DENVER — Von Miller’s season began with a new scheme, no sacks in the first three games and an 0-4 start. By last Sunday, it left him in frustration that bubbled over into an emotional press conference.
But Miller’s season will end in the same fashion as seven of his eight previous years: with a Pro Bowl berth.
Miller was the only Bronco chosen for the AFC Pro Bowl roster, which was announced Tuesday night.
His selection ensures that the Broncos will have at least one Pro Bowler for the 39th consecutive season, continuing a streak that began when linebackers Randy Gradishar and Bob Swenson, defensive back Billy Thompson and wide receiver Steve Watson were selected for the Pro Bowl following the 1981 season.
It has not been a vintage season for Miller in terms of pass-rush production. His season-long total of 7 sacks puts him on pace for his first campaign without at least 10 sacks since 2013, when he missed six games due to a suspension and another because of a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament.
xxx But Miller’s production has been on the uptick in recent weeks. He has three sacks in the last four games and 4.5 in the last six, giving him a puncher’s shot at his eighth double-digit sack season in his first nine campaigns. If he does that, he would be just the second player in NFL history to have at least eight seasons with 10 or more sacks in his first nine campaigns, joining Reggie White.
Miller will likely not be alone representing the Broncos in Orlando next month. The Broncos also had three alternates, according to a source with knowledge:
- Wide receiver Courtland Sutton (second alternate)
- Safety Kareem Jackson (third alternate)
- Return specialist Diontae Spencer (third alternate)
It was no surprise that Sutton, Jackson and Spencer were among those who will be on call for the flight to central Florida.
But the fact that Justin Simmons was nowhere to be found was baffling and makes him this year’s biggest snub.
Not only did Simmons not make the roster, he wasn’t even selected as an alternate.
Simmons is the NFL’s highest-rated safety by Pro Football Focus. But there’s more to his case than that.
According to PFF’s metrics, opposing quarterbacks have a 29.5 rating when passing in his direction. That places him third of 395 defensive players at all positions with at least 50 coverage snaps so far this season.
The fourth-year safety also has four interceptions so far this year, good for third among AFC safeties and tied for seventh-most league-wide among defenders at all spots.
The lack of a Pro Bowl nod should not affect Simmons’ value on the market — if he hits it. General manager John Elway told KOA on Tuesday that the organization plans “to keep him as a Denver Bronco.”
Perhaps this gives Simmons unfinished business for 2020.
