AFC Notes: Broncos, Ravens, Steelers

Broncos

Broncos LB Von Miller reiterated that he wants to break Bruce Smith‘s career sacks record of 200. He currently has 98 and entering his ninth year in the NFL. 

“Whenever you set out to do something, you just want to be the best,” said Miller, via Lila Bromberg of USA Today. “I’ve got an opportunity to do something great.”

Ravens

Ravens’ sixth-round QB Trace McSorley said he has been getting reps at punt returner this offseason. 

“It’s something that’s a new challenge for me, something that I hadn’t really had never done,” McSorley said, via the Ravens’ Twitter. “So it’s just something interesting to be able to come in and learn and try and prove myself in a different way that I can be able to get on the field and make an impact.”

McSorley said he’s had “ups and downs” with punt returns and is eager to “prove” himself on special teams. 

“It’s been interesting. It’s had its ups and downs, obviously the first couple times doing it, but it’s going well. I’m looking forward to be able to come out and do anything that I can, especially in the special teams aspect for the team. I want to prove myself there.”

Steelers

Steelers’ new DBs coach Teryl Austin said he is “energized” to be with Pittsburgh. 

“For me, it’s nice,” Austin said, via Ed Bouchette of The Athletic. “I’m energized. It’s fun to be back working with a group of guys again and all the challenges that has.”

Former Bengals HC Marvin Lewis, who had Austin as his defensive coordinator in Cincinnati, believes Austin is a “young coach” with “tremendous experience.”

“He can help them a lot,” Lewis said. “He has great knowledge. He’ll be very good with technique. He’ll help the guys get coached and get in the right position. Teryl is a very bright, I’d say young coach but he’s had tremendous experience. I’ve known him since he started in coaching and played at Pitt. He’s always been bright, smart. I spent a lot of time with him when he was starting out. I’ve always been a big fan of his and still am today.”