Broncos' Von Miller hyped to play 'worthy opponent' in Ravens

Denver Broncos superstar pass-rusher and newly-named AFC Defensive Player of the Month Von Miller didn't directly say so, but it seems he and others within the club have heard and read the criticisms put out there about the unbeaten Broncos. 

Sure, Denver enters October a perfect 3-0, but those victories came against the New York Giants (0-3), Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3), and, most recently, the New York Jets (0-3). Things get more difficult this Sunday when the Broncos welcome a 2-1 Baltimore Ravens side to town that notched a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 19. 

"It's really like a playoff game early in the season," Miller said Thursday, per Adam Maya of the league's website. "A lot of these guys haven't even played in a playoff game before. That's kind of been my message to these guys." 

Miller continued: 

"This is time for us to show what we've got against a worthy opponent. They're a unique team. They have a unique style. A very effective style. But it is unique and it's led by Lamar Jackson.

Speaking of Jackson, the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player missed practice Thursday with a back issue, but Baltimore offensive coordinator Greg Roman said he believes the setback is not anything "serious." Nevertheless, ESPN's Jamison Hensley notes Jackson has already been hit a league-high 44 times this season.