Von Miller just hit the Cowboys practice field and within four team-drill snaps on Thursday, he was already making his presence felt big time. The veteran pass rusher, a bona fide future Hall of Famer, barely eased into a limited workload, yet he nearly bagged a sack after absolutely cooking tight end Luke Schoonmaker in a one-on-one matchup. On another snap, Miller showed his raw power, driving right tackle Nate Thomas backward right into the pocket. Yeah, this dude is still *that* guy.
The Legend Is Still Dealing
Miller’s impact is not just about bringing the heat on the quarterback, even though he’s one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. The Cowboys were straight-up struggling against the run last season, finishing with the league’s 10th-worst run defense. Adding a player who can contribute on every single down is a massive deal for them. This isn’t just a pass-rush specialist; this is an all-around menace who can shore up a huge weakness. Last season, even playing only 37% of defensive snaps, Miller still racked up nine sacks and 36 quarterback pressures. That kind of efficiency is insane, and it proves he’s still operating at an elite level, solidifying his Canton-worthy profile.
Dak Prescott’s Blunt Truth
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott already sees the ripple effect, telling everyone that Miller’s arrival will “elevate the entire roster.” And honestly, you believe him after seeing those first few practice reps. It turns out Miller and Prescott had a good chat earlier this offseason, and that interaction helped convince the veteran to sign with his hometown team. It’s not just about the on-field plays either; Miller is also expected to be a key mentor for the Cowboys’ younger edge defenders. This kind of veteran leadership and experience is invaluable for developing talent and building a championship-caliber culture.
The Cowboys are walking into the 2026 NFL season with high expectations, with many already eyeing them as legitimate playoff contenders. Miller’s signing just supercharged that outlook. You know what’s next for them: they need to take these early flashes and build on them as the season gets underway. This isn’t just a boost; it’s a statement.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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