Putting Von Miller’s numbers in perspective

Denver's Von Miller has phenomenal potential.  (Image courtesy of Paul Cloud Photography)

Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller has recorded five sacks in five games this season, notching a sack in four consecutive games.  Just how impressive is that?  Consider the numbers below:

• DeMarcus Ware (Dallas), Mario Williams (Houston), Dwight Freeney (Indianapolis), Terrell Suggs (Baltimore) and Brian Orakpo (Washington).  Those are just a few of the top pass rushers in the league that Miller has either matched in beaten in total sacks so far this season.

• The only three players that have recorded more sacks than Miller through five games (Jared Allen, Jason Babin and Jason Pierre-Paul) are defensive ends who rush the passer on nearly every play.  Miller has other responsibilities as a linebacker and often only rushes on third downs.

• The Broncos’ longest streak of consecutive games with a sack by a rookie is six games, with was set by linebacker Mike Croel in 1991.  Interestingly, Croel was a fourth overall selection by the Broncos in 1991 and won the Defensive Rookie of the Year honor that season.

• Miller has the chance to not only match Croel’s record, but the Broncos all-time record of consecutive games with a sack, which was set by the franchises all-time sack leader Simon Fletcher (10 straight games).

• At the pace he is on, Miller is on track to record 58 tackles and16.0 sacks this season, which would be one short of the team’s all-time record for sacks in a single season (Elvis Dumervil, 2009).

It’s safe to say that Miller is definitely in good company.  We’re looking forward to watching the rest of his historic rookie season.