DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 30: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with outside linebacker Wesley Woodyard #52 and strong safety Chris Harris #25 of the Denver Broncos after he tackled running back Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders to bring up a fourth down at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 30, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 37-6. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
That's sort of what the Denver Broncos strongside linebacker was forced to do after tearing ligaments in his right thumb last November.
He played the stretch run and the playoffs with a cast that prevented him from grabbing and shedding offensive linemen.
Although he faded toward the finish and was even benched in some situations, the second overall pick in last year's draft went on to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and made the Pro Bowl, a validation of John Elway's first big move as the Broncos' boss.
It's only gotten better.
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