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.
Broncos Poach Potential Starting WR From Raiders
The Broncos may have found a diamond in the Raiders’ rough.
Both the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders are flying after starting their 2021 NFL campaigns 3-0. Now the Broncos are trying to get an edge over their most bitter rivals, nabbing a talented wideout from under the nose of Jon Gruden.
David Moore was signed off the Raiders' practice squad by Broncos' GM George Paton after sophomore receiver K.J. Hamler tore his ACL in Week 3. NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed Hamler will miss the entirety of the season, even if the Broncos make a deep playoff run.
Moore Juice on Offense
Moore, a 6-foot, 215 pound fifth-year receiver, was drafted by Seattle in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old made plenty of plays in Seattle during his three-year stint in the Pacific North-West, despite starting just 14 of 47 games. Moore made splashes with Russell Wilson averaging 14.9 yards per reception. During the 2020 season, the East Central University man started six games, amassing six touchdowns -- ranked equal-10th across the league. For context, Moore had more touchdowns than all Broncos excluding Tim Patrick, who also had six trips to the end zone.
During the offseason, Moore signed a two-year, $4.75 million deal with Carolina, and while initially making the 53-man roster found himself released before being added to the Raiders' practice squad in early September.
Across his career Moore has totaled 78 receptions for 1,163 yards with 13 touchdowns, including career highs of 35 catches last season. He also has rushed 12 times for 91 yards (7.6-yard average).
Moore's collegiate career at East Central is one of the most prestigious in school history. He earned All-Great American Conference distinction in three different seasons and set career program records with 2,776 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns.
The former Seahawk is unlikely to find himself as one of the Broncos' top three receivers initially. Diontae Spencer currently holds the third wideout position, though Moore is expected to be ahead of one-time quarterback Kendall Hinton as the team's fourth receiver. Moore's chances over overtaking Spencer will be heightened if he's able to reproduce his form from Seattle.
Tim Patrick Ready to Fill WR Hole
Last season's leading touchdown receiver Tim Patrick showed up and showed out in the Week 3 demolition of the New York Jets, amassing 98 yards from 5 catches. Without Hamler and fellow sophomore wideout Jerry Jeudy, Patrick will need to step up and be the Robin to Denver's receiving Batman; Courtland Sutton. How dangerous could a duo of Patrick and Sutton truly be? Find out from Patrick himself.
“It’s difficult because even if we’re covered — we’re not covered," Sutton told Denver media on December 27. "You could play the perfect defense and we’ll go out there and make an amazing catch, and the coach can’t tell you, ‘Oh you’ve got to do this better.’ You were in the perfect coverage, but we wanted the ball more and we got it so it’s deflating for defense when you make plays like that.”
Patrick was an undrafted free agent out of Utah who bounced around NFL practice squads in Baltimore and San Francisco before Denver found a place for him on theirs on January 1, 2018. The rest has been history but by no means has Patrick forgotten it.
"I’m never going to get viewed as that guy just because I wasn’t drafted so they think my ceiling isn’t high — but I’m a different type of undrafted guy so my ceiling is pretty high,” Patrick said.
“I knew what my ceiling was because of the past two teams I was with before. I was playing [well] but it was non-football things that got me out of there, so I knew what my ceiling was. In college, I think almost every defense I played all their DBs got drafted, and I’m all of their bad tape so I always had the confidence it was just — I just needed an opportunity.”
That is most certainly what he has now. Patrick finally has the stage to show his worth and you'd imagine there's no team he'd rather disprove than Denver's Week 4 opponents -- his former employers -- the Baltimore Ravens.
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.
Mac Jones watched Jets film within hours of loss to Dolphins
In keeping with The Patriot Way, Jones moved ‘on to Cincinnati’. When quizzed, Jones admitted with a smile that he’d watched Jets film just hours after the Pats’ loss.
New England quarterback Mac Jones thoroughly impressed during his NFL bow despite the Patriots’ 17-16 loss to division rival Miami.
Jones’ laser-focus was on show after giving away a gifted football following his first touchdown pass as a professional. The Alabama product has been euolgised for his mental approach to football, with many already suggesting it fits seamlessly with The Patriot Way.
In keeping with that persona, Jones moved ‘on to Cincinnati’ almost immediately after the loss. Well not quite Cincy, truthfully attention was turned to the New York Jets — New England’s next opponent. When quizzed, Jones admitted with a smile he’d watched Jets film just hours after the Pats’ loss.
“I mean it’s not fun to lose, so just learning from what we could have done better is definitely just the only thing you can do really,” Jones said, via Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal.
