Broncos’ defensive backbone back for this AFC title game
DENVER — Backslaps for the backups.
That’s all pass-rusher Von Miller and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. could provide the last time the New England Patriots played the Denver Broncos for the AFC championship.
The backbone of Denver’s dominant defense is ready for the rematch Sunday.
“I was happy for my teammates then, I’m happy for my teammates now,” Miller said. “But I have a chance to go in and affect the game. There’s a little bit more that I can do besides just cheer my guys on. And I plan to do that.”
Miller and Harris were out with ACL injuries two years ago in the Broncos’ 26-16 win over the Patriots, then watched helplessly from the sideline two weeks later as Seattle destroyed Denver’s dismantled defense that was also missing defensive end Derek Wolfe in the Super Bowl.
Denver’s duo was eager to face Brady and Bill Belichick, the best QB/ coach combo in history with a record 22 playoff wins, a year later when the Broncos admittedly overlooked the Colts and never got that chance. Not this time. The top-seeded Broncos (13-4) took care of Pittsburgh and the secondseeded Patriots (13-4) beat Kansas City, setting up a rematch in the conference championship, a 17th and likely final meeting between Brady and Peyton Manning.
Instead of providing moral support this time, Miller and Harris get the chance to dethrone the defending champs.
“The Patriots come here, we’re the No. 1 seed,” Miller said. “Exactly how we had it before — but we get to play.”
Miller realizes the task is a lot tougher this weekend than it was two months ago.
“We wouldn’t want it any other way,” Miller said. “That’s the beauty of playing in the National Football League: We’ve got great players going against great players.”
Instead of watching on crutches.
With Miller and DeMarcus Ware providing the pressure and Aqib Talib and Harris locking down receivers, the four Pro Bowlers teamed up to create what Steelers coach Mike Tomlin labeled the best pressure-cover combination in football.
One that will be tested Sunday.