When we look back on this era of Denver Broncos football, something says Von Miller and Chris Harris Jr. will be the two players we all remember as the main catalysts of success.
Throughout this Miller-Harris Era, from 2011 on, those two have been the unquestioned leaders of the defense, which led the Broncos to two Super Bowls and one championship. One player, a top-three draft pick who’s somehow exceeding expectations. The other’s, an undrafted free agent who is constantly proving to everyone how valuable a chip on a shoulder can be.
Miller and Harris have been so dominant, Pro Football Focus regularly takes notice, highlighting not only their top games, but their superb seasons, too.
Now, in their Top 50 players of 2018, both Harris (No. 29) and Miller (No. 8) have been celebrated once again.
For Harris, his responsibilities will be increased this year due to Aqib Talib leaving. Harris is now the No. 1 cornerback and also the best slot corner the Broncos have. And even though he’s going into his eighth year, Harris is still considered one of the best corners in the league.
This, from Pro Football Focus’ Top 50 for 2018, on Harris:
“One of the best cornerbacks in the game has become the gold standard for defending the slot, which has become ever more valuable in today’s NFL. Harris went 16.3 snaps in coverage between receptions surrendered in 2017, the most in the league among slot defenders and has routinely been the hardest slot corner in the game to complete passes on during his time with the Broncos. He has three single-season PFF grades above 90.0 in his career and has never posted a mark below 80.0 in the NFL.”
In fact, Harris has been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL so long, he’s making a case for being the best cover man in the storied history of the Denver Broncos.
Speaking of that storied history, there’s no doubt — at this point — that Miller is the best defender in Broncos history.
Miller’s been the Defensive Rookie of the Year, a three-time first-team All-Pro and Super Bowl MVP. Similar to Harris, even as he pushes toward the 10-year mark in the league, Miller hasn’t lost a step.
As PFF puts it:
“Miller’s career PFF grades are just a wall of elite-level numbers. He has graded above 90.0 every season of his career. Only 22 edge rushers have posted a single-season PFF grade above 90.0, and Miller has done it seven times, in consecutive seasons, every year of his career. This past season, he notched 10 sacks, 12 hits and 61 hurries to still lead all edge rushers in total pressures despite the Denver defense around him taking a step backwards and his sack total belying the elite pass-rush he still brought to the table.”
This year, Harris, Miller and the Broncos defense will not only look to take a step forward, back to an elite level, but the offense will try to join them as well, in the effort to become playoff-caliber once again.