“You can sit there and feel bad for yourself for a little bit, because that’s your human [nature], and that’s what you’re supposed to do, or you’re in the wrong profession. But you’ve just got to move on. So the 24-hour rule – just after 24 hours. Some people it’s less, but for me after that, just move on and play the next play, play the next game. You’re only as good as your last game so we lost and that’s what people remember, so we just got to move forward.”
Jones showed composure beyond his years, completing 29/39 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown. If it weren’t for a rare fumble from running back Damien Harris — New England’s second on the day — with 3:31 remaining, Jones could’ve started his career with a win.
“I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Jones said. “Just take it day-by-day and obviously there shouldn’t be any focus on the past. We just got to focus on what we need to get better at.
“That’s kind of for me. Just fundamentally what can I do each day, extra or whatever, just to improve so that when I get to the game we just play fast and we play better than we did last week.”
Jones and the Pats will look to improve upon their first hit-out when they take on division rivals, the New York Jets on Sunday.
KJ Hamler poised to fill jerry jeudy void for broncos
With Jeudy going out, KJ Hamler will get the opportunity to fill his fellow Sophomore’s shoes.
Denver Broncos sophomore stud Jerry Jeudy is slated to be out six to eight weeks after a devastating high ankle sprain suffered in the Meadowlands in Week 1. Though Broncos Country can take solace in Jeudy's performance up until that point, so too the supporting cast's production.
Jeudy amassed the most receiving yards (72) for Denver. Tight end Noah Fant was close behind, with six receptions for 62 yards. The Broncos buried the Giants with a consistent run-game, behind Melvin Gordon's 101-yard, 11-carry performance and a 10-minute time of possession advantage.
Broncos fans were thrilled with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's play, his distribution of the football was almost critical and should bode well for Week 2 at Jacksonville. The former Carolina signal-caller threw passes to nine different pass-catchers. Jeudy and Fant aside, here's who caught the rock for the Broncos:
WR KJ Hamler (three receptions for 41 yards)
WR Tim Patrick (four for 39 yards)
RB Melvin Gordon (three for 17 yards)
TE Albert Okwuegbunam (three for 16 yards)
WR Courtland Sutton (one for 14 yards)
TE Eric Saubert (one for 7 yards)
RB Javonte Williams (one for -4 yards).
None of those numbers are particularly eye-catching but the ability to share the ball around has never been more critical given No.10's injury. Jeudy's presence will be missed but if the offense can collaboratively fill the void, the wins should stack up.
The Alabama product's sprained ankle may ostensibly be a big loss but Broncos' head coach Vic Fangio played down the effect it will have on the offense.
“I don’t think it changes it," Fangio said on September 15, via Broncos.com. "Obviously, we’re going to miss Jerry, and obviously it hurts our depth. KJ, Tim [Patrick], Courtland [Sutton], Kendall [Hinton], ‘Spence’ (Diontae Spencer) — they’ll be able to go in there and fill the void. Jerry was having a hell of a camp, as you all noticed. He had a really good game going the other day, and we’re going to miss him while he’s out.”
KJ Hamler had an electric preseason and should have capped off Sunday's performance with a touchdown, if not for an inexplicable drop. Despite the disappointment, Broncos' teammates rallied around the Penn State product.
“Everybody else was [supporting] and encouraging him," Fangio said. "He knows. He’s disappointed that he dropped it. He just has to have the mindset that I can’t wait for the next one to go catch that one. All the great ones have had their dropped passes. It’s how you react to them.”
Hamler did make critical plays showing his worth to the Broncos throughout, including a huge catch on third-and-5 with Denver only ahead 10-7.
Bridgewater outlined what makes Hamler a unique and exciting player on the rise.
"He’s a special player, he’s here for a reason," Bridgewater told reporters on September 15. "He’s explosive, he’s dynamic, he’s shifty, he can catch the ball well, he runs great routes, and that’s what we expect of him this week.
"We don’t need him to come in and try to be something that he’s not and he doesn’t have to pretend to be something that he’s not. If KJ can be the best version of KJ he’ll help this offense and he’ll continue to grow in the system and in this league.”
With Jeudy going out, Hamler will get the opportunity to fill his shoes. “He’ll probably get more playing time," Fangio said. "Yes, he’s going to get more playing time, and I thought he played well. He had the drop, but it wasn’t an easy catch. He’ll get the next one."
Hamler himself faced the media on September 15, relaying how he dealt with the dropped touchdown pass. "I was disappointed in the drop," Hamler said. "Even in [training] camp, I don’t drop ‘tuds’ and deep balls and stuff like that.
