Gutsy Rams pull off key Divisional win in Arizona
Los Angeles are right in the NFC West race now.
It was a win the Rams wanted and one which they most certainly needed.
After a trying month — mixed in with a covid crisis — Los Angeles were considerable outsiders heading to the desert. Laying in wait was an Arizona team who had the league’s best record heading into Week 13, now they have slipped to the #3 seed in the NFC after a crushing 27-20 loss.
To their credit, the Rams deserved every bit of their ninth win of the season. Without All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey and tight end Tyler Higbee among others, L.A. showed character previously unseen.
Despite the initial hype, Sean McVay and co. had been criticised for the addition of star talents Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr, with both failing to adapt quickly. Admittedly Beckham showed signs of improvement last week and took it up a notch on Monday night, exploding for 77 yards on 6 receptions. The former Giant also scored the opening touchdown of the game, capping it off with a hilarious celebration.
Miller stood out too, constantly pressuring Kyler Murray while stifling the Cardinals’ run game on occasion. The former Bronco may not be posting the statistics he was famed for in Denver but it’s undeniable he is slowing getting in the groove and provides a huge help to his fellow rushers Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd.
Critically, the Super Bowl 50 MVP made a stop of fourth down with five minutes left in the ball game which gave Los Angeles a chance to ice the game. These are the plays he was brought in to make. Big plays in crucial moments, that’s all the Rams need from Von Miller moving forward.
Rams head coach Sean McVay credited his team’s fortitude amidst the adversity both on and off the field. "This was the sign of a mentally-tough team,” McVay told reporters postgame. “I just can’t say enough about the guys’ ability not to flinch.”
Beckham was equally pleased with the team, but also his own performance. "It just felt like the complete game that I've been talking about," he said. "I told you there was a little more on this game for me, lost to Arizona earlier in the year, didn't sit well with me, so it was a much-needed win tonight."
Justin Simmons Delivers Statement After Offensive Implosion
The All-Pro stood up when it matters most despite Denver’s offense doing its best to mess things up.
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons showed his star status when it mattered most in his team's crucial 17-10 win over Washington in Week 8.
The Broncos' All-Pro took home two interceptions as Ed Donatell's defense propelled Denver to their first victory in five weeks. In a scrappy contest, the AFC West team prevailed over the Football Team in part to Simmons' dominant performance.
The former Boston College product made arguably the game-winning play with 49 seconds remaining, picking off a Taylor Heinicke pass destined for Terry McLaurin in the end zone.
Sparing the Offense's Blushes
Although Denver's offense did its best to give the game away, Simmons' unit held out thanks to strong secondary play and a fierce pass rush. Despite justification for it, there was no fury or self-pity after the offense lost a late fumble, forcing the defense to make one final stop.
"Obviously you expect the game to be over, but stuff happens," Simmons told reporters postgame. "What are you going to do? Go out there and say, 'We’re not supposed to be out here?' You automatically are setting yourself up for failure. That’s the type of stuff I felt as a defense, I was really proud of the way that we kind of answered the bell. Guys got back out there and there were no long faces.
"Obviously upset you had to, but no long faces, no thinking we couldn’t do it. But hey, you guys want to go win the football game, it’s on us. As the defense, go out there and win it. And I was just proud of our guys. Our rush did a heck of a job. I thought our coverage was solid, a few mishaps but we’ll get those cleaned up.”
Simmons Praises Denver's Defensive Front 7
Simmons was effusive in his praise of Denver's front seven who were missing its two franchise faces, in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. In their place, Dre'Mont Jones and Malik Reed performed in a vein you'd expect of the more experienced duo -- combining for 3.5 sacks. Thanks to Reed's sack in the game's final seconds, Washington's task was inevitably insurmountable.
“I just want to start by saying I think our front seven did a heck of a job today," Simmons said. "Obviously in the rushing game, like in sacks, but also in the run defense, and some things that spilled over. I thought our linebackers did great too. [ILB] Kenny [Young] getting in there, [ILB] Baron [Browning] getting in there.
"There are a few things communication-wise that weren’t perfect, but I just wanted to make sure I got up here, and I’m sure there’s going to be a question about it, but give them the credit that they deserve because I thought they played a heck of a game today."
Simmons isn't getting ahead of himself after the win. There are no bold proclamations, nor comparisons to greats of yesteryear. Rather, an urgency, an unbridled desire to carry this winning mentality forward into Dallas and beyond.
"By no means was it perfect," Simmons admitted. "They had some good drives down the field. When it came down to get down there and hold them to a field goal and [DE] Shelby [Harris] and ‘Dre’ (DE Dre’Mont Jones) had two big field goal blocks, that obviously helped us. There was a lot of good stuff there and that’s the type of stuff we’ll have to build on and continue getting better at.”
Make no mistake, at 4-4, Denver's season is well and truly alive.
Von Miller's Heartbreaking Goodbye to Broncos Country After Rams Trade
No.58 said his farewells at the Broncos facility in very emotional scenes at Englewood.
The unthinkable is here. The Denver Broncos all-time sack leader Von Miller will no longer be in an orange and blue uniform.
ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news of Miller's departure in a trade which shook the NFL world. The Broncos' receive a second and third round pick in the 2022 draft in exchange for the Super Bowl 50 MVP, who will now play for the Los Angeles Rams. The seven-time All-Pro's move to California stunned Broncos Country, and it seems Miller himself was still numb to the news.
Miller: I Wanted to Be a Bronco For Life
Miller was stopped by Denver7 reporter Troy Renck on his way out of the Broncos' facility in Englewood, evidently still reeling from the career-altering trade.
