus. Meanwhile, running back James Cook capped off his incredible year by surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and tying the legendary O.J. Simpson for the most rushing touchdowns in a season in Bills history with 16. Cook’s accomplishment added another layer of celebration to the day.
These moments underscore the supportive environment within the Bills’ locker room. As Martin put it, “[Caring about players reaching goals] shows what kind of locker room we have. We all want each other to win, and so it’s fun, everyone rooting for each other.”
It’s a sentiment echoed throughout the team—a blend of personal milestones and collective spirit. While the Bills head into the playoffs, the players’ unity and mutual encouragement stand out as defining characteristics of their season. Whether it’s Miller’s milestone sack, Cook’s record-breaking runs, or Martin’s pinpoint punts, these achievements highlight not only individual excellence but a shared dedication to success.
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