Von-ster game leads ‘D’ way for Broncos

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The best Super Bowl commercial was the one Von Miller made for himself. The Broncos outside linebacker was a monster all day long, giving Panthers quarterback Cam Newton fits with a pass rush that was relentless. Miller had 2.5 sacks, stripped the ball from Newton twice, one that was recovered for a Broncos touchdown. Miller did it again in the fourth quarter, knocking the ball away from Newton, setting up Denver’s final touchdown. The sack with four minutes left in the fourth quarter led to a C.J. Anderson score that put the 2410 win on ice and gave the Broncos the Lombardi Trophy.

Miller, who was named MVP of the game, also dropped into coverage and set the edge against zoneread option plays, slowing the Carolina offense. His most impressive play may have been keeping with wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery on a pattern near the end zone. It is rare to find an outside linebacker who can stay with a receiver. Miller is scheduled to hit free agency in March, but there is no way the Broncos will let him get there. Denver has to find a way to keep Miller on the team with the season he had. The No. 2 overall pick in 2011 had 11 sacks this season and was an absolute monster in the playoffs. He terrorized Tom Brady in the Broncos’ AFC Championship game victory and was just as disruptive in Super Bowl 50 against Newton. The Broncos are expected to use the franchise tag on Miller if they cannot reach a longterm deal with him. He drove that price up Sunday with his performance in the Super Bowl. Miller could argue he wants a contract that is greater than Ndamukong Suh’s, which included $60 million guaranteed.

Before the game, Miller said he was not focusing on the payday that is coming his way.

“I haven’t really thought about it,” Miller said. “I put a little thought into it. All of my attention has been here in the now, here in the moment. I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in Super Bowl 50. The biggest Super Bowl up to this point. I just want to lose myself in that.”

Miller and DeMarcus Ware forced a fierce pair of bookend pass rushers for the Broncos this year. Ware sacked Newton twice on Sunday, and pressured him several other times.

If the Broncos can keep Miller and Ware together, their defense could be one of the best in the league for a long, long time.