"I came out here on Monday, I told one of the assistants to just throw me 100 over-the-shoulder balls, deep balls. The wind was blowing the same way it was when we were in New York, so it was kind of perfect. So, just getting that repetition so I won’t drop that again because that’s not my forte.”
Hamler is determined, both in will and words, to prove his value to the team which drafted him 46th overall in the 2020 NFL draft.
"I want to be a playmaker for the team. That’s why I’m always in Teddy’s ear, picking his brain and asking what he would like on certain routes...just being that guy that can go in whenever somebody’s down, whenever somebody needs a break and my coach [can] depend on me and rely on me to do that job and get that job done."
Week 1 NFC Players of the Week announced
Los Angeles Rams debutant Matthew Stafford claimed offensive honours, Chandler Jones’ dominant performance earned him DPOW while Bradley Pinion’s punting scooped up the special teams gong.
After a wild start to the 2021 NFL season, three players were selected as a class above the rest in the National Football Conference.
Los Angeles Rams debutant Matthew Stafford claimed honours on the offensive side of the ball, Chandler Jones’ dominant performance earned him Defensive Player of the Week while Bradley Pinion’s perfect punting scooped up the special teams gong.
Under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football, Matthew Stafford shone brighter than any of his peers, completing 20 of 26 pass attempts for 321 yards and three touchdowns. Stafford was near-flawless with no interceptions and a passer rating of 156.1 in the Rams’ comprehensive 34-14 drubbing of the Chicago Bears. The former Georgia quarterback is the first bulldog signal-caller to win the award multiple times.
Two-time Arizona All-Pro stood tall above all of his NFL brethren in Week 1, putting in the most prepotent performance across all sixteen games. The 31-year-old linebacker registered an incredible five sacks, six tackles — four of those for loss, and two forced fumbles. In one of the most historic displays in recent memory, Jones became just the third player since 1982 to record at least five sacks in Week 1.
The former Patriot takes his Player of the Week tally to five — four of which are with Arizona, tying Adrian Wilson for the all-time Defensive Player of the Week record for a Cardinal. Jones also joints fellow pass rusher Dwight Freeney (six-time winner) as the only former Syracuse players to earn Defensive Player of the Week five times.
Last but most certainly not least, Tampa Bay punter Bradley Pinion picked up the NFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week after four phenomenal punts.
Pinion was critical to the overall result, pinning the Cowboys inside the 10-yard line on three of four punts. The former Clemson product averaged 49.3 yards per punt and is the second time he was won a Player of the Week award.
Week 1 AFC players of the week announced
The 4-0 AFC West is well represented with Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby chosen.
After a pulsating start to the 2021 NFL season, three players were selected as a class above the rest in the American Football Conference.
The 4-0 AFC West is well represented with Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby chosen. Alongside, game-winning Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson. Each were respectively voted the offensive, defensive and special teams players’ of the week.
Mahomes helped his Kansas City Chiefs to another miraculous hometown comeback, defeating the Cleveland Browns 33-29 despite trailing by two scores in the final quarter. The 25-year-old completed 27 of 36 pass attempts for 337 yards and three touchdowns. Tom Brady’s heir apparent threw no interceptions, amassing a 131.4 QBR. What’s more, Mahomes got himself a rushing touchdown too.
The Chiefs’ No.15 has now achieved six Offensive Player of the Week Awards, overtaking Joe Montana for the most by a Kansas City quaterback.
Mad Maxx Crosby was an integral component to the Raiders’ gutsy overtime victory against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. The Eastern Michigan alum had two sacks, six tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss as the Raiders christened Allegiant Stadium.
Crosby has won the award twice previously, once as a defensive player (Week 11: 2019) and the other for his Special Teams work all the back in Week 17, 2020. In what is sure to be a humbling moment for the resilient 24-year-old, Crosby has now accrued more Player of the Week Awards than any Eastern Michigan player in history.
Fairytales can come true, right? If you’re a non-believer, just find rookie kicker Evan McPherson. The Alabama-born specialist slotted a 53-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and wasn’t close to being done there. McPherson followed it up with a 33-yard game-winning field goal as time expired in Cincinnati’s overtime victory over Minnesota.
The Bengals’ newest hero is only the second rookie kicker in NFL history to make a game-winning field goal with no time remaining in overtime. Miami’s Jason Sanders (October 14, 2018) is the co-owner of the prestigious record.
At 22 years and 53 days old, McPherson also became the youngest kicker in NFL history to kick a game-winner in overtime. Want another record?
McPherson is the first rookie kicker to win Special Teams Player of the Week since Indianapolis’ Rodrigo Blankenship in Week 11 of the 2020 season.
