Many logical explanations exist to explain why the Broncos woke up Monday with their first defeat of the season. They became one-dimensional in Seattle, forced to abandon a failing ground game after falling behind by 14 points. They suffered communication issues, leading to blown plays and hollow drives. They missed tackles on the Seahawks’ drive for the winning touchdown in overtime.

The reasons for the loss do not include Von Miller.

He played his best game since returning from the knee surgery he underwent late last season. Three games is not a long time, but Miller appears well on his way from being a distraction last year to becoming a disruptive force this year.

Miller graded out as the defense’s top performer Sunday, a testament to the widespread havoc he created. He registered a sack for the second consecutive game and forced Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson to hurry passes.

Miller believes it’s too early to draw conclusions but said he’s pleased with his progress nine months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. He will consider eschewing the brace — which he doesn’t wear in practice — when the Broncos host the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 5.

“I feel like I took step forward in my performance,” Miller said. “I performed better. I am getting comfortable. I am hoping to take another step next week (against Arizona). I have been feeling good.”

Miller’s improvement is tied to what he’s not doing. Aggressiveness fuels pass rushers but leaves them vulnerable to allowing big plays. Miller continues to trust his instincts and play within the scheme. In letting the game come to him, he’s becoming his old self.

After a one-tackle effort in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, he has had a combined 14 over the past two weeks. The sacks remain his staple, even if they require patience.

“It’ s kind of hard to explain. It’s kind of like a 3-point shooter in the NBA. When you get the opportunity, you have to take advantage of it, you have to hit ’em,” Miller said Monday. “You aren’t going to hit 20 3s a night. You hit a couple, and when you are on, you are on. When the shot’s not there, you can’t force it. In the National Football League, if you force it, the quarterback will break contain and be gone.”

Having DeMarcus Ware flank the opposite end helps, forcing teams into challenging pass-protection decisions. Ware played only 44 snaps Sunday, the result of maintenance from minor bumps and bruises, according to Broncos coach John Fox. But Ware made an impact when needed most. He sacked Wilson in the fourth quarter near the goal line and nearly recovered a fumble.

“I kept telling him, ‘You’re not going to get this ball,’ ” Wilson said. “He said, ‘I’ll wait all night.’ I said, ‘I’ll wait all night, too.’ “

Ware followed with a great burst off the line, knocking running back Marshawn Lynch back in the end zone, which led to a safety. For Miller, it was like his TV had come to life after so many years of watching Ware as a kid growing up in Texas. The one-two punch brought a forceful reminder of why the Broncos were so eager to sign Ware as a bookend to Miller.

“That’s the story of his career. He’s been making big plays for a long time,” Miller said. “I will be on my side thinking about what I am going to do, and all of sudden ‘boom!’ D-Ware makes a play. We are only three games in, but we are definitely improving.”

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck