Klee blog: Von Miller, not Peyton Manning, must lead Broncos in Kansas City
Jack Dempsey
On their way to a Super Bowl win two seasons ago, the Seahawks won six games by scoring 20 or fewer points. On their way to a Super Bowl win three seasons ago, the Ravens, who offer a better blueprint for these Broncos, won three games with 20 or fewer points.
By my count, Sunday’s 19-13 win was only the second time in the Peyton Manning era — a span of 54 games — the Broncos won a game by scoring 20 or fewer points. The first time was at Kansas City. The Broncos play at Kansas City on Thursday night.
Maybe I’m confused, or missing something. But if the Broncos tried one way to win a Super Bowl championship and it was wonderful entertainment, but ultimately fell short, doesn’t it seem like trying something different, like they’re doing now, is a good idea?
Manning doesn’t look right. That part was true before Sunday’s season opener, and it will be true until the 39-year-old quarterback shows otherwise. Arrowhead is a bad place to get right. Mostly everything about this matchup runs against the Broncos.
So it’s up to the other stars, and there are several to choose from, to lead the Broncos until the new offense approaches the old offense in terms of production and entertainment.
First up: Von Miller. My darkhorse MVP candidate didn’t record a sack against Baltimore, but grading a pass rusher’s performance solely by sack numbers is like grading a fishing trip solely by numbers. To make it great, all you need is the big one.
Vonnie Football wrecked the Ravens, according to Pro Football Focus, and according to our eyes. If the Broncos are to climb into Arrowhead Stadium and escape with an upset win, Miller must sack Alex Smith twice. At least. Far as I can tell, Miller’s had 11 games with two sacks, and three of the last five came in prime-time games. This is a prime-time game.
The focus is on Manning and his apparent struggles. It should be on Miller and the defense, the strength of their team, and the strength of the Ravens and Seahawks when they won two of the past three Super Bowls.
Vonnie Football digs the spotlight, is a free agent after this season, and what better stage to set his market value than on the same field as Justin Houston?