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.
Mark Schlereth questions Vic Fangio’s head coaching credentials
Three-time Super Bowl champ Mark Schlereth gave a blunt assessment of Vic Fangio's coaching as the Broncos get set for the 2021 season.
Three-time Super Bowl champion and former Denver Bronco Mark Schlereth gave a blunt assessment of Vic Fangio's head coaching credentials as the Broncos get set to start their 2021 season.
Schlereth - a member of Denver's 50th Anniversary Team - questioned Fangio's credentials as an NFL head coach during an insightful appearance on ESPN's Keyshawn, J-Will and Max.
"I think it should be hot," Schlereth said when asked if Fangio should be on the hot seat.
"I think the bottom line is oftentimes - and we joke around here in Denver, but it's not really a joke, jokes are always funny because there's always partial truth to them - Vic Fangio is really the coach of the defense. He's kept the play-calling duties on the defensive side of the ball.
"After practice they (Denver media) ask him about offensive things [and he says] 'Oh, I don't know, I was watching the defense I'll have to go back and watch the film.' There's some things that just don't seem, they just don't seem like head coach material."
Fangio has had an underwhelming time as head coach at Mile High. Since his arrival in 2019 the Broncos have a combined record of 12-20, only eight NFL teams - Atlanta, Carolina, Washington, Detroit, Jacksonville and both New York clubs - had a lower win total during this time.
AFC West rivals, Los Angeles Chargers, have an identical record to the Broncos (12-20) since 2019. Interestingly they - along with the eight teams aforementioned - have a different head coach to the man in charge at the beginning of the 2019 season.
Schlereth didn't dispute Fangio's tactical nouse, however he did illuminate an area of concern in his mind.
"I always say this about head coaches -- I travel around the league for Fox and calling games and talking to head coaches all the time -- there are guys, regardless of their knowledge of X's and O's, there are guys that are just good managers," Schlereth told Keyshawn, J-Will and Max.
"They do a great job of coaching coaches and letting the players kind of play and understanding strengths and weaknesses in putting guys in positions to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses.
"They have this kind of overall CEO type of view of their football team and they let their coaches coach and I think sometimes, even as an offensive play-caller or defensive play-caller, you get so entrenched in that way of thinking that you lose sight of some of the management parts of the game on Sundays. And that really is where Vic has struggled, in the management sections of the games, timeouts - you know he saves timeouts like he can sell them on eBay.
"At some point you've gotta use them and you've gotta strategize and so that's been a real issue and then obviously when you're 7-9 and 5-11 under Vic Fangio in two years and you haven't produced - even on the defensive side you were like 27th, 28th in the league last year - and I understand you had a bunch of injuries but the bottom line [is] none of it has been very good so far.
"You're 0-7 in September and your turnover differential is -8, you've turned it over 10 times under his tutelage and you've only taken the ball away twice. You're going to be on the hot seat."
According to PFF, the 2020 Broncos ranked 24th overall, 31st in offense, 7th in defense and last in special teams.
Justin Simmons talks comparisons to ‘No Fly Zone’
With an embarrassment of riches at the cornerback position, many have compared the backend to the famous 'No Fly Zone' which led Denver to its third Super Bowl win in 2016.
All-Pro safety Justin Simmons is ready for action. After a chaotic offseason for the Denver Broncos, its defense has built quietly, lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce on the New York Giants on September 12.
The comeback of all-time sack leader Von Miller ensures Denver will have a fearsome pass rush to go with a stout, highly-skilled secondary. With an embarrassment of riches at the cornerback position, many within Broncos Country have compared the contemporary backend to the famous 'No Fly Zone' which -- along with Miller -- led Denver to its third Super Bowl win in 2016.
So, how do the two compare? None are better placed to answer than 27-year-old Simmons who was part of the rambunctious secondary headed by former Broncos cornerb Aqib Talib.
“Aqib — the whole ‘No-Fly Zone’ was kind of loud and boisterous," Simmons said before practice on September 6.
"They let you know they make a play. My personal game style is not it’s not that way. Obviously in the moment, you get hyped up and you make plays, but you’re talking about TJ [Ward], ‘Stew’ (Darian Stewart), Aqib, [Bradley] Roby, Chris [Harris Jr.]. Those guys — always, no matter what— were going to let you know they made a play and that was their MO. That’s who they were, and they did it.
"I think this group carries that same type of confidence, but probably just isn’t as loud or as boisterous as that. It’s cool man — finding your own groove as a secondary,” Simmons said.
