PFF: Von Miller had an average day; Brock Osweiler isn’t the problem

For the first time since Week 4 of 2016, Von Miller did not record a single defensive stop. For the Denver Broncos, not having Miller wreck plays is a recipe for defensive collapse.

According to Pro Football Focus, Miller registered just two pressures all night and not a single defensive stop of any kind. Against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, that is a game that won’t end well.

EDGE VON MILLER, 77.0 OVERALL GRADE

Von Miller actually was held in check this week. Miller had just two pressures despite going up against back up tackle LaAdrian Waddle for much of the game. Unlike last week where he was highly productive in the running game, Miller did not have a defensive stop and had little impact as the Patriots ran away from him quite a bit. Miller did not have a single defensive stop of any kind for the first time since Week 4 of the 2016 season.

A 77.0 grade is a solid grade for most NFL football players, but Miller is not most NFL football players. He merely ‘did his job’ and for a future Hall of Famer that just isn’t enough.

As we noted earlier today, the Broncos defense has no one who can get to the passer. The Broncos are in the bottom five of the NFL when it comes to generating pressure, yet Miller is second in the NFL individually at generating pressure.

Where is Shane Ray? That’s a question for a future post.

Head Coach Vance Joseph is sticking with Brock Osweiler, which is the right choice. He has been the best quarterback on the field for the Broncos in 2017 and the team is no longer losing games due to shoddy quarterback play.

QB BROCK OSWEILER, 63.1 OVERALL GRADE

To his credit, Osweiler played much of the game without making costly mistakes, but in the fourth quarter that changed, as he wasn’t as accurate and threw an interception into trap coverage. Brock struggled under pressure, going 3-of-10 for only 45 yards compared to 15-of-23 for 176 yards when given time in the pocket. The Broncos quarterback was improved over last week but still needs to improve upon his decision making at times.

Osweiler and the Broncos offense was moving the ball early on, but as the Patriots lead turning into a route, Osweiler had to begin forcing the ball and taking chances.

The Broncos just can’t seem to find a break. When Trevor Siemian was quarterback, the defense was lights out and keeping the scores reasonable. Siemian was just completely ineffective and unable to move the ball.

Now that Osweiler is moving the ball and doing things, the defense can’t stop anyone and the special teams is the worst unit in football.

This season is quickly turning into a repeat of the frustrating 2010 season. I’m not excited to see how this team produces down the stretch.