“Yeah, you know it was surprising," Miller said. "I love the Denver Broncos. Everything is still new and it’s hard to really put the emotions into words. This is all I know, this is all I ever knew playing pro sports here with the Denver Broncos. You know, I’ve been here through the ups and downs, it’s always tough whenever you leave though but I love all my fans, I love Broncos Country. When I said Broncos for life, I meant that and it’ll be on my heart.
"It’s an honor and privilege to play here, Jon Elway picked me and it was life changing. Ever since then been able to play with Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware, Champ Bailey, Bryan Dawkins, Tim Tebow, all of these guys, man, It’s an honor and a privilege and it’s still hard to put it into words, it’s still kind of raw. Thank you, thank everybody, [now] off to LA.”
Miller said his goodbyes to teammates, staff and coaches after George Paton informed him of a trade to the Rams this morning. The 32-year-old admitted it was incredibly difficult to separate from his football family.
“Its tough, it’s still hard," he said. "You can’t really put it into words, somebody told me once ‘If you wanna make God laugh then make plans.’ You just gotta keep going, take it one day at a time. I’ve got a beautiful baby boy and had a lot of beautiful years here, a lot of great memories here, a lot of great teammates, a lot of great coaches, a lot of great fans. I’ll never forget all of those people, 100%.
Miller Surprised By Trade
Despite some suggestion Miller may have wanted out from the mediocrity in Denver, that simply isn't true.
“No I wasn’t [my idea]. It was a surprise. You see the stuff in the media every year for the last four years but you never know. This team, they are going to start winning soon, they’ve got a lot of great players, lot of great coaches here, the staff is amazing. I wanted to be a part of it to fix it, but you just gotta keep moving.
As for his legacy with the Broncos, he and the fans will perpetually hold his dominant Super Bowl performance in their minds. That, along with 11 incredible years, will see him enter the ring of honor alongside his favorite quarterback, Peyton Manning.
“I’ll always have Super Bowl 50," Miller said. "You know, seeing the pictures when I was walking out, it just made me tear up but we’ve always got Super Bowl 50, always got Broncos Country.
Miller hopes his career in Denver will be honored like Manning when the time is right. “100% that’s what it all about, for sure."
Vic Fangio reveals Teddy Bridgewater’s Status For Pittsburgh Clash
The Broncos’ head coach kept things interesting ahead of Sunday.
The Denver Broncos are on the comeback trail, looking to redeem themselves in Pittsburgh after an energy-zapping loss to AFC rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.
Broncos Country are sweating on the health of starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who exited the ballgame at half during the Week 4 loss at home to Lamar Jackson and co. The former Saints signal-caller has since entered the NFL's concussion protocol and remains an even chance to participate in practice later this week.
Teddy Closing in on Return to Practice
Denver head coach Vic Fangio updated local media on his star quarterback's progress, revealing No.5 would not practice Wednesday. Though he was able to move around and complete other means of physical activity.
"He’s getting better," Fangio said during his October 6 press conference. "He was able to lift today with the group and attend meetings.”
Fangio admitted it was "possible" Bridgewater could participate, albeit in a limited capacity, during Thursday's practice. He remained typically tight-lipped otherwise, and it is a possibility that Bridgewater remains on the sidelines.
The 28-year-old quarterback didn't participate in film study or meetings on Monday but in a welcomed sign, was back engaging in those activities with teammates on Wednesday.
There's no doubt Bridgewater is making strides toward a full return yet the Broncos have a contingency plan there in case. His name is Drew Lock.
Lock and Loaded
The one-time starter turned backup quarterback has taken first-team reps in both practices in the lead up to the Week 5 clash at Pittsburgh. Coach Fangio shed some light on why Lock struggled at home to the Ravens, and just how difficult it can be to adjust from sidekick to starter.
“It’s difficult in that he doesn’t get the reps when you’re thrown in there cold, but I still think his below-average play was just a part of our whole offense that day," Fangio said. "We just weren’t very good offensively last Sunday.”
After a week of practice firmly in the driver's seat, Lock and Broncos Country should be confident of a return to his preseason form. Fangio has no doubts it is possible.
“He views himself — and I view him — as a starting quarterback in the NFL," Fangio said. "He doesn’t view himself as a career backup but he’s doing good in his role right now.”
It must have been difficult for Lock to accept and transition from being the face of the franchise, alongside Von Miller, to a backup for the first time in his life. In spite of the setback, Lock has adjusted well according to his coach.
“He’s dealt with it very well," Fangio told reporters. "I don’t say that to mean he’s accepted it and thinks he’s a backup. That’s not it at all. He just has a lot of respect for Teddy — what Teddy has done for him personally and what Teddy has done for the team. He’s all on board.”
Von Miller Explains Why He Can’t Hate Tom Brady
Despite their on-field battles, Miller has deep respect for the man widely considered the greatest of all time.
The Denver Broncos franchise pass rusher Von Miller has seen and done it all. Fresh off his fourth AFC Defensive Player of the Month title, the 32-year-old was in a reflective mood, speaking in-depth about some of the greatest quarterbacks of his time.
With Tom Brady heading back home to Foxboro in a Sunday Night Football game for the ages, Miller revealed to Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd his experiences on and off the gridiron with whom many consider the G.O.A.T.
Miller: Brady Is 'Such a Great Guy'
“He just has just such a handle on what’s going on and what’s about to happen," Miller said on the Colin Cowherd Podcast, September 29. "It’s kind of like he can predict what’s about to happen from the quarterback position, he can kind of predict where wide receivers are going, what coverages is about to happen and once you really learn [about] Tom Brady, he puts so much work in.
