Von Miller Is Running Away with the Defensive Rookie of the Year in Denver

Von Miller is running away with the Defensive Player of the Year in Denver. Ryan Kerrigan has been nipping at his heels, and Aldon Smith was hot for a while, but after 11 weeks, Miller is clearly the favorite.

With half of the fourth quarter still to play in tonight's showdown with the New York Jets, Miller has already been brilliant. He has been flashing and dashing into New York's backfield with the greatest of ease.

Earlier in the season, I was critical of his lack of discipline in pursuing the running game. His performance in the last couple of weeks has demonstrated to me that he is getting coached up, and he has begun to get into a groove.

As of right now, he has 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. His quickness off the line against opposing tackles is jaw-dropping. His pursuit down the line on running plays is also impressive. 

As he continues to find his groove, he will continue to shine. He certainly doesn't look like a rookie out there anymore. 

With Kerrigan and the Redskins struggling to win any games, I see Miller's team surging to at the very least challenge the Raiders for the AFC West divisional crown. In San Francisco, Aldon Smith is used in only about half their snaps. 

His closest competition is the rising star in Arizona, Patrick Peterson. He is making a bigger splash in the return game, however, and unless he starts picking off passes on a regular basis, I don't see him catching up to Von Miller.

The season is long, however. One of these other players might make an epic run. But, for my money, I see Von Miller running away with the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Update

Von Miller sacked Mark Sanchez in the final minute of play, bumping his season total up to 9.5.

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