“I think we’re jelling together really well, and the biggest thing that’s going to be important is making sure that shows up on Sundays when we’re out there trying to execute on the back end.”
Now is the optimal time for the secondary to be meshing given the offensive weaponry Simmons and company will face in the Meadowlands on Sunday. New York's offseason additions have not been lost on the No. 1 safety in pro football -- according to PFF. The Broncos will need to be inspired to avoid another slow September start.
“They have a great group," Simmons remarked. "I know the talk of last year has been some of the things that have happened offensively to them, but they’re a great group. I think (Giants QB) Daniel Jones is a really good quarterback. I think he’s a good quarterback for this league, and they have a lot of weapons that he can utilize on the offensive side of the ball.
"As you said—[Saquon] Barkley. They got [Kenny] Golladay as an addition. They’ve got Sterling Shephard, Evan Ingram. They got Kyle Rudolph in the offseason, and some great tight ends that they have over there. They’ve got a great running back room, receiver room.
"I mean, they’ve got it all. Defensively, we have our work cut out for us Week 1. All this offseason we talked about how we wanted to be the best and we’re going to have to go out there and prove it Week 1 against New York.”
With so many new pieces on the Giants offense, studying their tendencies within the offense has proven more complex than usual for the Broncos defense. Simmons and his unit have their work cut out for them but are as ready as they can be for whatever comes their way.
“There are always surprises Week 1, especially when you’ve got so many different weapons," Simmons admitted.
"They’ve got Golladay. [Darius] Slayton was a big guy that they went to last year a lot. You never know truly going into the game how things are going to go, what they’re looking for, and what the flow is going to look like. As a defensive unit, you’ve got to be able to adjust. I mean, that’s the biggest thing.
"You may do well in the first half, and they’re going to have some things that they change in the second half. You got to be able to adjust to it. You don’t do as well in the first half, and you have to make adjustments at halftime and come out the second half and be able to execute your adjustments. That’s really what the first game is about. Going in with that solid game plan and adjusting from there.”
Head coach Vic Fangio will be hoping the only adjustment made in New Jersey is to the Broncos' win column.
They may not be as loud, but this current Broncos secondary will keep inviting comparisons to glories of old if they can emphatically shut down defenses, starting September 12.
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.
Drew Lock’s reaction to losing starting QB job revealed
Lock was ousted as the starter by former Pro Bowl quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in what must have been a crushing blow to the third-year Missourian.
Drew Lock has been a polarizing figure since his rise to the starting quarterback position for the Denver Broncos.
Lock was ousted as the starter by former Pro Bowl quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in what must have been a crushing blow to the third-year Missourian.
Though Lock has handled the decision of head coach Vic Fangio and general manager George Paton with maturity, if teammate Albert Okwuegbunam is to be believed.
Okwuegbunam - pronounced owe-kwoo-ay-boo-nom - and Lock were also teammates in college, playing for the University of Missouri. Albert O, as he's affectionately know, led the SEC in receiving touchdowns back in 2017 with Lock as his quarterback.
The former Mizzou tight end confirmed to Denver media he had spoken to Lock since the decision to start Bridgewater was announced.
"I've talked to Drew since," Okwuegbunam said on September 2. "Everything has been super positive. He hasn't been negative about it at all, and nobody on the team has. That wasn't our decision.
“It was a coach’s decision, and whatever their decision was—which was Teddy—it was obviously the right decision for the team, and we got to make it the right decision. I love Teddy and Drew, both as people and quarterbacks. They're both super talented."
Lock himself spoke about his demotion shortly after it became public in a raw press conference, showing maturity beyond his years.
"Obviously, it's disappointing," Lock said on August 25. "Every feeling that you could possibly have at this point, this day, this circumstance, you know they're running deep. I feel like at the time, I was playing some of the best football I've played since I've been in the league. I was more confident than I've ever been.
“Most of you guys think of me as a confident guy, but I was probably more confident than I've been since I've been in the league since this OTAs, this training camp, this preseason. This is such a special team, I was hoping and looking forward to being able to lead this team."
In spite of his disappointment Lock, who threw 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in the 2020 season, wants to do everything he can to help his team, including the man who has taken his job.
"No finger-pointing, no negativity. It's going to be about me finding ways to still make this team great, whether that's in practice, working with Teddy, trying to find ways for him to get better. Whatever he needs me to do, that's pretty much my goal. Look in the mirror, see what I need to get better at. Figure out what it is to keep progressing, keep getting better.
“Not taking any steps back, just keep taking steps forward without taking some of the reps. It was disappointing, but I'm going to do everything I can for this team, for Teddy and keep the momentum going forward as far as my play goes.