"Throughout my career, I’ve been able to play against Tom Brady but I’ve been able to get to know him off the field as well. There’s really no reason to not like Tom Brady other than he wins football games. He does everything right, he’s such a role model, he’s such a great guy."
Miller himself has been a role model for the Broncos ever since his Super Bowl 50 heroics, toppling Cam Newton and the vaunted Carolina offense of 2015. Despite starting his season off in stellar fashion with eight tackles, four sacks and six tackles-for-loss, Miller remains full of praise for his entire team. “This offensive line is the best since I’ve been with the Denver Broncos," Miller told Cowherd.
No. 58 cited the lack of weapons available to current Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater when he was in Carolina as a major factor for his uninspiring record with the Panthers. Now, the former Louisville signal-caller has a loaded arsenal to call upon in the pass and run game, which in Miller's belief, is why the Broncos are where they are after three weeks.
"When you give Teddy a team like [ours], things like this happen, we played three teams that haven’t been winning a lot but I feel like the way we beat them is the way that good teams should play teams like that," Miller told Cowherd.
"We got a real test coming this week, we’ve got a playoff team coming up this week. We’re playing a playoff game in September! That’s been the vibe around here. To get where we’re going we gotta go through the Baltimore Ravens."
Patrick Mahomes & Lamar Jackson Are Incomparable
Another fearsome AFC quarterback Miller knows well is Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes. Miller noted there was an instant awareness Kansas City's No. 15 was completely different to anything he'd ever seen.
“Patrick Mahomes he was just fearless," Miller said, recounting his memories of then-rookie Mahomes. "He just got it, he was just confident. You face other rookie quarterbacks, they’re struggling with their reads, they’re scrambling out of the pocket, struggling trying to push the ball downfield.
"When I really think about it, young guys with success, Patrick Mahomes there’s not been a young guy that had the type of success like Patrick Mahomes. Right off the bat, nobody’s like Patrick Mahomes. Lamar Jackson right off the bat, he was athletic, he did wonderful things but true quarterback nobody’s done it like Patrick Mahomes right off the bat in my eleven year career.
"Lamar Jackson, he does a lot of things well, he can throw the ball, he can run the ball, he can create separation, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime player just like Patrick Mahomes. But they’re two totally different players, you can’t compare Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, they’re just two elite players."
Miller and the stout Broncos' defense will face their first elite quarterback when Jackson rolls into Mile High on Sunday. If they are the team Miller and many others believe they are, Denver will come out victorious.
Von Miller Hails Broncos’ GM George Paton For ‘Incredible job’
Denver’s veteran pass rusher likes what he sees from his new GM.
Von Miller is back, the New York Giants found out the hard way. Next, Jacksonville found themselves added to the list in Week 2. The Denver Broncos' franchise player doesn't plan on stopping either.
Amidst inclement weather, Miller collected his third sack of the season in addition to three tackles for loss, three solo tackles, three combined tackles and you guessed it, three quarterback hits.
The Sack Master and his defensive unit stifled Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence despite the rookie's promising start to the Week 2 matchup. The Broncos allowed 83 yards of offense and a touchdown on the opening drive before putting on the clamps.
The Jags were restricted to 106 yards of total offense, and importantly zero points, for the rest of the game. Lawrence, who started promisingly, was 9 of 25 for 45 yards and two interceptions, following the opening drive. So how did the Denver defense change the game so dramatically? Who better than Von Miller to let us know.
"You know how it is in the NFL, it’s just—those guys are a great team, really," Miller said on September 19, via Broncos.com. "They're full of talent. [They’re] going to make plays, we've just got to respond. We've got to respond and push through adversity and that's what we did.
It wasn't pretty at times in The Sunshine State but it's often less about the performance and more about the result. For the first time since 2018, Denver has won its opening two games of the season -- the 18th in Broncos' history.
"I know we’ve got a tough squad in there," Miller said. "We got some tough, hard-nosed coaches. And I think it really bleeds out on our team and the personnel that we have. And we just keep on fighting, we just keep on fighting no matter what adversity that we're presented with."
Teddy Bridgewater was anointed the leader of the Broncos offense by head coach Vic Fangio and general manager George Paton. A fortnight into the season and he is now well and truly the locker room commander. Miller attributed the Broncos' never-say-die attitude to Bridgewater and his calmness under pressure.
"We're following Teddy, he's our leader" Miller said. "You all are watching the same game that we watch. You see the poise; he really doesn't get flustered. He's always aware of the situation, he's always aware of what he needs to do and he does it."
Despite the offense flourishing there are concerns surrounding Denver's defense with injuries to Bradley Chubb, Josey Jewell and Ronald Darby testing their depth significantly. Though the Broncos have shown, even this early in the season, they are more than capable of covering the void. Denver's all-time sack leader believes there's one man to thank for it.
"George Paton has done an incredible job of building this roster up," Miller said post-game. "Every single player we've got on the team has a purpose and they have George Paton's touch on it. It's always good to have corners. Pat Surtain II had his first start today. His first start, [he] had an interception. It was a great day. George has been doing a great job of building this team up and it showed what type of depth that we have."
Miller is known for his tendency to praise the Broncos year in and year out despite how bleak the team looks, but this time he's not get carried away. It seems he and the entire Denver squad mean business. One thing is for sure, he's not interested whether this is or isn't the best team since the Super Bowl 50 champions.
"Just getting behind comments like that and starting to believe stuff like that, it's going to take us out of our rhythm," Miller explained. "We've been fighting hard to get to this point. We've been fighting hard. We’ve overcame so many losing situations. I don't remember the last time we’ve been 2-0. We just want to keep pushing.
