ESPN

It's been nearly two months, and if you listen closely, you can still hear Gus Johnson's call lingering in the air. Brandon Stokley's miracle catch and touchdown run handed the Broncos a Week 1 win against the Bengals. At the time, it seemed like it might be the last we heard from either team. Instead, it's the play that continues shaping the AFC race behind the unbeaten Colts.

But after the Broncos tumbled to a second consecutive defeat against one of the Bengals' AFC North rivals, this time the Steelers on Monday Night Football, there are four conference teams at 6-2. Are the recipients of that opening week miracle the weakest of the bunch?

Here's how SportsNation has called the AFC West race at various points this season.

• Your Power Rankings: Where do you rank the Bengals, Broncos, Patriots and Steelers?
• Chat: AFC North blogger James Walker, 4 ET | NFC chats: NFC East | NFC North

“

What surprised me so much last night was how TIRED the Broncos defense looked by the end of the third quarter. At that elevation, wasn't Pitt's D supposed to be tired. Any way, I think against really physical defenses you just have to be able to throw the ball deep once in a while. Once the Steeler D realized Orton wasn't going to go down field, LeBeau just started dialing up blitzes.

” -- SteelerStylee

“

Denver is 6-2 not 2-6, every team faces adversity it's how you respond. I am not a Bronco's fan but you people need a little faith. Your team lost to the roughest playing teams in the NFL. All is not lost, hang in there

” -- SonnyDrysdale