Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL in part because of how quickly he reacts once the ball is snapped.
Miller was sidelined with an injury last year and his backup, Malik Reed, led the team with eight sacks. That’s a solid total for a fill-in edge defender, but Reed knows he can get even better.
“[I can improve on] being more consistent in something as simple as getting off consistently and getting off the ball,” Reed said on June 3. “That’s something that Von told me early on. He said, ‘That’s half the battle.’ Getting off the ball and getting on the tackle to where you have to make him think. When you’re later off the ball, he’s already back. It’s not many things you can do at that point.
“The more you attack and the more you’re able to get a jump on him, the more things will open up. Something as simple as making a consistent effort to get off the ball every play, [regardless of] being tired. It’s a focus. You wouldn’t think something as simple as that has led to so much success for Von. He definitely hones in on the get off and that’s something I definitely want to be more consistent in.”
Reed will return to rotational duties this fall if Bradley Chubb and Miller stay healthy. But if he gets off the ball quickly, Reed should be able to continue piling up sacks even if he gets limited snaps this fall.
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