MVP Candidates Watch List: The Top 7 and Their Routes To The Award
By Daniel
Oct 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Cardinals tackle Bobby Massie (70) and Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) battle for position on the field in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
6. Von Miller, OLB – Denver:
Stat Line: 8 sacks, 27 tackles, 1 pass defended
I am aware of how difficult it is for a defender in the NFL to win the AP MVP award — it has only happened twice before (Alan Page, Lawrence Taylor). But I am not in the camp that believes it’s impossible or that it’ll never happen again. If it does anytime soon, it’ll be one of two players in my opinion. Von Miller is one of those two players that could do it. He’s beginning to heat up on the defensive side of the ball and he’s reminding everyone why he’s regarded as an elite pass rusher in the NFL.
If Miller continues to heat up in such a dramatic fashion it will be quite difficult for MVP voters to not look at what he’s doing, even if he is perceived as the longest shot on this list to win the award. In the last three weeks Miller has posted two sacks in each game, now that’s consistency. Over his last five games he’s gotten at least one sack in every game. His team is 5-1 and he’s a big part of their success. If his sacks continue to pour in at this rate for another few weeks and he snags a turnover or two he’ll really start to gain momentum for consideration for the award.
Honestly, I think it’s time that the voters begin to look at the defensive side of the ball with more seriousness. You know what they say, offense wins games, but defense wins championships. Although, if there’s one player on the Broncos that’s arguably more valuable than him, it’s the next player on this list.