Beware the leader of the sack
As Broncos’ $114.5-million linebacker, Miller making opposing offenses pay
Surrounded by a phalanx of blockers, Denver Broncos star outside linebacker Von Miller has grown accustomed to crowds along with bold, innovative schemes intended to contain his rare ability as a pass rusher.
It’s how Miller reacts to the presence of triple-team blocking attention that separates him from the pack of defenders harassing quarterbacks. Unflappable and colorful as Miller is with his fun-loving personality and growing celebrity status, his football skills are unique in a cookie-cutter league. Imagination, athleticism and determination define Miller’s game. And it’s why the Broncos feel more than validated in their decision to pay Miller in the same expensive realm as a franchise quarterback, rewarding the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player with a blockbuster six-year, $114.5 million contract this offseason that included a staggering $70 million in guaranteed money.
That kind of financial package attracts plenty of attention. NFL offensive coordinators always are plotting how they can devise sound strategies to contain Miller and stop him from wrecking their game plan.
Miller is inordinately accounted for, at least that’s the hope. Beyond just pairing him against an offensive tackle and hoping for the best, little is left to chance.
Creative blocking schemes
So, NFL teams also will attempt to chipblock Miller with an extra offensive lineman, a tight end or running back or even motion their wide receivers at the snap to try to get a piece of the former Texas A&M standout.
“I don’t know if it’s crazy or not,” Miller said. “It’s just new, creative stuff. They might motion a wide receiver in. There might already be a tight end lined up in an ideal position. There might be a running back to come out and chip after that. After all that stuff, I still have to tackle him.
“It’s just little creative stuff like that. You just have to rush through. You might not be able to get the sack on third-and-long. You might have to get it on first down. I just attack every play with a relentless effort and tenacious pursuit. Whenever my opportunity presents itself, I try to take advantage of it.”
If anything bothers Miller, it doesn’t show. His reaction is essentially a shoulder shrug as he keeps sacking quarterbacks. Heading into Monday night’s game against the Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Miller ranks second in the NFL with 7½ sacks through six games.
Miller beats offensive tackles with a combination of power, speed and flair, playing with an unrivaled love for the game. His enthusiasm is evident in his celebrations after spinning past linemen like a whirling dervish to sack the quarterback. Whether it’s his trademark spin move, swim move, speed rush, bull rush, rip move or a combination of jukes and power, Miller represents an extremely difficult blocking assignment for the Texans.
“You better know where Von Miller is on ev-
ery play,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s a disruptive force in the league.”
Protecting Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler is of paramount importance against Miller. Osweiler has been sacked a dozen times and hit 44 times.
Miller has 11 of the Broncos’ 57 quarterback hits as the headliner of a front seven that includes Derek Wolfe, who has 4½ sacks, and Shane Ray, who has four. The Broncos lead the NFL in sacks and quarterback hits.
“A lot of talented players,” Texans threetime Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown said. “Obviously, they have a very, very great player in Von Miller that we have to account for, but he’s not the only one.
“They have a number of Pro Bowl players on that defense. We know it’s a big challenge for us, a big test. We’re ready for it.” Dominating playoff performances It all starts with Miller, though. Dominant in the Super Bowl victory, Miller had a total of 11 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two passes defended and an interception in the postseason as the Broncos defeated elite quarterbacks Cam Newton, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger.
Miller has at least a half-sack in seven consecutive games.
Embarrassing overmatched Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Mike Remmers in the Super Bowl, Miller had six tackles, 2½ sacks and two forced fumbles. He became only the 10th defensive player in NFL history to be named the Super Bowl MVP.
“He’s athletic, fast, he knows how to get to the quarterback,” said Texans running back Lamar Miller, who’s not related to the Broncos standout. “He’s just a playmaker, so you have to be aware wherever he’s at on the field.”
Paid $19 million per year, Miller has mastered the art of shedding blocks as he has mastered an extensive repertoire of pass-rushing moves.
Miller is the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 70 sacks with that total through 81 career games, trailing only Reggie White, who reached that milestone in 57 games and injured Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who achieved that number in his first 76 games. A disruptive force
Offensive tackles are essentially at the mercy of the four-time Pro Bowl selection in single-blocking situations. The native of DeSoto and former Butkus Award winner for the Aggies grew up running track, including the hurdles, triple jump and javelin throw, and puts his 4.49 speed in the 40-yard dash to use with a lightning-quick start at the line of scrimmage.
At 6-3, 250 pounds with long arms, Miller has been compared to everyone from Lawrence Taylor to the late Derrick Thomas.
“He’s always been disruptive: run game, pass game, run away, run to,” Texans offensive coordinator George Godsey said. “The guy is an excellent football player. We definitely have to know where he’s at every play.”
Although Miller will be chasing after a former teammate in Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler, the subject of scrutiny as he enters the game with eight interceptions after leaving the Broncos to sign a four-year, $72 million deal this offseason,
Miller insists it won’t be personal for him to play against Osweiler.
“I don’t really have any hard feelings towards Brock,” Miller said. “I want to see him do good this year. I want to see him be the quarterback that the Houston Texans want him to be, but I just don’t want to see him do it on Monday.
“It’s just a little added sauce on it when you’re playing somebody that you played with before. That’s all it really is. It’s just a little sauce on the top.” aaron.wilson@chron.com twitter.com/aaronwilson_nfl