When the Broncos beat the Panthers in the Super Bowl, linebacker Von Miller was named MVP after he ransacked the Carolina offense with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Miller didn’t have quite the same impact in Denver’s Week One victory over the Panthers, although he did have a sack. Miller’s play in Week Two looked a lot like the Super Bowl outing, however.
Miller had three sacks and a forced fumble against the Colts in the 34-20 win and all but iced the victory in the fourth quarter. With the Colts down six and driving in hopes of taking the lead, Miller blew past right tackle Joe Reitz to sack Andrew Luck and knock the ball out of his hands. Shane Ray scooped up the fumble and returned it for a touchdown that put the Broncos in more comfortable command of the contest.
Miller was named the AFC defensive player of the week for his efforts. It’s the first time Miller has taken those honors since 2012, although the Broncos have had four defensive winners since the start of the 2015 season.