Von Miller is playing a well-rounded game these days…and that could spell trouble for opposing teams (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE).
There were flashes of utter brilliance in 2011 that were, at times, as mind-boggling as the lack of discipline from Von Miller. The two biggest indictments on both counts both came against the Chargers last year.
In the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Miller’s lack of disciple in the run game was so openly exploited that after a 36-yard Ryan Mathews run, Miller played the rest of the game only in pass-rush situations, spending much of the game on the bench.
At San Diego, however, Miller’s tackle of Mike Tolbert for a loss in overtime likely edged the Chargers out of a game winning field goal (Nick Novak‘s 53-yard attempt sailed just to the left).
Miller’s rookie year was the proverbial feast or famine.
2012 has been a different story for Miller. His five sacks have him as the team leader and 8th in the league, and are of course what you’d expect for someone so passionate about getting to the quarterback. But this year, his most impressive contribution is in his maturing focus on the defensive game as a whole. Miller leads the league with 12 tackles for a loss, and amongst players with at least five sacks, only J.J. Watt has more tackles overall.
After John Elway and company drafted Miller last year, Elway explained that “he’s a type of guy that comes around every 10 years.”
It seems Miller is starting to fill those shoes very nicely.
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