Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Here is a look at the Broncos and what needs to be done after the break.
Record: 6-0
Reason they are in their current state: The biggest reason has to be Denver’s defense. It has been terrific all season. The Broncos have allowed a league-low 66 points. Denver’s defense has been particularly impressive in the second half. Denver has outscored its opponents 76-10 in the second half this season. The defense is timely and aggressive. Head coach Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have done a brilliant job using the 3-4 defense.
Best player so far: A lot of consideration has to go to linebacker Elvis Dumervil. He leads the NFL with 10 sacks and has been terrific in the clutch. But Denver quarterback Kyle Orton has really come on strong. A throw-in of the Jay Cutler trade, Orton appears to be a perfect fit for McDaniels’ offense. Orton has been great in the fourth quarter and is improving each week. He simply doesn’t make mistakes.
What needs to be done: Just more of the same. Denver has proven it can win games against quality opponents as it has just beaten Dallas, New England and San Diego. The Broncos come off the bye with games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh, so they can't relax. If the defense continues to play timely and Orton doesn’t go in the tank, Denver will continue to be the story of the NFL.
Fearless forecast: The Broncos will be major players in the postseason awards. McDaniels is the heavy favorite for coach of the year. Orton is a candidate for MVP. Dumervil could win the defensive player of the year award and running back Knowshon Moreno could win the rookie of the year award.
Here is a look at the Broncos and what needs to be done after the break.
Record: 6-0
Reason they are in their current state: The biggest reason has to be Denver’s defense. It has been terrific all season. The Broncos have allowed a league-low 66 points. Denver’s defense has been particularly impressive in the second half. Denver has outscored its opponents 76-10 in the second half this season. The defense is timely and aggressive. Head coach Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have done a brilliant job using the 3-4 defense.
Best player so far: A lot of consideration has to go to linebacker Elvis Dumervil. He leads the NFL with 10 sacks and has been terrific in the clutch. But Denver quarterback Kyle Orton has really come on strong. A throw-in of the Jay Cutler trade, Orton appears to be a perfect fit for McDaniels’ offense. Orton has been great in the fourth quarter and is improving each week. He simply doesn’t make mistakes.
What needs to be done: Just more of the same. Denver has proven it can win games against quality opponents as it has just beaten Dallas, New England and San Diego. The Broncos come off the bye with games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh, so they can't relax. If the defense continues to play timely and Orton doesn’t go in the tank, Denver will continue to be the story of the NFL.
Fearless forecast: The Broncos will be major players in the postseason awards. McDaniels is the heavy favorite for coach of the year. Orton is a candidate for MVP. Dumervil could win the defensive player of the year award and running back Knowshon Moreno could win the rookie of the year award.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
