Broncos survive late charge from Saints to stay unbeaten

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 21, 2008 at 11:01 p.m.
Updated September 22, 2008 at 11:03 a.m.

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Photo by Joe Mahoney © The Rocky

With an escort from Ryan Harris, left, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler looks for a receiver as the Saints' Sedrick Ellis closes in. Cutler passed for two touchdowns Sunday in a 34-32 win.

Photo by Joe Mahoney © The Rocky

Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall pushes forward for more yardage Sunday.

Maybe they can borrow the humidor.

Because the Broncos, pedal to the floor, hooting out the windows, took another cruise in football's fast lane Sunday, lifting themselves to 3-0 with a 34-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

And for the second consecutive week they watched a hard-earned lead almost evaporate, watched their defense surrender red-alert amounts of yardage to a team intent on throwing its way back into the game.

"You win by one, you win by two or you win by a hundred, it's a win," defensive tackle Kenny Peterson said.

"Well, it'd be a lot nicer to win by a hundred, a little easier on us, but we're 3-0 and it's a lot better to go back to work 3-0 than it would be 1-2.

"So that's where we're at and that's where we like to be. Fixing things at 3-0."

The two-week totals the folks in the seats inside Invesco Field at Mile High have seen opponents pile up would make almost any defensive coach reach for the queasy pills.

* 70 points.

* 958 yards.

* 790 net passing yards.

* 34 first downs by passing.

Staggering totals, to be sure, but totals that still were not enough to score more points than the Broncos did.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan even went as far as to say Sunday that it was "nice to give up 30, 32 points and still win the game."

The Broncos now have escaped two of the NFL's top quarterbacks in the past two weeks. Philip Rivers and Drew Brees combined for four touchdown passes and were each sacked only once by the Broncos defense.

And the way things have gone the past two games might be something the Broncos have to get used to. That in their zeal to repair their defensive woes against the run last season, when both September and the season were buried under the cleats of opposing backs, they have made the skies above them not so friendly.

"I think there is something to that," defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban said. "We've been doing whatever we need to do to stop that run. So what teams are doing is spreading us out and using the pass as the run, throwing those short slants."

Rivers threw it 33 times last week and Brees threw it 48 times Sunday. It is true the Broncos did set the mold both times by taking 21-3 leads in the second quarter of each game, largely removing the run game from the equation.

"I mean, you take leads likes that and people aren't going to run the ball, they're going to throw it," Broncos safety Marlon McCree said. " . . . People are going to talk about however many millions of yards we're giving up, but those stats are skewed."

Skewed perhaps, and yards allowed don't seem to appear in the standings.

But in the bottom-line business of football, there is slamming the door when you have the chance. And there is inviting folks in just to see if you can still wrestle them to the ground.

One always has worked better than the other for those intent on games after New Year's Day.

"We played hard today," Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said. "But, obviously, they should have never been in that football game; the defense has got to play better."

Turn back the clock

The Broncos broke out the orange jerseys of days gone by Sunday.

Then they also broke out a 3-4 look on defense, inserting Jamie Winborn into the lineup as the team's fourth linebacker.

"It's just whatever we need to do," Peterson said. "Just give them a different look, try to keep them off-balance."

At the nose tackle spot in the middle of the three-man front - usually the most difficult position to fill in the scheme, according to former longtime Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Collier, who used the defense for years in his tenure with the team - the Broncos used Peterson and Josh Shaw at times.

"I'll scratch wherever it itches," Peterson said. "If they make me play linebacker, I'll try to play it. But we've got some versatile guys; hopefully, we're just at the tip of the iceberg right now with what we can do."

The Broncos used it in several down-and-distance situations - 21 snaps in all - and it was far more effective for them against the run. The Saints gained only 27 yards in eight carries rushing the ball against it, and 23 of those yards came on Reggie Bush's touchdown run in the second quarter.

But Brees was 12-for-13 against it in the passing game for 139 yards. The Broncos did have their only sack of the game, by Ekuban, out of the look in the Saints' second play from scrimmage.

Stand up

At the time, the roller-coaster ride was in full swing for the Broncos, but a second-quarter lockdown turned out to be a much-needed item when all was said and done Sunday.

