Broncos Miller, Talib named to PFWA All-NFL Team, Stewart to Pro Bowl
Jan 17, 2017, 2:47 PM
The accolades kept pouring in for a Denver Broncos defense that ranked among the top 5 in the NFL in 2016, as linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Aqib Talib were named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-NFL Team on Tuesday.
Also on Tuesday, the NFL announced that Broncos safety Darian Stewart was named to the 2017 Pro Bowl, joining Miller and Talib along with cornerback Chris Harris Jr.
The PFWA honor is the fourth of Miller’s career and third consecutive, and the Broncos were among seven clubs to have multiple players selected.
Broncos punter Riley Dixon also earned PFWA honors Tuesday, being named to the association’s 2016 All-Rookie Team.
Stewart, heading to his first Pro Bowl, replaces Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry, who will not participate due to an injury.
All four Denver Pro Bowlers come from the defensive side of the ball, playing on the NFL’s No. 4-ranked unit in 2016. The secondary — featuring Stewart, Talib, and Harris Jr — was the league’s top-ranked pass defense (185.8 yards per game).
Stewart finished with a career-high three interceptions — along with 68 tackles, six passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery — earning a four-year extension worth a reported $28 million. He also earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after a three-takeaway game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10.
Miller trailed only Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley (15.5) with 13.5 sacks in 2016, while also forcing three fumbles.
Talib snagged three interceptions, one of which he took back for a touchdown, while Harris Jr had two picks and a fumble recovery on the season.
The Pro Bowl will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. on ESPN.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.
