Miller: ‘November is when I get spicy’

Von Miller would like you to know three things:

He’s playing as hard as he can.

He likes his snap count being high.

His breakout is coming.

“Around November is when I really turn it on, and I get spicy,” he said Thursday. “I’m hoping the next couple of games will be good ones for me.”

Given that the Colts are on deck for an Oct. 27 game, it would be nice if Miller could get a little spicy before November.

Perhaps not “hot” but at least “medium.” Because “mild” Miller isn’t going to cut it against Quenton Nelson.

And No. 58 knows it.

“He’s just a mean guy. He’s just a mean guy, and you can see it on film. You don’t even have to talk to him. You don’t have to have any conversations. You can see it in his play that he’s just a tough, mean offensive lineman.”

In fact, Miller called Nelson the type of offensive lineman that you “respect without even meeting.”

Pro Football Focus would agree. They have given the second-year tackle an 88.2 overall rating for 2019 so far. He has played 430 snaps, gotten just one penalty and allowed zero sacks. He was even named to PFF’s Team of the Week the first two games of the season - two games in which backup QB Jacoby Brissett was suddenly thrust into a starting role after Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement just weeks before.

“He’s just a massive human being, and he’s quick and he’s fast,” Miller said, recalling a story from the Pro Bowl where he sat behind Nelson on the bus - “and I was like. ‘Bro, your head is so big.’ (laughing). He’s getting out on like little lead sweep blocks and he’s up in the secondary. It just looks mean and that’s the type of offensive lineman that every team wants to have.”

But even though Miller no longer has fellow super-stud edge rusher Bradley Chubb helping him set the edge, he does have up-and-comer Malik Reed - aka, “dream killer.”

“He’s definitely been doing that,” Miller said of Reed, who has had one sack and three QB hits. “He’s been doing the best that he can possibly do, the same with me. He’s done a great job when playing the run, playing the pass, being mentally sound and not making mental errors. He’s been great for it.”

Miller admits he is not where he’d like to be with his “numbers” - just 2.5 sacks, which is on pace for just six sacks this season. After notching 14.5 sacks last year, Miller has gone seven of his eight seasons in the league hitting at least 10 sacks.

Miller is going to have to hit a stride soon if he’s at least going to reach 10.

“I’ve definitely taken all the shots that I could have possibly taken, and I’ve really left it out there and done as much as I could possibly do and that’s what I got,” he said. “I’m at peace and I’m just trying to play my best football and trying to put my best football forward.”

Miller even told reporters he doesn’t really like to talk about his stats since they clearly aren’t up to his standard - much less Broncos Country’s standards.

“I try not to talk about it honestly,” he laughed. “I’m rushing hard. I’m trying to get there, getting pressure and stuff, getting close to them. Just not being able to make that play. As tough as it is to see, 2.5 sacks, for my fans and stuff you can only imagine how I feel about that coming into the season with so many expectations on — the highest expectation that you could probably think of, we had that.”

With his team at 2-5, Miller has no doubt tempered his own expectations. But the edge rusher isn’t giving up; Sunday’s matchup is just another chance to sack the QB.

But Brissett won’t be easy to bring down.

“He’s solid. He’s solid. It’s really showing the stock of those New England quarterbacks is just rising,” Miller said of his next target, who has managed to throw 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions in the first seven games. “He’s making solid decisions, getting the ball out fast, and he’s really leading that offense. It’s his team and you can really see it.”

Vic Fangio noted what a big and fast quarterback Brissett is too.

“They’re doing a good job of pass blocking and then the quarterback’s hard to get down,” Fangio noted. “He’s an elusive, big strong guy. He has shaken off some sacks and gotten away from sacks. It’s a combination of good blocking and a quarterback being elusive and hard to get down.”

(Come to think of it, Von...it might be time for the “hot” spicy this Sunday after all).

Horse Tracks - Broncos v. Colts

Notebook: The Indianapolis Colts are preparing to take on a talented Denver Broncos defense that includes an elite pass rusher in Von Miller
The Indianapolis Colts on Thursday held their second of three days of practices leading up to Sunday’s Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium. What all did we learn on the day?

Film Room: Creating the perfect running back with the Colts’ trio - Stampede Blue
Mack, Hines, and Wilkins all have traits that make up a complete running back

Injury Report: Ja'Wuan James could see snaps in #DENvsIND
Head Coach Vic Fangio also addressed the status of players on injured reserve who are eligible to practice.