"It's not really about who we're playing against, it’s not really about what type of game. We started out 7-3 starting the game, and we just kept pushing. You could see the fight in all the guys. You could see the fight in all the coaches. They continue to be aggressive and calling all types of plays, and we just kept fighting. It's a different team for sure. I've been saying that since OTAs. It's a very different team."
Pat Mcafee thinks the Broncos can be a f****** team
Dominating the New York Giants in Week 1 brought Denver acclaim from fans and media alike.
The Denver Broncos are on the rise. After a noisy offseason the team from Englewood responded in a big way. Dominating the Giants in Week 1 brought the Broncos acclaim from fans and media alike.
There aren't many bigger names in the NFL media space right now than former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee. The two-time All-Pro was thoroughly impressed by Teddy Bridgewater and the Broncos' display in the Meadowlands. Reacting to Von Miller's comments comparing his feelings under Bridgewater being similar to when Peyton Manning was in Denver, McAfee too showered Bridgewater with praise.
“Teddy, all he did was win with New Orleans, when he was in Minnesota he was going into the MVP conversation then the devastating injury happened, he bounced around," Mcafee said during his eponymously-titled show on September 16.
"[He] was undefeated in New Orleans and we saw what Jameis did [with] one year behind Drew Brees, Teddy was behind Drew for two years I think. So the thought of Teddy leading a team, that we were told ‘Hey, all they need is a quarterback.' That’s why the Aaron Rodgers conversation was so hot. If Teddy can play good football, that’s a great team."
McAfee, nor Broncos Country, are under any illusions as to how difficult climbing back to the playoffs may be for Denver particularly given the strength of the AFC West and one team in particular.
"Now, will they have enough to be able to withstand the inevitable Kansas City Chiefs flip of the switch…I guess that’s TBD," McAfee said.
"But they’ve got some studs on that team over there. Maybe that Denver Broncos team is everything that everybody was saying about them this offseason, like hey that’s a f****** team."
McAfee isn't the only one feeling good about the Broncos' prospects moving forward. The typically positive Von Miller revealed he actually didn't intend nor want his Bridgewater and Manning comparison to see light in the public domain.
“I kind of forgot that I was mic’d up. I don’t like putting stuff out there. That was a moment for me and Teddy, but it’s out there," Miller said on September 16, via Broncos.com.
"I don’t want anybody to feel a certain way because I told Teddy that. I told Teddy the truth. He definitely has this this vibe about him that guys want to play for. Guys believe in Teddy. He’s a veteran in this league. He’s sat behind [former Saints QB] Drew Brees. He was on track to win MVP with the Minnesota Vikings, so he knows how to do it. He carries himself in a way that people want to play for him, and people believe in him."
One of Bridgewater's defining plays from his Broncos bow included a crucial fourth down conversion after freezing a defender before finding tight end Albert Okwuegbunam for the touchdown.
"It was a fourth down in the game where he kind of like stuttered and stiffed armed a guy and threw it to ‘Albert O’," Miller said. "That’s just heart. Nobody can draw it up. No coach on our coaching staff or in the NFL can teach you how to do that. Teddy had to fight to go out there and win for the football team.
"Some of the things that he says and some of the things he tells everybody before games—me personally, I just believe that and I’m a hard guy to just believe everything that everybody says. You can definitely feel it with Teddy. I told Teddy—I think that was towards the end of the game. I saw him, and I just told him I’m a firm believer in giving people their flowers while they are still here. Teddy, he definitely deserves the love, for sure.”
Bridgewater will be getting more than flowers if he can reproduce Week 1's performance at Jacksonville on September 19.
Von Miller compares himself, teammate to Kobe & Shaq
The eight-time All-Pro compared the mindset of he and Dremont Jones' to that of a legendary NBA duo.
Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio is sweating on the health of key players as his team prepares for a Week 2 encounter at Jacksonville.
No different to yesterday, guard Graham Glasgow did not practice due to illness and seems more than likely to be an out. There are concerns on the other side of the ball too. Stud outside linebacker Bradley Chubb was again limited in practice, so too were defensive linemen Shamar Stephen and Shelby Harris.
Fangio commented on Chubb's movement in yesterday's practice before revealing how likely he is to be playing at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday, September 19.
"He came out good," Fangio said on September 16, via Broncos.com. "I’d say he got about somewhere between 12 and 15 plays. He did the individual work. Hope to do a little more with him today and see where he’s at.
“I think last week this time I was still optimistic, but I think about the same.”
Fangio would be right to be equally hopeful about the Broncos' defensive ability without Chubb. In a suffocating Week 1 performance, Denver's front showed the value of youth and experience. Dre'Mont Jones proved a worthy colleague of the vaunted Von Miller who dominated the line of scrimmage, earning praise from his head coach.
“He had several good rushes that didn’t result in a sack," Fangio said. "I think he consistently rushed good the entire game for the most part. That’s good to see.”
Defensive end Dre'Mont Jones echoed his coach's sentiment during his time at the podium. “It was good to have Von Miller back," Jones said via Broncos.com. "I love having Von. It’s always amazing to have a Hall of Famer play right next to you. It’s a gift and a curse because the first sack he got this year, he stole it from me (laughs). It’s all good though.”
Miller later responded to the assertion he stole a sack right from Jones' clutches.
“It’s just one of those things—you don’t want to stress and strain a friendship.," Miller said with a laugh, via Broncos.com. "You don’t want to strain the friendship with sacks. Dre’Mont—I need him, so I want him to get sacks. I want him to get sacks, I want him to be happy in there. I want to get sacks. I want to be happy as well."
Miller admitted he has been beaten to sacks many times throughout his career and felt equally frustrated to be so close yet so far. The eight-time All-Pro understands there's a need to be somewhat selfish in order to be great before comparing the mindset of he and Jones' mindset to that of a legendary NBA duo.
