Denver Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the New York Jets last Thursday. He had 10 total tackles and 1-1/2 sacks (9-1/2 on the season), including one in the final minute of play to effectively end any chance Mark Sanchez had to lead a comeback.
A Denver Broncos player last won this award in Week 4 of the 2009 season. Appropriately, it was cornerback Champ Bailey.
Miller must surely be the leading candidate to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, especially if he continues his assault on the rookie sack record, which Jevon Kearse set at 14-1/2 in 1999. It would be hard to deny him the record if he breaks that record. At the rate Miller is going, it could be just a couple of weeks until that happens.