Justin Houston Looks To Continue Defensive Intensity
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Justin Houston on how the team will approach the Denver Broncos and the process of continuing to pressure the quarterback each week.

Courtland Sutton to keep same approach in wake of Emmanuel Sanders' departure
Sutton already ranks in the top 10 in receiving in the NFL.

Scangarello Reveals What he Needs to See From Drew Lock in Order to Activate him
The Broncos offensive coordinator gave fans a status update on rookie QB Drew Lock.

Davontae Harris, Duke Dawson emerging in Broncos' secondary
Justin Simmons, a secondary linchpin along with fellow safety Kareem Jackson as well as Chris Harris, called the emergence of Harris and Dawson "huge."

Denver Broncos news: Tim Patrick might return to practice next week
Broncos are hopeful that wide receiver Tim Patrick will return to practice next week.

Take the Case to Court: Should the Broncos be Done Selling? | KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM
Broncos Country Tonight... TOOK THE CASE TO COURT! Should the Broncos be done selling? Ryan says YES, Mase says NO. ARod oversaw the case as the judge.

‘He is not ready to go right now’: John Elway continues to play long game with Drew Lock – The Athletic
Vic Fangio and John Elway addressed the plan for four players eligible to return from IR, and two other starters recovering from injuries.

What’s happening now with the Broncos shows why John Elway wanted mature, proven players in the 2018 class – The Athletic
The Broncos' Class of 2018 set a foundation last year, but now it's developed into the team's leadership core. The kids have taken over.

The Starting 11: The Colts and Ravens Are Officially AFC Contenders - The Ringer
Indy took the AFC South lead on Sunday with its second-straight impressive win, and Lamar Jackson defied all football convention in Baltimore’s victory over Seattle. Plus: Kirk Cousins is trending up, and the Jalen Ramsey–Rams experiment needs more time.

Elway: Rookie Drew Lock 'not ready to go right now' - NFL.com
Denver Broncos general manager John Elway says rookie quarterback Drew Lock is not ready to come off injured reserve (thumb) yet and assume the starting role for the 2-5 squad.

Emmanuel Sanders thrilled with trade to 49ers - NFL.com
Emmanuel Sanders left a 2-5 Broncos team for the 6-0 San Francisco 49ers, which views the wide receiver as a piece that could get them over the top in a competitive NFC West.

Horse Tracks

‘He is not ready to go right now’: John Elway continues to play long game with Drew Lock – The Athletic
Vic Fangio and John Elway addressed the plan for four players eligible to return from IR, and two other starters recovering from injuries.

What’s happening now with the Broncos shows why John Elway wanted mature, proven players in the 2018 class – The Athletic
The Broncos' Class of 2018 set a foundation last year, but now it's developed into the team's leadership core. The kids have taken over.

The Starting 11: The Colts and Ravens Are Officially AFC Contenders - The Ringer
Indy took the AFC South lead on Sunday with its second-straight impressive win, and Lamar Jackson defied all football convention in Baltimore’s victory over Seattle. Plus: Kirk Cousins is trending up, and the Jalen Ramsey–Rams experiment needs more time.

Elway: Rookie Drew Lock 'not ready to go right now' - NFL.com
Denver Broncos general manager John Elway says rookie quarterback Drew Lock is not ready to come off injured reserve (thumb) yet and assume the starting role for the 2-5 squad.

Emmanuel Sanders thrilled with trade to 49ers - NFL.com
Emmanuel Sanders left a 2-5 Broncos team for the 6-0 San Francisco 49ers, which views the wide receiver as a piece that could get them over the top in a competitive NFC West.

NFL trade deadline: One buy/sell proposal for each AFC team - NFL.com
DENVER BRONCOS: Sell cornerback Chris Harris Jr. Moving Emmanuel Sanders was a not-so-obvious hint that Denver isn't done answering the phone. Harris and the team failed to strike a long-term deal before the season, an indicator that football czar John Elway is ready to move on from the 30-year-old cover man. Harris remains a top-tier performer and would bring immediate gravitas to his next employer. My guess? Don't be surprised if the Eagles come calling. Potential compensation: 2020 second-round pick.