The Denver Broncos have started the season 0-2. Superstar outside linebackers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb are 0-2 as well.
Through two weeks of play, Miller and Chubb are yet to record a single sack. Denver sure could have used a sack when the Chicago Bears faced a fourth-and-long late in Sunday’s game.
“It wasn’t frustrating or surprising up until the end there when we needed some [pressure],” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said after a 16-14 loss to the Bears. “At least you guys can’t get on me for rushing three there at the end. We rushed four a couple times and we rushed five a couple times. We could have used a little better rush there at that time.”
So what’s the problem? Why aren’t the sacks flowing in?
“They’re getting the ball out fast and chipping us,” Chubb said Sunday. “A whole bunch of stuff is going on. We can’t control everything. We’re just trying to play to the best of our abilities. That’s the one thing that me and Von come in every day and do, just be the best us and don’t try to count sack numbers like you all do. Just go out there and play football.”
Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe echoed Chubb’s remarks.
“I mean, the quarterbacks throwing the ball quick, what do you want us to do?” Wolfe said Sunday. “I’m tired of hearing the fans moan about us not getting sacks when the ball is gone in two seconds. There’s no sacks to be had. When they have the lead, they’re not just going to sit back and drop back to pass. It’s just the way it goes.
“I thought we did a good job across the board today. We just made some mistakes when we didn’t need to make them and we made big plays when we needed to make them.”
It’s true that Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and Chicago quarterback Mitch Trubisky got the ball out of their hands quickly when facing Denver’s defense. Miller doesn’t count that as a good excuse, though.
“We’ve just got to keep playing,” Miller said Sunday. “I’ve got to find a way to do my job. No matter how fast they throw it. It’s a double loss for Von today.”
Up next for Denver (0-2) is a road game against the Green Bay Packers (2-0). Aaron Rodgers has been sacked seven times this season.
