Von Miller Is Denver Broncos’ Best Player, Despite Tim Tebow’s Heroics

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Nov 18, 2011

Von Miller Is Denver Broncos' Best Player, Despite Tim Tebow's HeroicsBroncos quarterback Tim Tebow continues to draw headlines — even the one above — but linebacker Von Miller has been as much of a messiah for Denver as Tebow has been.

Miller was taken with the second-overall pick in the 2011 draft, and the pick was met with some skepticism from analysts who said a 4-3 system would limit Miller’s incredible pass rushing potency. He hasn’t let a scheme — or anything else, for that matter — get in his way of being a dominant threat as a pass rusher. Through 10 games, Miller has accumulated 10 sacks.

Much has been made of Tebow’s fourth quarter comeback win over the Jets on Thursday night, but the Broncos wouldn’t have even had that chance without 1 1/2 crucial sacks from Miller, including one on the Jets’ last-ditch effort.

Not to mention that while Tebow was mucking it up for three quarters (again), Miller was busy helping the Broncos hold Mark Sanchez and the Jets to 258 total yards and 13 points.

Tailoring the offense to Tebow has been something of a struggle for the Broncos, but doing so for Miller has been welcome, and a worthwhile excursion. He has been a maven as a pass rusher in the 4-3, even though the scheme would normally entail that he doesn’t rush the passer.

While the Broncos have gone 4-1 under Tebow, one noteworthy stat has the Broncos defense holding opponents to 15 or fewer points in three of those four wins. Tebow’s fourth-quarter heroics have been nothing short of incredible, but he wouldn’t have the chance to lead his team to victory without Denver’s defense, and Denver’s defense wouldn’t be nearly as potent without Von Miller rushing the passer.

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