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Panthers: Miller named greatest villain in franchise history

By Brandon Scott

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reaches to knock the ball away from Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reaches to knock the ball away from Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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To this day, Von Miller strikes fear in the hearts of Carolina Panthers fans…

The Carolina Panthers had the No. 1 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft and in need of a franchise quarterback, made Cam Newton their selection. Next on the clock, the Denver Broncos took linebacker Von Miller and although the two have seldom seen their careers intersect, Miller has made the Panthers pay dearly for passing on him.

Carolina would likely not have achieved their recent success without Newton and while picking Miller may have bolstered an already strong defense, the Panthers needed a franchise quarterback. Newton was the correct pick but Miller also earned his right to torment the team and made them pay dearly in Super Bowl 50 just a few seasons ago.

FanSided’s NFL Mocks recently released The Greatest Villain In the History of All 32 NFL Teams and Miller earned his place among the league for Carolina. Essentially shutting down Newton with two and one-half sacks, forced fumbles that set up a touchdown and sealed the win, Miller also registered a pass defended with a few more tackles. His effort earned him Super Bowl 50 MVP honors as he upstaged Carolina.

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Not only did Panthers fans have to endure a tough Super Bowl loss but following the offseason a trip to Denver awaited in Week 1 of the regular season. Carolina coaches, players and fans all got to relive the Broncos celebrating their championship once more before playing again.

This time Miller registered just one sack but still helped his team escape victorious by creating another critical turnover. Carolina had an opportunity for the win late but a missed field goal saw them lose consecutive games to Miller and Denver.

Miller and the Panthers have only crossed paths one other time in his career but even then the Broncos linebacker put up a solid effort. In Week 10 of the 2012 season, Denver visited Bank of America Stadium where Miller recorded six solo tackles and another sack of Newton – one of seven total in the game.

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There may not be a long history but Miller has definitely earned his ranking as the Panthers greatest villain in the league.

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