Denver Broncos: Bold predictions for the 2018 season

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: The Denver Broncos take the field before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: The Denver Broncos take the field before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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Von Miller
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 27: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a first quarter sack against the Los Angeles Rams at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 27, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Prediction: Von’s has his biggest season ever (part one)

Von Miller will reach 20 sacks (Andrew Wade)

Despite being arguably the best defensive player in the league, Miller has failed to reach the 20-sack mark in his career for a variety of reasons. Most notably, he is the focal point of offensive game plans. Coordinators stay up at night trying to figure out ways to not let number 58 wreck their quarterback and offensive line.

The closest Miller has come to the 20-sack mark was in his sophomore year in the league. He reached 18.5.

Since then, the closest he has come was the 14 sacks he registered in 2014. His last three seasons he has put up respectable sack numbers at 11, 13.5, and 10. This year, however, he is surrounded with the most pass rushing talent Miller has had in his career, and yes, I am taking in to account his years with DeMarcus Ware.

Quietly, the Denver Broncos have created the best pass rush in the NFL. The defensive line is filled with run-stoppers who can also create interior pressure like Derek Wolfe, Adam Gotsis, DeMarcus Walker, and Shelby Harris. Behind them is the most feared pass-rushing group of outside linebackers in the league.

Prior to the addition of Chubb, the Denver Broncos’ trio of Miller, Shane Ray, and Shaquil Barrett was already considered a top-five unit. The addition of Chubb catapulted Denver to the top.

No longer can teams focus on just Miller, they have to worry about three other guys who can all get to the quarterback consistently.

With that many guys for opposing teams to game plan, Miller is likely to see easier looks to the passer resulting in a career high in sacks.

Schedule