"As nice as that is to hear it was that close, it's still tough. You work at it, you want it so bad and then it ends up not going in your favor. But you won't see me out here [acting any differently] — I was thinking about like, do I come out and, you know, smile around here, be my normal self?
“Because all right, they're going to think, 'Shoot, he doesn't care about not having the starting job.' But no, that's not [it]. I'm going to be myself every day I'm out here. I'm going to get better, I'm going to have fun. I'm going to bring energy to this practice, bring energy to this team and just keep being myself."
Despite the outcome falling the way of Bridgewater, the Broncos' brass have been thoroughly impressed with the improvement in Lock during training camp.
"His pocket awareness has improved, his command of the offense has improved, his accuracy has improved," coach Fangio said on August 25. "I don't have any doubt that Drew's going to be a quality starting quarterback in this league."
Just because his time isn't now doesn't mean Lock believes it won't come ever again. He seems ready and willing to take his shot when it arises.
"I'm confident that if my time comes — you don't wish anything negative upon anybody ever, especially this position, because I know how hard it is to get to that starting spot — but if my time does come, I'll be ready for it whenever and there won't be any lack of work," Lock said during his August 25 press conference.
"I'm going to keep working every single day. I'm going to try to get to better every single day. If that time does come, then I'm going to be able to go out there and keep the play the same. If not, try to take it a little better.”
Broncos GM George Paton’s message for Bridgewater doubters
Paton believes the team is in good hands with Bridgewater under centre, explaining what he saw during camp and why the Broncos left Lock to warm the bench at Mile High.
In his first season as General Manager of the Denver Broncos, George Paton has had his plate full.
The former Minnesota Vikings executive had to preside over the contract option of Von Miller, the re-signing of key pieces, including All-Pro Justin Simmons, and deal with free agency; in which cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby were added. Oh, and a quarterback battle. You may have heard a little about it?
In case you've been living under a rock, gunslinger Drew Lock was ousted from the starting quarterback position by the more experienced and conservative veteran Teddy Bridgewater. Many within Broncos Country were enraged -- and still are -- with the decision-making of Paton and head coach Vic Fangio.
Those still disappointed, listen up. Paton believes the team is in good hands with Bridgewater under centre, explaining what he saw during camp and why the Broncos left Lock to warm the bench at Mile High.
“We had a great quarterback competition," Paton told Nick and Cecil on 104.3 The Fan, September 1.
"With Drew and Teddy, I thought they brought out the best in each other. I think it's the best each of them have played, this is the best I’ve seen Drew Lock play, it’s the best Teddy's played since he was a Pro Bowl player.
"I think people forget he was a Pro Bowl quarterback. He took the Vikings to the playoffs, they were 11-5, had almost a career-ending injury, came back [and] went 5-0 in New Orleans, [in] Carolina he started off really good then hurt his knee and they struggled a little bit. But this guy is a winner, he’s a winner, he’s a leader.
"We have a young offense, and when you look at Jeudy, he’s 22, Hamler’s 22, we’ve got a young centre. We have a young offense overall, 21-year-old Javonte Williams and a guy like Teddy can bring these guys together, stabilize this offense. Teddy moves the team and I think he’ll be happy. I’m excited to see Teddy go out there Week 1 and like I said, Teddy’s a winner and he’s going to lead us this year.”
Since the New England Patriots released Cam Newton and appointed first-round draft choice Mac Jones as their starting quarterback, sections of Broncos Country have questioned the decision to draft cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who went six picks prior at ninth overall.
Paton didn't directly address the Jones/Surtain II decision, nor was he asked to, though he did shed some light on the importance of fit and what the drafting process looks like inside Englewood.
“Obviously you want the best player, you want the best player but you want the best person, the best worker, all the intangibles but if he doesn’t fit what you’re doing on offense or defense it’s not going to help the player [and] it’s not going to help your team," Paton told Nick and Cecil.
"Fit is huge. Sometimes guys are so talented they can play in any scheme, those are the guys you want. The Surtain [II’s] of the world, Justin Simmons’ of the world, Javonte Williams’ of the world, those guys will fit in any scheme. You know, you have to be really careful you can’t just get the best player, you have to get the best player for your team."
Starters and All-Pro's are essential to any team's success, that much is blatantly obvious, though often the unheralded players on a roster will play a much bigger role than what's seen to the naked eye. This notion isn't lost on the Broncos GM who explained his philosophy on building a winning roster.
“It’s a big puzzle," Paton revealed. "A guy may be your third or fourth safety but if he can’t play on special teams [then] he can’t help you game day.