"You can tell right after the play [when] everybody is supposed to be celebrating—you see Dre’Mont just looking at me [saying] ‘dang’ and walks off," Miller told reporters.
"I totally understand that. I have games and I have stuff that’s called to help get Dre’Mont free as well. It’s just like basketball—the big man, he has to eat. Kobe [Bryant] and ‘Shaq’ (Shaquille O’Neal)—Shaq is not going to be happy if he’s not scoring points. Kobe is not going to be happy unless he’s scoring points as well.
"We’re already developing a relationship where we both can eat, and I feel confident. I believe that we both can be able to get sacks, and we both can do things to make this team win and get sacks and do all the wonderful things that we do.”
Broncos Country will be living heaven on earth if Miller's trophy case can compare to Bryant and O'Neal's in the coming seasons.
Jerry Jeudy’s injury revealed after being carted off
James Bradberry's body landed on Jeudy's ankle causing the sophomore receiver to writhe in pain on the Meadowlands turf.
Denver's star receiver Jerry Jeudy suffered a high ankle sprain after being carted off with a gruesome lower leg injury during the Broncos' opening-day win at New York.
Jeudy had an X-ray on his lower leg which returned negative according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. Pelissero said Jeudy suffered a high-ankle sprain, and crucially not a broken ankle which had been feared.
Jeudy's leg got caught underneath Giants' cornerback James Bradberry’s body as he caught a pass during the third quarter. Bradberry's body landed on Jeudy's ankle causing the sophomore receiver to writhe in pain on the Meadowlands turf.
Despite the heavy collision, Jeudy somehow managed to hang on to the ball -- initially ruled a fumble -- for a 20-yard catch to the New York 15. Jeudy was eventually carted off on the field with his head in his hands. Not long after, he was officially ruled out for the game.
The Broncos' managed to score a touchdown four plays after the Jeudy injury as quarterback Teddy Bridgewater found tight end Albert Okwuegbunam to put Denver up 17-7. The former Alabama receiver amassed the most receiving yards -- 6 receptions for 72 yards -- despite exiting the game with 8:33 left in the third.
There's no timeline on Jeudy's return to the field but former Bengals star Chad Johnson told Twitter he could have No. 10 "ready for the next game easily."
Head coach Vic Fangio would've been forgiven for indulging in the Green Day Classic Wake Me Up When September Ends, after his team had an 0-7 record in the NFL's opening month.
Fangio's decision to go for it and convert three of three fourth down attempts were critical in ensuring September started off right.
"It definitely was big," Fangio told reporters post-game. "That would've been the story all week, now you guys gotta throw away those stories and write a new one!"
Fangio may never want it to end after his team's dominant 27-13 victory over the Giants. The much-maligned quarterback Teddy Bridgewater executed superbly in a surgical offensive performance, going 28/36 for 264 yards, two touchdowns and critically zero interceptions.
The running game held its own with rookie Javonte Williams rushing 14 times for 45 yards, while Melvin Gordon's 70-yard fourth quarter touchdown took him 101 yards off 11 carries. Denver’s defense lived up to the hype, holding New York to just 60 rushing yards, 50% conversion on third down and one-for-three on fourth.
Von Miller returned to the field in captivating fashion, playing his first game since Week 17, 2019. The eight-time All-Pro had two sacks, two quarterback hits and three tackles-for-loss. All of it came without star pass rusher Bradley Chubb who was inactive with an ankle injury. Fangio provided an update on his status moving forward.
"Early in the week I thought he was going to play, everybody did, but then his ankle never really improved much during the week," Fangio said. "So hopefully he'll be back here sometime soon but we'll see."
Miller, Teddy Bridgewater and first-year General Manager George Paton were given the game balls in Denver's first September victory under Vic Fangio.
Von Miller is all the way back to his prime
The Minnesota Vikings, during joint practices, got a taste of what's coming to the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12. If they’re to be believed, Miller is back in a big way.
Von Miller is back for the Denver Broncos in a big way. Not since the Las Vegas Raiders came to Mile High on January 3, 2021 has the Super Bowl 50 MVP taken the field in an official game.
To say it would be a long time coming would be an understatement. Miller though is back with a vengeance. The Minnesota Vikings, during joint practices, got a taste of what's coming to the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12.
Former Bronco turned NFL analyst Mark Schlereth revealed the reaction of Vikings' coaches to Miller's performances against the Minnesota offensive line in the preseason.
“The best thing I can say about Von Miller is he looks like Von Miller," Schlereth told the Broncos website.
"I talked to some coaches from Minnesota who were like ‘Dude that looks like Von Miller of 2015.’ That’s how good Von Miller looks right now and he was wreaking havoc."
Miller's first game since the Raiders victory was a Mile High return against Sean McVay's Los Angeles Rams on August 12. "I thought he played well in the preseason game against the Rams, he was good against the run," Schlereth said.
"I mean he can hold the point, he can be strong, he’s so shifty and he's like freaking, what was the cartoon on Gumby, dammit? He’s almost like The Matrix where his dip and ability to turn the corner, and his almost gelatinous feel to where you can never really get your hands on him. [It] makes him impossible at times to block."
Miller's elusiveness should be even more pronounced against a New York offense line ranked last in all of pro football, according to PFF.
"That should be a great matchup now [for Von]. You look at the Giants, they’ve got Peart out there, they’ve also got the former CU Buff [Nate Solder] and neither of those guys can handle Von Miller. I mean, from what I’ve watched in the preseason games, those guys don’t have a chance to handle Von Miller."
