The Denver Broncos had the NFL's best record and were one misjudged Hail Mary from marching to the AFC Championship in 2012. However, linebacker Von Miller believes the 2013 edition of the Broncos are superior.
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"I feel like we have a way better team than we had last year," Miller said Thursday, via DenverBroncos.com.
Miller cited the additions of players such as Wes Welker on offense and veteran Shaun Phillips on defense as his reasoning that the Broncos got better in 2013.
It's difficult to discuss the Broncos' additions to the roster, however, without mentioning Faxgate, Faxaster, Faxhap, Why-The-Heck-Do-We-Still-Use-Fax-Machines Fiasco, or whatever we are calling the series of unfortunate events that led to the release of Elvis Dumervil.
Miller, as he always has done, spoke glowingly of Dumervil, but said he believes the Broncos' front seven is the best in the NFL. He believes as a unit they can replace the 11 sacks and six forced fumbles that left the building with Elvis.
"There's no way you can replace what Elvis did for us production-wise," Miller said. "But I feel like if we all take a percentage of what we did -- so, if I step my game up 5 percent, Derek Wolfe steps his game up 5 percent, everybody just takes a little piece of what him leaving has taken from us -- I think we can definitely get it done."
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The Broncos still could add a situational pass rusher -- Dwight Freeney and John Abraham remain on the free-agent market -- to further bolster the defensive line.
In Miller's view, the Broncos can improve on last year's 13-3 record. With Peyton Manning at the helm, anything is possible, but an improved division will add greater resistance than last season, and repeating a three-loss season in the NFL is always a struggle.
However, you can't fault Miller for trying to be optimistic after losing his mentor to his rivals.
Follow Kevin Patra on Twitter @kpatra.