"The hard part of putting the roster together is getting the best offense, the best defense, but also helping your special teams because you need to win in all three phases to win in this league. That’s the challenge of my job or a scout’s job or a coach’s job."
Paton nor Broncos Country have forgotten how far the team has fallen since Von Miller dominated Super Bowl 50 and brought Denver its third Lombardi Trophy.
“We need to set the winning standard, obviously they haven’t won here in five years and I think it was really important to have a really successful preseason, winning is contagious. I think we’re on the right track.”
What makes Patrick Surtain II so Special
“I’ve been in this league 11 years and I’ve never witnessed that”
Denver's first-round draft choice Patrick Surtain II has stolen all the headlines this offseason and doesn't look to be slowing down any time soon.
Despite a highly impressive showing in the preseason, Broncos head coach Vic Fangio told Denver media on Thursday, September 2 that his star rookie is constantly growing in stature.
“I just think he's gotten better each and every week," Fangio said. As we've talked about, we’ve put a lot on his plate. He's learning three positions. It’s hurt his development at some of those positions.
"That’s just the way it's going to be because you have to learn them. Comparing him to Ronald Darby or [Kyle] Fuller, they play corner—nothing else. Well, he's playing two other ones on top of that. But he's been good at it. He's very capable, and he keeps growing in all three roles.”
Late last month, Broncos' all-time sack leader Von Miller maintained his status as unofficial president of the Surtain fan club, speaking glowingly about his freakish ability.
"I’ve been talking about this Pat Surtain guy for forever," Miller said on August 19.
"He gets a pick 6 in his first game as a Denver Bronco. I’ve been in the league 11 years and I’ve never witnessed that. He’s going to be a special player. It’s a blessing to be his teammate, and it’s a blessing to experience his greatness at this early age."
Six days later, Miller followed his glowing commentary up with further praise, suggesting Surtain could take the task of defending the AFC's best tight ends.
"Pat Surtain, he's going to be on [Chiefs TE Travis] Kelce and [Raiders TE Darren] Waller and all those guys," Miller revealed. "So, I'm excited. We've got a great team and it should lead to a lot of wins for us this year.”
Fangio was asked about Miller's comments during his September 2 press conference, and in typical fashion left all avenues open.
“It’s possible," Fangio said. "It depends upon what coverage we're in and how we plan to match it up on each and every week. He's true in what he's saying and accurate, but it may not always be that way.
“His size and length [are] helpful. When you play a good receiving tight end—which we do—everybody says, ‘Well, they’ve got to put a DB on him.’ Some of those guys like when a DB is on them because there's such a size discrepancy.
"[When] you put a linebacker on them, and the size is maybe evened up but the athleticism—there's could be a discrepancy. There really is no perfect position to put on the guy. You'd like a DB that has size or a linebacker that has some DB movement qualities. In Patrick's case, he's got the size to possibly do that and the length.”
Fellow corner Ronald Darby shed light on his assessment of Surtain's assimilation of Denver's defensive schemes.
“I haven't seen any struggles at all," Darby said on September 2. "He came in like a vet. His mind was right, he comes to work every day. He picks up things, he's smart, athletic. He's got everything.”
It seems like Fangio, Miller and Darby aren't the only Broncos impressed by Surtain, with defensive coordinator Ed Donatell providing an insight into how rare some of his trait are.
“It’s kind of rare," Donatell said in reference to Surtain II's ability to recognize route concepts and make a play this early in his career, on August 19.
"We’re just learning about Pat as he goes along," he said. "You have to give credit to him. He listens to his veterans. He’s transitioning into the game and he’s earning the respect of our veterans. We’re really happy with his start.”
Surtain II's versatility will be of great benefit to the already-vaunted Denver defense. He'll have his first opportunity to officially announce himself to Broncos Country against the New York Giants on September 14.
Bradley Chubb’s injury & Week 1 status revealed
For the first time since the 2018 season, Broncos Country is set to witness Bradley Chubb and Von Miller regularly on-field together.
For the first time since the 2018 season, Broncos Country is set to witness Bradley Chubb and Von Miller regularly on-field together.
Despite an ankle injury to Bradley Chubb this isn't about to change. Broncos fans would've been right to worry when news broke of Chubb missing the team's Wednesday (September 1) practice.
Speaking before Thursday's (September 2) practice, head coach Vic Fangio revealed Chubb "tweaked his ankle last week in practice just a little bit."
"[He] played in the game with it—this past game (against the Los Angeles Rams)," Fangio said. "It’s still bothering him a little bit, so we're going give them this week here to get it right.”
