Von Miller and Bradley Chubb may be the keys to a Denver Broncos resurgence, despite it being almost two years since they wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks together. Injuries put a stop to them already being one of the best edge rushing duos in the league. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what the pair can do when healthy and that is a clear indicator of the magic that can happen when they are both on the field.
Von Miller and Bradley Chubb Will be Key to Broncos Comeback
Denver’s defense has not been the same since the 2015 season that ended in winning Super Bowl 50. That was the year the Miller-anchored Broncos led the league in total defense, pass defense, and sacks, culminating in Miller being named Super Bowl MVP. Never has the “defense wins championships” mantra been more accurate than that season.
It Was 28 Games Without the Duo
The Broncos have gone without Chubb and Miller together on the field for their last 28 regular season games. Chubb managed to force a fumble on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew back in September 2019 before his ACL tear was discovered. That ended his season.
Miller then suffered through his worst season since 2013 with only eight sacks. In 2020, as Chubb rehabbed by himself, Miller looked good at training camp. It was expected to be another season full of sacks, but he sustained an ankle injury before the regular season even started.
With Miller out, Chubb had to take over and face the double teams that his mentor had to deal with earlier. With a new injury, he pushed through to finish the season with eight sacks and a debut Pro Bowl selection.
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Miller Is Likely To Bounce Back With No Issues
Training camp is near and hopes are resting on a secondary that is greatly improved. There is renewed confidence that both Miller and Chubb will have adequate protection when either of them get double teamed.
Any worries about Miller’s ability to bounce back have been assuaged by kicker Brandon McManus’ observations. Per Jeff Legwold of ESPN, McManus has nothing but confidence in his teammate and friend. “[Miller]… has been training his butt off out there in California, and he’s never looked any better… For the defense and the team as well, it’s a huge mood boost to have somebody, the franchise sack leader, on the field with you and the way he’s able to disrupt and help Bradley on the other side and help everybody on the field because it is similar, as you know, from our 2015 year.”
What Could Miller and Chubb Achieve Together?
It is impossible to forget what the duo has done after the 20 games they played together. They were a force back then, combining for 29.5 sacks (16.5 for Miller and 13 for Chubb).
Legwold has noted that Miller already looks like he is in mid-season form. The man himself is determined to get back out there and do what he’s known for. “Get sacks, force turnovers, make big play… win games.”
Meanwhile Chubb had ankle surgery and is on track to be ready for the start of the regular season. Chubb had earlier in the year reminded everyone of Miller’s prowess. “Von proved that nobody in this league can block him one-on-one, he can have his way and do whatever he wants in this league and get sacks on anybody he wants.”
Chubb and Miller had long been expected to be a significant threat to any opposing quarterback. “These injuries have taken away from us as an organization and we haven’t been able to show what we can do. With us on the field, it’s going to be huge.”
His comments can’t even be seen as bragging. This edge rushing duo is capable of doing some real damage to the opposition. If their return to the field is unhampered by more injuries, they may well be the key to Denver’s comeback.
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