With 2:55 left in the first half, the Saints went 75 yards in six plays to have a first-and-10 at the Broncos' 5-yard line.

Brees threw a short pass to David Patten for 4 yards, moving the ball to the 1-yard line. Pierre Thomas was stopped for no gain by D.J. Williams and Dewayne Robertson on second down.

On third down, Brees fumbled the snap, the ball recovered by New Orleans fullback Mike Karney, who was stopped for no gain.

Then, instead of kicking the field goal, taking the points, Saints coach Sean Payton went for the touchdown on fourth down.

"I would have done the same thing, I wouldn't have even thought about it," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.

"I don't look back at any third-and-1 or fourth-and-1 call," Payton said.

Thomas was stopped for no gain by Broncos linebacker Nate Webster on fourth down.

"We expected the run to come on the right side, which it did," McCree said. "They tried to go to the left side the three previous plays and we came up with the stop."

The Broncos did surrender a safety on the next play, but the touchdown the Saints didn't score was almost as important any of the touchdowns the Broncos did.

• September 22, 2008

  7:06 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BroncoRick69 writes:

  Dear Denver Broncos:
  Please do something about your porous defense. You cant cover up their inadequacies by having a high powered offense and expect to go all the way. The New Orleans Saints should not have even come that close to winning that game. I would be a much more proud Bronco fan if I knew we actually made an effort to win that game. Again we were left to hoping that someone would make a mistake; which they did. That is the only way we won the game. I would not be very happy with my team if I were Mike Shanahan right now.

• September 22, 2008

  7:25 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  1968camaro writes:

  Broncos offense looks great! But please, do something with the defense! If our defense stays this way, it is going to be another bad season! Need to stay consistant. Go Broncos!!!

• September 22, 2008

  8:09 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  vvsignin writes:

  J-E-T-S
  JETS, JETS, JETS!

• September 22, 2008

  8:16 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  JYP3500 writes:

  The offense is fun to watch, and is one of the best in the NFL. But defenses win superbowls. Please beef up the defense, especially the pass rush.

• September 22, 2008

  8:56 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BroncFanFl writes:

  Denver Nuggets - Alex English days. Score more points than the other side.

  I'm thinking Slowick needs to start some other players, and start blitzing more. Nothing else has seemed to rush the quarterback, and dropping back 8 players will eventually tire out the coverage. Change that, if nothing else. Karl Paymah is a bust, bring up Jack Williams.

  Soon this style of play will catch up with the Broncos. They got lucky again, but soon enough other teams are going to adjust to them.

• September 22, 2008

  9:03 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  GJrodburner writes:

  It's not being spoiled brats to tell the truth about our short-comings on defense. Rather than being a hater, I will enjoy the win, because looming on the horizon (Tampa and the Jags) will be the real tests of how this team can or will do at the end of the season: playoffs or none. How we play those two teams will determine the longevity of this current season. I don't care about one-and-done, you can't win a playoff game unless you can get into the tourney. As of right now, this offense is pushing boundaries that haven't been seen for a while at Mile-High. Can it carry this team to the playoffs? We'll soon see, because as of now our defense is killing us. Actually I'm more concerned about what we can do on defense in K.C. Should this team give up a huge game to K.C., in any department: ground or through the air, or a combination of the two, then this season will end on a sour note; but not because of our offense.

  So, if the defense can somehow build a little more pass rush, regardless if it is through a zone blitz package out of the 3-4, or to do so from the base 4-3 we play, something has to be done to improve that area of the defensive game plan.

• September 22, 2008

  9:08 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  dilligaf writes:

  There is no doubt our defence needs work but let's consider a some things:
  1. We just played two of the best offences and QB's in the league.
  2. Yesterday was about the third or forth NFL game Jarvis Moss
  as played. (Shanny the man has to play to get better)
  3. If we are going to get toasted any way we might as well start
  sending LB's and safety blitz's. (Three man fronts definitely is
  not the answer)

• September 22, 2008

  9:12 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Biff writes:

  I wish we'd stay with the Orenge Unis....they look so much better than the blue ones.

• September 22, 2008

  9:18 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  kmeissner writes:

  Great game for the offense!

