Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. made the AP all-pro teams, which the team announced on Friday.
The Broncos defense has had quite a bit of a turnaround from last season under first-year defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. With the regular season over, the award season and playoffs are underway. And a few Broncos players on the defensive side have been rewarded for their hard work.
First is Broncos edge rusher Von Miller. He was named to the first team Associated Press All-Pro team. This is the third time he has been named to an AP All-Pro Team. He was nominated for the same honor in 2012 during his second year in the league and also was second team all-pro during his rookie season.
This season, Miller recorded 11 sacks and was often a force to be reckoned with. It seemed that every game that he was playing, he made a play to get to the quarterback. His funky sack dances in the first half of the season were something to watch.
Another player who was named to an all-pro team was Chris Harris Jr. He was named to the second all-pro team, the second of his career. He received the honor back in 2014 during his excellent season.
This season, Harris Jr. continued his dominance at the cornerback position. He recorded 58 tackles, forced two fumbles and had two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Harris Jr. had quite a great season minus the Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He continues to play strong and become reliable at the cornerback position for the Broncos.
Aqib Talib and Brandon Marshall were two other Broncos defensive players to receive votes for the AP all-pro teams.
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This is quite an accomplishment for these players. We have really seen a defensive unit that should be tops in the league for years to come. With Miller playing for that contract and Harris Jr. just starting his new contract, these two players will be cornerstone pieces for the Orange Crush Defense.
Congrats to them both on such a great honor. Go Broncos!