DENVER — Backslaps for the backups.
That's all pass-rusher Von Miller and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. could provide the last time the New England Patriots played the Denver Broncos for the AFC championship.
The backbone of Denver's dominant defense is ready for the rematch Sunday.
"I was happy for my teammates then, I'm happy for my teammates now," Miller said. "But I have a chance to go in and affect the game. There's a little bit more that I can do besides just cheer my guys on. And I plan to do that."
Miller and Harris were out with ACL injuries two years ago in the Broncos' 26-16 win over the Patriots, then watched helplessly from the sideline two weeks later as Seattle destroyed Denver's dismantled defense that was also missing defensive end Derek Wolfe in the Super Bowl.