Broncos Vet Compares OLB Baron Browning to the Legendary Von Miller

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has made his addition-by-subtraction policy somewhat of an art form this season. Showing the door to the veteran pass-rushing duo that failed to launch — Randy Gregory and Frank Clark — showcased a classic example of a first-year head coach setting a whole new tone.

Gone is the veteran dead weight. Payton sent a powerful message along the way.

Pull your weight or pack your bags.

Subsequently, entrusting youngsters like Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto to carry the load was always contingent on the Broncos' most talented pass rusher Baron Browning returning to the field.

On Sunday, the Broncos did extremely well containing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, hitting him 11 times with three sacks. Payton detailed how it took the entire pass-rushing unit working in unison to put the screws to Mahomes, finally.

"There are two or three things, but I thought we did a good job, for the most part, of keeping [Mahomes] in the pocket," Payton said on Monday. "There were a few times that he extended and moved out of the pocket. He's difficult, and he found a couple of big plays. I thought we defended the second act... I thought we defended the second act pretty well. I think at times, it resulted in a sack as opposed to a later completion. That requires a lot of energy."

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Of course, without Browning's return, successfully corralling Mahomes would have been even harder. He finished with two sacks and a timely forced fumble that Cooper recovered. The 24-year-old from Ohio State is the straw that stirs the drink on defense right now.

Browning's twitched-up athleticism to dip underneath blockers is reminiscent of Von Miller's trademarked pass-rushing moves used to opposing quarterbacks.

After seeing Browning up close and personal, you can count Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen among the growing observers noticing the similarities emerging between Browning and Miller.

"His flexibility and bend is something that you don't see," Allen said on Monday. "Everybody jokes around saying that he's Von Miller-esque. It's true. Pretty special to watch. He can be a really special player."

It stands to reason that losing to the Chiefs on Sunday and dropping to 2-6 on the season would have undoubtedly altered Denver's front-office strategy. Winning this pivotal game appears to have reset the Broncos' outlook, so Payton might be reluctant to add or subtract anything that would detract from the good vibes and rapidly emerging locker room chemistry.

Making any kind of moves at Tuesday's NFL trade deadline requires elements of stealth. Payton knows that when you're conducting business in the smoke-and-mirror environment of the NFL, poker rules always apply.

"We have those discussions, and we look closely at the roster," Payton said on Monday. "Then we look closely not only at the roster this year, but the roster as you project out. All those things are important. Typically speaking, we're past that quarter poll, but most NFL rosters change the most in those first four to five weeks. You've seen us add a few players. Some guys go to the practice squad. That'll continue to some extent. There's nothing to say that we might not be in that business."

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