Von Miller Fined for Hit on Tom Brady: Latest Comments and Reaction

Star Denver Broncos pass-rusher Von Miller has been fined $8,681 for a late hit on Tom Brady in the third quarter of Week 12's 30-24 overtime win over the New England Patriots.

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post reported the news Thursday, indicating the amount is the NFL standard for late hits rather than the roughing-the-passer flag the 26-year-old drew in the game.

"They got me. I am going to appeal, though," Miller said of his punishment, per Renck.

When Broncos defensive lineman Vance Walker sacked Brady in Sunday's contest, Miller dove onto the signal-caller late, which prompted the flag. Had the league disciplined Miller on the basis of a roughing-the-passer penalty, his fine would have nearly doubled to $17,363.

The Broncos sacked Brady three times in Week 12, and he has taken several hits in recent outings.

A patchwork offensive line and long-term injuries to key weapons such as Julian Edelman (foot) and Dion Lewis (knee) have contributed to Brady absorbing more punishment. The results were still there in the standings until the Pats fell to 10-1 after Sunday's loss.

If Miller and Co. can keep bringing pressure and Broncos backup signal-caller Brock Osweiler can hold his own under center, perhaps Denver (9-2) can overtake New England as the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed.

The head-to-head tiebreaker will help in that regard, as will having a player such as Miller who can force a game-changing takeaway in a moment's notice. Miller's fine will hardly be of any consequence, especially if his appeal goes through, though the Pro Bowl linebacker will try to avoid costly personal fouls in the future.