Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) grabs his right knee against the Houston Texans during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos star outside linebacker Von Miller tore his ACL in the team’s Week 16 win over the Houston Texans, and it was a massive loss for a Broncos defense that will have to prove they can at least somewhat replace him. The Broncos defense is deep, but they have been hit by numerous injuries this season that have tested that depth to its limits. Miller is also one of the best players in the game overall with his incredible pass rushing ability and top-notch run defense, so it’s always hard to make up for that type of loss. The Broncos defense will be tested in this week’s playoff game against the San Diego Chargers, and there’s no doubt that the Broncos won’t take the Chargers lightly, especially after what happened the last time these two teams faced off.
Miller isn’t going be on the Broncos until next season after that unfortunate injury, but he’ll still be a force when he’s back. According to ESPN NFL Nation’s Jeff Legwold, Miller will have surgery on his torn ACL tomorrow, and he reports that Miller’s surgery will be done by a surgeon from James Andrews’s team. Andrews himself will reportedly repair Rob Gronkowski’s ACL and MCL tears on Thursday.
He’s expected to make a full recovery, and I think he’ll be ready by the start of the 2014 season. It’s too early to make any predictions, but I would think that Miller will be on track. He’s obviously an incredible talent, and we can only hope for a successful surgery and recovery. For now, it’s time for the Broncos to prove that they can still win it all without him, and they certainly have the offense to do it. And if the secondary can play up to its potential, then they should clean up the AFC.