Miller himself spoke to Denver media on September 9, revealing he's not exactly 2015 Von or any former iteration of the Broncos' all-time sack leader.
“I think it’s a different Von," Miller said. "I think the way I attacked it, it was some good and bad that came with it.
"Last year, I just kind of put the pedal to the metal and just grinded it. I just used so many different things for fuel last year and I don’t think it was healthy for me. I just grinded — I had two-a-days, I had three-a-days. I really just hit the weight room. If I wasn’t in a weight room, I was on a track and I would go do football drills. I kind of just — I wouldn’t say I wore myself down into the ground, but I kind of put a lot of wear and tear on my body, and when it was time to go for the season, I had a freak, season-ending injury. I just took some of the positive things that I had from last season, like my work ethic and my mindset, and I just applied it to this year.
"I took a step back from grinding so hard and I put more emphasis on rehab, working on little muscles, and just really going back to the drawing board and keeping some of the good stuff that I did last season and just adding some stuff to really sustain my football career. I just kind of mixed up these two seasons.
"It’s a totally different Von. I feel like my conditioning is about the same. I feel like I’m the same size. I’ve seen my picture with my shirt off. I feel like it’s the same Von. I just think it’s a different mindset, and you have to be able to do that each and every year. You just can’t piggyback off the year before. You got to go to the drawing board and really just redo it every single year. That’s what all the greats do."
Miller has already reserved his place in the Broncos' pantheon but if he is a new and improved version of his former self, we may see another playoff run toward Denver's fourth Lombardi Trophy.
Von Miller wants more than DPOY in 2021 season
Whisper it quietly but there are NFL, even Broncos, fans who believe Von Miller could be washed. Make no mistake the Denver Broncos' all-time sack leader hears it all.
Whisper it quietly but there are NFL, even Broncos, fans who believe Von Miller could be washed. Perhaps he's not what he used to be, some say.
Make no mistake the Denver Broncos' all-time sack leader hears it all.
"We joke about obviously everyone doubts his age and stuff like that," Broncos kicker Brandon McManus said on June 9. "I think the first week he made a comment on how he's still whooping all these people's butts. They were 22, 23 years old. That's just who he is.”
Miller is known for being a funny, lovable guy in the Broncos' Englewood facility, though a fire burns inside No. 58 to achieve more than he ever has before.
"I still want to be Defensive Player of the Year," Miller said on 'Behind The Broncos: Training Camp.' "I still want to lead the league in sacks. I still want to be the greatest defensive football player that this world has ever seen.”
Miller is every chance to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, particularly if he were to claim the elusive DPOY award. After witnessing former Broncos Super Bowl winning quarterback Peyton Manning get inducted in Canton, Miller found new motivation to secure his own bust.
“That’s everybody’s dream, but I’m still here working on my Hall of Fame resume right now," Miller said on August 11.
"I want to make that resume as iron clad as I can. It is a tough group to get into. It’s only [346] guys that have been elected—five per year. It’s super, super tough to get into that elite group of people to get that golden jacket. I want that and I want it bad.
"You sit there and you listen to all these speeches. Of course, you think about it. I just re-invested in myself saying, ‘I have to make sure this happens. I have to leave no mistake on my career so I can get in.’ I still have a lot of time to do it. Of course, you think about doing it, but I thought about doing more to get in there.”
McManus, who was a teammate of Manning's during his four seasons in Denver, sees similarities between The Sheriff and The Sackmaster, particularly in their mental fortitude.
“Just similar to Peyton – whatever these guys put their minds to, they're able to accomplish," McManus said of Miller on June 9.
"That's just the kind of competitors that they are and the athletes that they are. So I don't see anything slowing him down personally. I'm excited to watch him finally, for two years now, to get back out there and dominate like he did before."
Head coach Vic Fangio seemed pleased with what he saw from Miller, praising his performance against the Los Angeles Rams at Mile High on August 28.
"I thought Von played [well]," Fangio said on September 1. "He moved really [well]. He has no ill effects from the injury he had. That was about the only good thing about his injury—when he’s healed, he’s healed. It’s not one that lingers.”
In a worrying sign for NFL defenses, McManus, almost three months ago, said Miller has "never looked any better." With an uninterrupted training camp and preseason under the belt, Miller may wreak havoc like it's 2016 all over again.
Vic Fangio’s expectations for Jerry Jeudy revealed
Jerry Jeudy enters this season with expectation.
Some of it is his own making, while much of it has been placed upon him. Broncos Country waits in anticipation, hoping the former Biletnikoff Award winner - given to the best receiver in college football - will explode into a dominant No. 1 receiver.
Addressing local media on September 1, Broncos Head Coach Vic Fangio outlined his supposition on Jeudy's prospects this season.
“I think he’s going to have a really good year for us," Fangio said.
"What does that translate into statistically? You never know, but he’s a much better player right now. I should say a much more mature player. He knows what he’s doing in our system, and he’s playing with a lot more confidence, both from experiencing an NFL season and from experiencing the same offense two years in a row.”
Despite showing flashes of the dominant force he was at Alabama, Jeudy didn't consistently hit those heights with the Broncos in his rookie season. Jeudy did amass more receiving yards than any other Bronco -- 52 receptions for 856 yards and three touchdowns.
According to PFF, the 22-year-old had the second-most drops of any player in the NFL, and led the league with 26 incomplete targets that were deemed the quarterback’s fault. With former Carolina Panther, Teddy Bridgewater now established as the starting quarterback, the Broncos will be hoping for better numbers.
Excitement for Jeudy's sophomore season in Mile High is brewing -- and not just among fans. Bridgewater was effusive in his praise for Jeudy during his September 1 press conference.
