Von Miller was such an intricate part of the Denver Broncos from the time he was drafted to when he subsequently found out he was traded. Monday Night’s game will be the first time the Broncos will face their future hall-of-fame, ring-of-famer, and former Super Bowl 50 MVP.
Denver Broncos set for reunion and showdown with Von Miller
Much of the discussion heading into Monday Night’s game against the Buffalo Bills is the Broncos’ first matchup against former franchise cornerstone edge rusher Von Miller.
Miller’s impact has made a long-lasting impression on players who have played with him here in Denver.
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“Von was great when I had the chance to be his teammate,” Broncos safety Justin Simmons said on Thursday. “Just to get to learn and grow with him and learn from him. I think he was really one of the most influential and impactful teammates that I had. Watching him take on the leadership role and lead the defense, there’s a lot I learned from him.”
Even at this point of his career, he’s still a game-wrecker and can set back Denver’s offensive gameplan at any moment. This is something that Broncos head coach Sean Payton recognizes.
“You guys know the type of player he is,” Payton said. “We’ve had a number of games over the years. I can recall—when you get assigned to the Pro Bowl, AFC and NFC, I don’t know what it is, but there is a financial bonus to winning that game or not winning it. The last time I had a chance to coach it, it was down in Florida. I don’t know what the score was, but he has that gear. I felt like at some point in the fourth quarter, he was counting on that additional $50K or whatever it was. He kind of single handedly took over the Pro Bowl. He’s got that type of ability, and we have to know where he is at. I would say not just [Bills OLB] Von [Miller], but that front has been—they’ve been injured on defense at some positions, but that front has played well. They’re near the top of the league in pressures and sacks. It’s a really good run and pass front. They’re well coaches, and I said that last night. I asked someone, ‘Who’s coaching this front?’ These guys are really good. Their third down numbers are really good. They create—the tough ones are the ones that create a lot of havoc with a four-man rush and this is one of those defenses.”
The Bills defense currently ranks 4th in the NFL with 29 sacks and restricts opposing offenses to an average of 17.8 points per game. Despite being banged up and missing various key players, Buffalo’s defense hasn’t really missed a beat.
Broncos practice participation all clear for the first time this season
The bye week came at such an important time for the Broncos as it allowed several players to heal up from some of the ailments they dealt with during the first half of the season.
Thursday’s practice was the first time all season that all players on the 53-man active roster fully participated in practice.
Thursday's #DENvsBUF injury report:
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— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 9, 2023
The only players who appeared on the report were outside linebacker Baron Browning (wrist) and offensive guard Ben Powers (ankle) with both being full participants.
After landing on injured reserve for the second time this season just a few weeks ago, Broncos head coach Sean Payton provided an update on second-year tight end Greg Dulcich.
“There’s a process,” Payton said regarding Dulcich. “I know he’s one of those guys that’s working his tail off. He’s seeing specialists. You look closely at—you also look closely at other things like gait. How much weight should he be at? He’s a little heavier than he was in college like most players. All that stuff we’re working on, but he’s making progress.”
While it’s unclear whether or not Dulcich will actually return to the field this season, Payton expressed that he believes they will see him at some point this year.