Broncos’ Von Miller Ready To Get Reacquainted With Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers (17) is pressured by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. (Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE)

As Denver Broncos fans, it’s easy to dislike Philip Rivers, the football player. He’s the Broncos longest tenured division rival at quarterback and runs his mouth like a motorboat, especially when he makes a big play.

He’s been tormenting the Broncos for years. The difference is now he has more of a right to trash-talk.

“The thing was back then, he was talking when he shouldn’t have,” Champ Bailey said of Rivers. “I think he hadn’t earned his respect around the league at that point, but now it’s a different story. A few years ago, I think he really mostly hated our quarterback at the time (Jay Cutler). I know what type of person he is. He’s one of those guys, you hate to play against him, you love to play with him.”

Let’s see how much talking Rivers is able to do with Von Miller on the other side. Last week, Miller was the only bright spot on defense for the Broncos. He had 2 sacks, 5 tackles for a loss, 8 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection against the New England Patriots.

After being named the AP’s defensive rookie of the year last year, some people expected Miller to fall into what’s called the “Sophomore Slump.” Instead he’s stepped up to a second-year surge.

“His second year in the league, I don’t think he’s really looking at it in terms of trying not to slump,” Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. “I think he’s looking at it in terms of trying to continue to get better and help the team win, doing everything he can within what he’s being asked to do to get it done and make plays.”

Miller is 9th in the league with 5 sacks, and he has 23 tackles.

“He’s got some rare abilities and he’s working hard,” Del Rio said. “You combine those two things, it usually leads to some good stuff for you. It’s a treat to coach a guy with that kind of talent that brings it and competes the way he does. I’m happy for him, I’m proud of him, and obviously we need it to continue. We need our real star football players, our really talented football players to play well for us.”

Lucky for Miller and the rest of the Broncos defense, Rivers is the 8th most sacked quarterback in the league with 14 sacks.

Last season against the Chargers, Miller recorded 12 tackles and 2 sacks in two games.

“He’s an explosive player,” River said of Miller. “He’s obviously one of the guys that jumps off the film.”

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