Fangio confirmed Chubb didn't injure the ankle which he underwent surgery on back in May, and was somewhat reassuring when asked if No. 55 could have played this week.
“Probably. We never had that question asked or answered, but probably," Fangio said.
Importantly, when asked whether he believed Chubb would suit up for the Broncos' Week 1 encounter with the New York Giants, Fangio was emphatic, replying "I do."
Chubb and Miller have been unable to consistently line up parallel from one another since 2018 with both missing in action during the 2019 and 2020 seasons respectively. During Chubb's rookie season, the fearsome duo combined for 26.5 sacks.
Instead of relying upon their freakish abilities alone, General Manager George Paton beefed up the Broncos' secondary with the additions of cornerbacks Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby and Pat Surtain II through free agency and the draft respectively. All-Pro safety Justin Simmons was also re-signed, with the hope being Denver's back-end can allow Miller and Chubb more time to do their thing.
"It’s a pressure and cover league, and I just don’t think you can have enough," Paton told reporters during an August 31 press conference.
"I like our group and it’s going to help the front better. When you can cover longer it helps Von, it helps Chubb and it helps all those guys. There was a thought process into that. I think with Vic’s defense, getting those guys that can cover, we’re only going to be that much better.”
Chubb will become an unrestricted free agent in 2023 and despite negotiations not currently taking place, Paton doesn't see the 25-year-old - or teammate Courtland Sutton, whose contract expires at the end of the 2021 season - leaving Englewood.
“We’re going to let that play out definitely with those guys," Paton said on August 31. "We plan on them being here a long time, but when we get to it, we will. They’ll hopefully be here a long time.
With the New York Giants possessing the worst offensive line in pro football, Fangio will be licking his lips at the prospect of his pass rushers getting to Daniel Jones early and often.
Javonte Williams compared to Alvin kamara
One Broncos rookie is gaining all sorts of hype heading into Week 1, leading starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to compare him to a prolific former teammate.
One Broncos rookie is gaining all sorts of hype heading into Week 1, leading starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to compare him to a prolific former teammate.
The man in question is rookie sensation-to-be, Javonte Williams. Denver traded up five spots to select the North Carolina star with the 35th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, and already it seems as if Williams is living up to the billing.
So much so, he's being compared to the first back in NFL history to have at least 500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, September 1, Bridgewater revealed just who Williams reminds him of.
“I get asked about Javonte often and I told someone—I don't want to make it seem like I'm reaching or anything—but he possesses some of those qualities that you see in [Saints RB] Alvin Kamara," Bridgewater said.
"He's a guy [who's] extremely smart, he catches the ball well out of the backfield, he runs good routes, he has a low center of gravity, he's strong, he knows how to set up blocks. You see that in a guy like him who's only a rookie, his ceiling is so high. He has great coaching as well. This coaching staff is doing a great job of grooming him and preparing him for what's in store for this season.”
Williams, who broke the PFF record for broken tackles per attempt (0.48) in 2020, has thoroughly impressed during training camp and the preseason. In his debut against Minnesota on August 14, Williams had five carries for 29 yards -- not including a touchdown run chalked off for a holding penalty on Jerry Jeudy.
Drew Lock spoke after the Minnesota game and discussed what the 21-year-old did to stand out during the Broncos' 33-6 win.
"I said it on the sideline, he’s probably one of the youngest, calmest guys I’ve ever been around. I say young being a rookie but he’s just extremely calm," Lock told reporters on August 14.
"I haven’t seen him quote-unquote ‘rattled’ or ‘the moment’s too big.’ I know we just played in our first preseason game, it’s not the regular season whatever it may be but being next to him back there it honestly gives me a little more calmness just being able to be relaxed because he knows his job, he knows what he needs to do and when he gets the ball in his hands he runs pretty hard.”
It seems like Denver's quarterbacks aren't the only ones Williams is impressing. ESPN's Dan Graziano revealed the former North Carolina track star as his pick to be Denver's surprise package. Graziano mentioned Broncos fans shouldn't be shocked if Williams is the No. 1 running back "sooner rather than later."
"The Broncos have been impressed with their second-round pick and project to use him a lot in his rookie year," Graziano said in his column.
"Melvin Gordon remains an impediment to the clear-cut lead back role for Williams, and the Broncos are likely to use both of them early in the season, assuming good health for both. But there are plenty who expect Williams to perform in such a way that renders the competition moot. He should get a lot of work."
Without Williams -- who led the nation in broken tackles last season -- Denver had the 31st ranked offense in the National Football League, according to PFF. If he can become anything like Kamara, Bridgewater and Broncos Country will be very, very happy.
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.