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Published on 10/10/2011 at Mon Oct 10 14:00.
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Broncos’ Von Miller still a work in progress

Posted Mon Oct 10th by

Miller is on pace to record 58 tackles and 16.0 sacks this season. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

When the Denver Broncos drafted outside linebacker Von Miller 2nd overall in this year’s draft, they knew he was a special player.  Through fives games, Miller leads all rookies with 5.0 sacks, but the Broncos want him to be more than just an outstanding pass rusher.

Denver wants Miller to become an outstanding linebacker.  That’s why Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen pulled Miller from the base defense on Sunday when he was struggling against the run and in pass coverage.

The Broncos had quite a rotation going with the linebackers on Sunday, with veteran Mario Haggan replacing Joe Mays at middle linebacker for several plays before filling in for Miller as the strong side linebacker.  On several occasions, the Broncos moved Miller to defensive end, moving Robert Ayers to defensive tackle and stacking Wesley Woodyard over top, replacing Miller across from D.J. Williams.

The Broncos have done a great job utilizing Miller’s passing rushing abilities, moving him around as was mentioned above, but the Broncos, and Miller, know he can improve as a 4-3 linebacker.

“I didn’t play to the best of my potential. I’m pretty disappointed in myself,” Miller told the Denver Post. “I’m going to come back tomorrow, keep working, keep taking steps to be the player I think I can be.”

It will be interesting to see if Miller will have to win his starting job back during the bye week.  Following this week, the Broncos will travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins.

If I were a betting man, I’d bet Miller will have a bounce back performance in Miami.  

  • Anonymous

    Rookie growing pains, this aint a new story…it’s a very old one.  Miller has done very well for a rookie.

  • Anonymous

    Denver is more suited to a 3-4 and so is Miller. Haggan should be a starting ILB in it. Frustrating the coaches are playing to what little defensive strength we have just because they are from the 4-3 school.

  • Ryan

    This is a joke right?  Missed some assignments and needs to get in the playbook a bit more but trying to posture as if Miller won’t start is dumb.  5 sacks in 5 games…see anyone else on our defense doing that?

  • broncofan67

    Give the kid a break, he’ll be fine.  Now go get some help in the form of a true NT and CB. 

  • Anonymous

    Hell he is tied for 4th in the league in sacks.  I would say that is pretty good.  I understand they want to make him into an all-around lb, but give him a break.  It is his 1st yr in the league.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Josh Temple

    Weren’t we saying the same thing about the McDaniels staff and the 3-4?  We don’t have a nose tackle or the big defensive ends to play a 3-4.

  • http://Facebook.com/BroncosZone Jon

    I said he was benched during the game, I didn’t say he wasn’t a starter anyone and I don’t expect he’ll ever not start when healthy. I was merely pointing out his growing pains (like TD30isMVP pointed out) and noting that he was benched on Sunday.

  • http://Facebook.com/BroncosZone Jon

    I wasn’t trying to criticize Miller, the guy’s a beast. I love him. I was just noting that he was benched and that he can improve in coverage/against the run.

    We all know he can rush the passer.

  • anthony33

    Miller has 5 sacks, got it.  Not the only thing he is responsible for.  He’ll be fine.  Benching during the game was sending a message that even he needs to pick up th pace.

    He seems the like the kind of guy that will respond well.  Would hate to be playing offensive tackle for Miami.

  • rcsodak

    Agreed. Just because you have 4lb’s that can play, doesn’t mean you’re a 34D.
    Think somebody’s still drunk with excitement over TT playing. Lol

  • Ryan

    No but you did say it would be interesting to see if he would have to earn his starting job back…implying there is a possibility he has lost it.  That is what I found to be a bit over the top.

  • http://Facebook.com/BroncosZone Jon

    You know how coaches are, if he was pulled in the game they may make him “earn in back in practice”, just giving him an incentive to go at it in practice, knowing full well that he is the sure starter.

  • Anonymous

    YES!!!

  • Anonymous

    “He seems the like the kind of guy that will respond well.”

    For sure…

    I wanted them to take Marcell Dareus real bad… But I have to admit that at times I have been real excited about Von(age). If the injury bug does not find him he will be our next very special LB. Least I think so!

  • Anonymous

    Maybe but I see no difference between that and having Miller drop into coverage on 70% of the plays or having him (our best pass rusher) sitting out 70% of the snaps for Hagan.

    I played in both a 3-4 and 4-3 system and we are deficient in both so why not use the one that optimizes both Doom’s and Millers strengths while at the same time allowing for more coverage options?

  • Anonymous

    Have you ever even played football? haha

  • rcsodak

    Oh boy…. the ol’ “have have ever played”. Tripe.

    U r 2!  Lol

    Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

  • Anonymous

    I’ll take that as a “no” :D

  • rcsodak

    A peewee player knows the front 3 are what makes a successful 34.  Put denvers dline on pitts team and they fail just as much.
    /class

    Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android