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Madden NFL 22 has released their player rankings for the latest edition of the popular EA Sports video game, and Broncos linebacker Von Miller is once again ranked as a top 10 edge rusher.
After three seasons with a perfect 99 overall score from 2017-2019, Miller dropped to 98 in the 2020 edition, and 97 in 2021.
This year, the Broncos star moves to 93 overall, tied for 6th place among linebackers with Saints DE Cam Jordan. For the '22 edition, Miller comes in behind fellow defensive talents Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), Khalil Mack (Chicago Bears), Chandler Jones (Arizona Cardinals) and Watt brothers T.J. (Pittsburg Steelers) and J.J. (Arizona Cardinals).
Miller's rating in the newest Madden game is likely largely due to him missing the 2020 season with an ankle injury. Despite the slight drop in his overall rating, Miller "could still be a problem for offensive linemen when he's fully healthy," according to ESPN writer Michael Rothstein.
A drop in Madden is not indicative of what Miller is capable of in 2021. The Broncos LB posted 8 consecutive seasons of double-digit sacks from 2011-2018, and fell just shy of that mark in 2019. His play has garnered praise from across the league, even from his division rivals.
"Like some of the other guys above him (J.J. Watt, Jordan), having Miller this high is a nod to what he has done in the past as much as what he might do going forward," Rothstein said.
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On Sunday, the Broncos hosted season ticket holders as they filmed their annual season Hype Video. The orange and blue faithful were invited to be extras in the video, which will play each gameday at Empower Field at Mile High in 2021.
"We're so glad to be back," season ticket holder Katherine Highland told KDVR. "The year off was ridiculous. I went to a couple games last year but it's no way the same as having 76,000 people in here."
After a year of drastically reduced capacity at Mile High, diehard Broncos fans are ready to get back to the live action on game days, and more importantly, get back to winning.
"We bleed orange and blue," season ticket holder Ken Castaneda said to KDVR. "We have been here through thick and thin during losing seasons and we're ready to turn this thing around."