“He's a guy who just knows how to get open," Bridgewater said. "You watch him, he's a guy who has a plan every snap. If a defensive back is playing him outside leverage, he'll come up with a plan in order to win to get to where he needs to be in order to get the ball.
"If a guy is playing him inside leverage or tries to jump-jam him, he always has a plan. You love to see that in your wide receivers because now they know how to get open, they know how to create separation.
"If you’ve been following him throughout training camp and even throughout his early career, he's been finding ways to get open and he's been having some success. We look forward to getting all the guys going."
Jeudy faced the media shortly after his quarterback, maintaining a focused resolve when asked about managing the hype around his second season.
“I’m just doing what I’ve been doing this whole offseason during camp, just working every day to perfect my craft," Jeudy said.
Despite already being known as a premier route runner, Jeudy has continued to work on it, even managing to enhance his skill set.
“In year two, when it comes to route running, it’s just knowing the timing of plays, where you are on the progression," Jeudy said. "That’s my biggest thing that I improved on this year, just knowing the timing and knowing what read I am in that progression to time it up with my route running.”
As for being a Pro Bowler, Jeudy isn't too bothered whether that comes his way or not. His mind is fixated firmly on making himself and the Broncos greater.
“Right now, I’m just focusing on day by day and just bettering myself. I let you all (the media) come up with those types of accolades and stuff like that, but right now I’m just focused on being the best player I can be and helping this team win.
“[I'm] not necessarily more focused, I just feel like I just understand it more. I guess you could say that. Just understanding the offense, knowing what I’m getting into. This is my second year in the league now, so once I’m used to it, I feel like it’s going to be good."
If Jeudy can produce more moments of magic like what we saw against the Jets and Raiders, Broncos Country will have one of the most prized pass catchers in all of pro football.
Von Miller makes bold statement on Broncos season
The uncertainty under centre has been a popular topic for media and fans alike across Colorado but the Super Bowl 50 MVP isn’t phased.
Peyton Manning’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a nostalgic moment for Broncos Country, celebrating their Super Bowl winning favorite son. Yet it equally served as a reminder of how vastly different their present-day quarterback situation is.
Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater are still battling it out for the starting spot, despite Fangio naming Lock the starter for Saturday’s preseason opener at Minnesota. The uncertainty under centre has been a popular topic for media and fans alike across Colorado but one man who isn’t worried is the Super Bowl 50 MVP; Von Miller.
Speaking to Denver media after yesterday’s joint practice with the Vikings, Miller revealed how relaxed he is about the status of his signal-callers.
“To be honest—I keep it real with all you guys. I really don’t even think about it. I really don’t,” Miller said.
“Our offense is just so good. I say it all the time. We have Noah Fant, ‘Albert O’, Garett Bolles, Bobby Massie, Dalton Risner, Graham Glasgow. We have ‘Cush’ in the middle. We have Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, KJ Hamler, ‘Spence’, Melvin Gordon. I know these guys. I see these guys every day.”
Hilariously, Miller suggested he would be able to keep it together with the weaponry available on offense Perhaps Von Elway could come to life after all.
“Whatever quarterback we put out there—I can go out there and play quarterback to be honest. I can go out there and play quarterback and make it happen. Those two guys are way better than me. Whatever quarterback they feel like going with, that’ll be the starter, and we have a great one on the bench.”
Before leaving the podium, Miller sent a vote of confidence to teammates and fans alike, giving hope of what may come this season.
“I think this is our year to do it. This is the best team we’ve been able to field for at least six or seven years. I’m excited about this team and I’m ready to go. Whatever quarterback we get, it’ll be good for me.”
Six or seven years ago? Remember what happened all those years ago, Broncos Country? Let me refresh your memory.
Von also had great things to say about his running mate Bradley Chubb, who managed 7.5 sacks last season despite his absence.
“Bradley—he’s just a different animal. He’s just a different beast. [He’s] so motivated and so driven,” Miller said.
“He’s inspired to be great in this league. I really enjoy playing with Bradley. He’s fighting back through injury and he’s doing everything he could possibly do to be on the football field. He is on the football field and he does a great job.
“His workload is increasing every day. It’ll be great to be back on the field with Bradley. He’s going to be good—100 percent. We don’t have to worry about Bradley Chubb.”
With Miller and Chubb lined up opposite each other again, alongside the offseason additions of Patrick Sutain III, Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby, the Broncos defense should be able to uphold their end of the bargain.
If Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater can steady the ship, this Denver team has every chance to be as good as the Vonster suggests.
The comeback is Von - Miller ‘whooping’ ass ahead of return
Denver Broncos legend Von Miller has been somewhat of a forgotten figure in league circles. Though all of that is about to change, as the devastating linebacker readies for his return. Some even say Von is back to his terrifying best.
Speaking to Denver media on Friday, Broncos kicker — and good friend of Miller — Brandon McManus shared just how scary No. 58 is looking ahead of the 2021 NFL season.
“He's been training for two years now, unfortunately last year with him getting hurt, training his butt off out there in California, and he's never looked any better,” McManus said.
“Him and I talk. We joke about–obviously everyone doubts his age and stuff like that. I think the first week he made a comment on how he's still whooping all these people's butts. They were 22, 23 years old. That's just who he is.”
McManus believes Miller’s mindset is key of his undeniable greatness, not too different to another of Colorado’s favorite sons.
“Just similar to Peyton [Manning]–whatever these guys put their minds to, they're able to accomplish. That's just the kind of competitors that they are and the athletes that they are. So I don't see anything slowing him down personally. I'm excited to watch him finally, for two years now, to get back out there and dominate like he did before.
