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There appears to be a new and improved Von Miller at Broncos camp this year. This time last year we were dealing with a pending Von Miller suspension, and just all the drama surrounding that matter. The six game suspension, his weight gain, and ACL injury. A lot has changed since Miller limped off the field in Houston.
"I'm a way different person from what I was five years ago, a year ago," Miller said. "I'm definitely different, more mature. I'm one of the oldest guys in the linebacker room now. I was talking to Wesley [Woodyard] the other day, and I was like 'Bro, I'm one of the oldest guys in here right now,' and we started laughing so it's just part of it. Just have to grow up."
Miller is out to prove that he is a new guy, more mature and heading down the right road. By all accounts he's doing a great job thus far. He has worked hard throughout the entire offseason rehabbing his ACL, which is one of the main reasons why Miller avoided the PUP and is participating on a limited basis in Training Camp.
One factor that might be overlooked is the arrival of Future Hall Of Fame Defensive End DeMarcus Ware. We all know the things Ware is capable of on the football field, but what he's doing behind the scenes might be the most important of all. Ware has taken Miller under his wing and is helping Miller with the off the field issues that plaqued him last year, and it appears to be helping.
Millers teammates are noticing the difference that Ware has already made in Miller's life. Here's what third year linebacker Danny Trevathan had to say
"And we all feel good when we see [Miller] like that," said linebacker Danny Trevathan. "That's a big part of our defense, what those guys can do in the pass rush."
With Miller looking close to 100% and DeMarcus Ware looking like the DeMarcus Ware of old, the pairing could be terrorizing Quarterback all season
Broncos first day in pads:
Today will be the first time the Denver Broncos wear pads and start hitting each other in 2014. Padded practices are my favorite practices because it gives you an idea of who can compete on Sunday's. There's plenty of players who dominate in shorts, but disappear when the pads come on. That's what i'm interested in seeing.
I'm also interested to see how the running backs fair. Montee Ball struggled running the ball in camp last year, so it'll be interesting to see how he does this year. All the backs behind Ball are fighting for a roster spot, so we should get a good idea of who steps up their game, and who might be on the outside looking in.
The battle in the trenches is always fun to watch. The Broncos defensive line looked unstoppable at times yesterday, so lets see if anything changes with the pads being on.
The scariest part of padded practices is the potential for injuries. There's always a handful of impact players around the NFL who get knocked out for the season during these practices. So lets hope for a competitive and healthy practice.
The Broncos will kick off the padded practice at 8:50 MT and conclude at 11:30 MT. We at Mile High Report will have you covered with everything going on at Dove Valley!
Horse Tracks:
- Andrew Mason gives you his five takeaways from Friday's practice. Who stood out, and who struggled?
- DenverBroncos.com provides some photo's from Day 2 of Training Camp.
- Colts running back Vick Ballard appears to have suffered an ACL injury, and may miss his second straight season. A tough break for the young running back.
- Former Pro Bowl Guard Carl Nicks was granted his release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and could be retiring.
- Former Denver Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan says he's still interested in returning to the NFL, but under the right management.
- 49ers All-Pro Linebacker Navarro Bowman could return in time to face Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos offense.