Von Miller raises eyebrows with very brief press conference
Sep 26, 2019, 2:18 PM | Updated: 2:24 pm
First, Vic Fangio met with the media, answering questions about the state of his 0-3 team. Then, Rich Scangarello had his turn, taking a stab at explaining why his offense is averaging just 15.33 points per game so far this season. And finally, Ed Donatell faced the gathered reporters, trying to provide an answer as to why his defense has yet to force a turnover or cause a sack in 2019.
Technically, that wasn’t the end of today’s press conferences for the Broncos, but it may as well have been. Last up on the docket was Von Miller, giving everyone the chance to talk to the face of the franchise just three days before what feels like a must-win game against Jacksonville on Sunday.
To say it didn’t go well would be an understatement. Miller kept it brief. Very brief.
#BroncosCountry LIVE: @VonMiller previews #JAXvsDEN https://t.co/F74FqTzxlW
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 26, 2019
That was it. Just 12 seconds. A quick statement. No questions. See you later.
As soon as this happened, there was a quick reaction on social media. And most of it was negative.
People interpreted Miller’s terse meeting with the media as him sending a message that he wants out. He’s tired of losing. He’s sick of the direction of the franchise. At 30 years old, the former Super Bowl MVP doesn’t have the time or patience to endure what appears to be a rebuilding project in Denver.
That could all be true. It certainly makes sense. But only Miller knows for sure.
There is, however, another explanation. Every once in a while, the Broncos linebacker uses his scheduled appearances in front of the press to send a message.
Last year, after four-straight losses had Denver sitting at 2-4 and heading in the wrong direction, Miller declared that his team would win a Thursday night game in Arizona. In fact, he guaranteed it.
"We're going to go out there and we're going to kick their a**"
Von Miller and the Broncos are ready for the Cardinals and TNF
(via @JamesPalmerTV) pic.twitter.com/8BQpszOSPM
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 16, 2018
Perhaps today’s short-but-sweet presser was a similar tactic. Miller is reinforcing the “us against the world” mentality that his teammates rolled out yesterday. He’s letting everyone know that the fun and games are over; it’s time to get down to business.
Last year, the strategy worked, at least in the short term. The Broncos went to Arizona and demolished the Cardinals by a 45-10 score, arguably their best performance of the Vance Joseph era.
Will it have the same impact this time around? At this point, it’s worth a shot, as Denver is desperate to get its first win of the season and end a losing streak that dates back to December of 2018.
