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Von Miller has left the building. Arguably the best defensive player in Denver Broncos history was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for two draft picks.

Sadness for sure in the Mile High City, but a reality check for many. At 32 years old, Miller is most likely not the same player he was winning the Super Bowl MVP award in the Broncos' 2015 championship season. After missing the 2020 season due to another injury there were already lots of question marks. Flashes of the old Miller to start the 2021 season were followed by a fall off in play and then another injury. Miller seems to be showing the wear and tear that tends to rear its ugly head for players that serve more than a decade in the NFL.

Miller is the active career sacks leader in the league (and Broncos record holder) and creates fear for any offense, as there is still explosiveness in the tank. That's a threat that the Rams certainly anticipate throwing into the mix with their dynamic defense. Even if Miller can't put up the numbers of the past, he will draw attention and blockers away from their other star defensive linemen, which ultimately could be the difference for the Rams and their Super Bowl hopes.

In the meantime, the Broncos will get a better idea of their own young talent. In the first game after the trade, rookie Jonathon Cooper made two sacks in an impressive and surprising Bronco win over the Dallas Cowboys. The entire defense stepped up for their best game of the season, whatever that means without their defensive captain of the past 10 years.

Always strange to see veteran stars in a different uniform (Exhibit A: Tom Brady), and also the possibility that we may witness a rare thing regarding an NFL trade: a win-win for all sides.

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