The Denver Broncos’ 2016 regular season is one quarter complete.
The Broncos aced the first four challenges in their defense of the Super Bowl victory that took place back in February. After a thrilling Super Bowl rematch against the Carolina Panthers in the opener that saw the Broncos win a thriller, Denver held off the always pesky Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.
The Broncos then went on the road for a solid road win at Cincinnati in Week 3, and earlier this week they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with backup quarterback Paxton Lynch taking over.
So with the season heading into the second quarter, who are the players that are leading the way?
Here are the five most important Denver Broncos players so far in 2016.
Sanders was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010, but they had questions about his work ethic and ability to stay healthy. After nearly ending up in Kansas City, Sanders came to Denver and has been a highly productive fan-favorite.
He plays hurt, he makes the tough catches and he has a lot of fun.
So far this season Sanders has 25 catches for 293 yards and three touchdowns. He has been a safety net for the Bronco quarterbacks who know that he will go over the middle without fear and fight for the ball while it is in the air.
4. Derek Wolfe
Always a force against the run, last season we began to see Wolfe getting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
And with the departure of fellow lineman Malik Jackson in the offseason, he is stepping up even more so far this year.
Through the first four games, Wolfe already has 16 tackles, four sacks and is consistently a threat to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage.
3. Trevor Siemian
When Peyton Manning retired and Brock Osweiler bolted for Houston, Bronco fans were looking at the possibility of Mark Sanchez leading the defense of Super Bowl 50.
Apparently, no one told Siemian.
Drafted with the 250th pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, all Siemian did was continue making smart plays every time he got his opportunity.
He has proven to be very capable of moving the Bronco offense, and through the first quarter of the season, he is completing over 67 percent of his passes.
The positive play of Trevor Siemian and his ability to avoid big mistakes is giving Broncos Country hope that another championship is possible.
2. Aqib Talib
Talib already has three interceptions on the season, and has returned those picks for 86 yards, including a very important touchdown against the Colts in Week 2.
In his Week 4 return to Tampa, with the offense struggling, Talib picked off Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston twice, setting up the Denver offense with great field position.
They cashed in with two touchdowns.
Some fans may complain about Talib’s antics, but he is a playmaker that always seems to come through in the clutch.
1. Von Miller
The reigning MVP of Super Bowl 50 spent the offseason on a seemingly worldwide tour that had critics wondering if he would be able to continue playing at such a high level.
Dancing with the Stars appears to agree with Von Miller.
He has returned in 2016 as though he never left, showing the same quickness and explosion that keep offensive coordinators up late at night, and quarterbacks seeing him in their nightmares.
In just four games, Von has logged 15 tackles, 5.5 sacks and his strip sack of Colts quarterback Andrew Luck in Week 2 that was returned for a touchdown was vintage Von.
Opponents try to account for Von Miller on every single play, and they are still unable to stop him.
With the first quarter of the season complete, the Broncos are still one of the top contenders in the NFL.
And Von Miller is the No. 1 reason.