By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos are preparing to take on the New England Patriots this Sunday, looking to improve on their 1-3 record. Denver’s All-Pro linebacker Von Miller has missed the whole season dealing with a dislodged tendon in his left foot. He was expected to miss the entire year but could be back in time for the Broncos’ week 14 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Miller is the Broncos top sacking linebacker and might be the best in the NFL. Miller was drafted by the Broncos 2nd overall in the 2011 draft. He has posted 7 double digit sack seasons and is the Broncos career record holder with 106 sacks.
Denver was hoping Miller would improve on his game last year. It was going to be his second season in Head Coach Vic Fangio’s defense. He totaled 8 sacks which was the 2nd lowest in his career. Miller was expected to have an even bigger year. Of course, that dream ended when the injury took place on September 8th on a non-contact play in practice.
With Miller out, the Broncos haven’t had the success on defense they would like. When they try to blitz quarterbacks, offenses block the defenders. There have been times where the Broncos’ defense is close to sacking the quarterback but he throws it a second before they can take him down. Denver totaled 10 sacks to this point.
Miller thinks he can return this year. He is eyeing the Carolina Panthers. According to denverpost.com, Miller said, “I’m optimistic. I’ve been through the ACL surgery (in 2013) and this rehab is nothing like that rehab. I’m trying to stay in the present and stack days and when December comes around, see where I’m at. If I can play, I’m going to play. If it’s not healthy and it’s ridiculous to play, then I won’t play.”
It is understandable for Miller to have the desire to play. He knows he can help Denver on defense even if it is only for a few games. His presence on the field makes offensive lineman double or triple team him to not allow him to get to the quarterback. When this happens, other Broncos defensive lineman have a shot to take down the quarterback to change field position.
The problem is Denver may not be in a playoff race. They stand at 1-3. Who knows what their record will be when they play the Panthers in week 14. Denver will do what is best for the team at that point, but it could be to shut down Miller for the year if Denver doesn’t have a chance at the playoffs.
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