“For the defense and the team as well, it's a huge mood boost to have somebody, the franchise sack leader, on the field with you and the way he's able to disrupt and help Bradley [Chubb] on the other side and help everybody on the field because similar as you know from our 2015 year, we had an incredible pass rush which means that our corners and safeties get to sit a little earlier because they don't have to cover for so long and it creates a lot of opportunities which turns into our [offensive] opportunities.”
McManus also lifted the lid on Von’s magnetic personality and how it effects teammates inside the Broncos’ Englewood facility.
“He's just a huge asset to have on the team, both physically and in the locker room,” McManus said of Miller.
“He's kind of like a glue. A lot of guys will come, and they'll get stuck to him. He has an infectious personality; it's fun. He loves to work, as you guys know.”
If Miller takes part in Denver’s first preseason game — as expected — on August 14, it will be his first steps on the gridiron since December 12, 2019 where the Broncos defeated the then-Oakland Raiders.
Buckle up AFC, the Vonster is coming for your quarterback.
Why Von Miller believes Peyton Manning - and not Tom Brady - is the GOAT
Hold up now, just wait a second.
Before the outcry, we must be fair to Von and point out his thoughts are from late October 2020 -- long before Brady and the Bucs got it together and dominated the Chiefs. Perhaps his opinion has since changed, but judging by his love for Peyton that’s as likely as a flying pig.
What’s perhaps most interesting about Von Miller’s GOAT take is the question was never raised about Manning or Brady was never raised. Von decided to take it upon himself to assert Peyton Manning as the greatest of all time.
Irrespective of who you side with, Von’s love and admiration for Peyton -- both as a player and as a human being -- is palpable.
“He is the real deal and he’s the GOAT,” Miller said of his former Super Bowl winning teammate.
“They have these discussions about Peyton and Tom Brady, and Tom Brady, he’s won a lot of Super Bowl’s and I’m a Tom Brady fan but Peyton Manning, he changed the position of quarterback from an audible position on the line to being a technician, going about his game, knowing the defense and that’s why Peyton Manning is the GOAT in my eyes.”
“Of course we’ve got Tom Brady and I’m a big Tom Brady fan and everything he does man, but I played with Peyton Manning man, and I got to experience what type of guy he was, what type of player he was and what type of leader he was. He’ll always get my vote on being the GOAT, ‘cause he truly was.”
As for what Peyton Manning was truly like, away from the public eye, Von took us into the Broncos locker room, detailing the tendencies and nuances of Denver’s favorite son.
“I’m just taken to the image that I have of Peyton Manning. Him being in the locker room, just being around Peyton Manning, he was just a true leader man, a true leader of men,” he said when asked about Peyton’s most memorable qualities.
“If he did mess up on anything, he went about his business, so professional man and he never made the same mistake twice. He handled adversity off the football field, on the football field, he was the same guy every single day.
“He knew the coaches, he knew the players, he knew the players’ kids, he knew the janitors by first name and had conversations with all these guys. He was a real superhero man, it’s not a facade, it’s not anything fake, it was just him.”
Does Peyton Manning really run around in Von Miller’s backyard?! To find out, along with more of Von Miller’s conversation with Patrick Djordjevic, click here.
How Von Miller changed his life during tumultuous 2020
2020 was meant to be the year of Von Miller. Denver’s all-time sack leader canceled a trip to Australia to ensure just that. Resultantly, missing out on daily Outback Steakhouse and kangaroo riding. Yet injury derailed his season — and for a period — his mindset.
Von based himself in San Francisco completing a grueling offseason before tragedy struck. All seemed in place for 58 to return to his best, terrifying the NFL quarterbacks. However, a season-ending ankle injury a week before their opening game vs. Tennessee ruined his plans.
There were plenty of other bumps along the road too, so how does such a public figure deal with the expectation of the world on top of their own internal demands? How does a world-class athlete work on themselves outside of the weight room? Wonder no more, Von’s got you.
“For me, all the time we had with the quarantine, I just invested all of that time back into myself. I just did a lot of mental work, on positive and negative energy,” Von said when asked about his learnings from 2020.
“I did just a lot of self-identity finding, I tried to find out what’s really essential and then eliminate the rest. I just really wanted to just minimize my priorities and focus on them with full speed ahead and really just focusing on what really matters to me and pouring all of my time into that.
“As humans you are presented with things daily that mess with your emotions, or your anger, or your fear. And for me, I just wanted to identify what really matters and then focus on that, and the emotions that come with that, instead of running from them, I just identify them. If I’m angry, why am I angry? If I’m afraid, why am I afraid? And I just kind of unpack that.
“If I’m anxious about something, you know instead of just saying man I’m not anxious, you know and just try and push through that, you know I just identify why am I anxious? Where is this coming from? And then once you really unpack that and get down to the base value of it, it’s just all made up in your head, you know? It’s things that the human mind puts there to create all these emotions.”
Offseason isn’t just about the body work, Miller invested lengthy time into his mental approach, which paid off handsomely after his devastating ankle injury.
“I did a lot of work identifying what’s what and I think it worked great for me because whenever I dislocated my ankle, that’s all I really had. You know, those first two days, I’m not going to say like I was positive right away, those first two days man, I had to go through the process, the grieving process and then shortly after that, it was the acceptance of this is what it is, this is what has been presented to me, how do I make the best out of it?
“The best was, for me, identifying and focusing on being able to come back fast, come back this season. That’s where I put all my energy and all my mind, all of my focus on that, and that’s what keeps me motivated and that’s what keeps me going everyday.”
If you’re not ready to run through a brick wall, then I can’t help you.
To discover who Von Miller believes is the GOAT and more, you know what to do.