  I really wish the D would get a few sacks or at least some pressure on the QB. They might as well rush 2 and drop 9 players into coverage the way they've been playing so far. Champ and Dre have been great and the Linebackers have too. We need someone from the DL to step up soon!!!!!

• September 22, 2008

  9:40 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Brain writes:

  Denver needs a player that can collapse the pocket; it doesn't seem they have that and won't this year. The Broncos will have to continue to outscore teams to win; I think they will and make the playoffs but this D will not take any team to the Bowl.

  Bad call by the offense when they ran out of the end zone and gave the safety before the half; they should have just done QB sneak and go to halftime.

• September 22, 2008

  9:48 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  cdmdenver writes:

  What happened to the "Orange Crush Defense"
  Why is it other teams start working on their problems,
  Offense and Defense, and eventually get them fixed?

  Does Pat Bowlen figure, as long as the stadium is
  full, thats all that matters?? The Broncos have a good
  offense, but the first time they meet a solid defense,
  and they will...The game is going to look a whole lot
  different-guaranteed! The Denver defense is not the
  Orange Crush of old, lets trade, do something with
  the defense!

• September 22, 2008

  9:58 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  DeimosJB writes:

  This was a great win.
  Offense needs to keep it up. Special teams made some improvements. Defense needs to get better. Slowik should rush at least 5, every time. Our CB's can handle it. Besides, having more people up front is good against the run, so he can't lose.

  Looking forward to getting our Defense healthy against the Chiefs next week, and most importantly, another W.

• September 22, 2008

  10:14 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BroncoRick69 writes:

  I'm not a hater by any means, but if this team wants to have a shot at going all the way, something needs to happen on Defense. I couldn't even tell you what that is. I can tell you that Sundays game was one of the weakest defensive efforts I have seen for quite some time. I'm talking about missed tackles, and obvious missed assignments. I did find it interesting that we tried a 3-4 look for a while.

• September 22, 2008

  10:31 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  buffgold writes:

  I was at the game and noticed a couple of things. First, the defense looked (at times) way out of place. That's a coaching problem. We have some great individual talent (D.J. Williams, Champ, Elvis) however a consistent scheme would be helpful. These guys have had three coordinators in three years. We will be fine because honestly it can't get much worse, look at K.C. I know a win is a win and it's just a game and all that blah blah stuff, but I'm a season ticket holder paying a lot for the seats, 8 bucks for a watered down, smaller beer and too much for parking. That gives me the right to be as critical or supportive of this team as anybody. I bleed orange and live and die with this team!!! By the way, ditch those unies. If they're going to wear orange bring back the unies of the 70's and 80's!!!!

• September 22, 2008

  10:35 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  SirRealist writes:

  Rick - defense always starts with the D-line so the lack of pressure let's opposing QB's have all day to survey the field, and gives receivers too much time to get open - bottom line is pressure, pressure, and more pressure. The couple times we actually got in Brees face, he had to throw too quickly and he threw poorly. In a game like this though, one has to ask, "Was it that their QB and offense were that good, our D was that bad, or something in between. I think it was something in between. Brees (and Rivers) are excellent QB's, and both their offenses have very, very good RB's, receivers, and TE's. Our D needs some help on the line push, and we have a cover-guy (not mentioning any names Karl) that needs to do a better job. A win is a win - period. We could do it more convincingly, and against a couple teams down the road, sloppy D will cost us, so we need to get better and fast.

• September 22, 2008

  10:38 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  bbbb writes:

  Your offense is great, defense smells. I watched the game yesterday and your luck is holding out. Eventually teams will figure out how to stop the offense. Good luck to your record

• September 22, 2008

  10:43 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Det4Broncos writes:

  OK, everyone. Let's all relax a little bit. The Defense HAS looked scary, but look at who they were playing!! The Saints Offense was #4 in league last year. They pasted 24 points on two excellent defenses (Washington, Tampa) in the first two weeks. San Diego also has a high powered offense, and they put up 24 on a respectable defense (Carolina) in Week 1 at the latter half of the game.

  The Defense has looked bad against great offenses. Lest we forget how it looked against a poor offense (Oakland)? Also, have any of you looked at the schedule the rest of the year? If the Patriots are as bad as they looked this week, then Jacksonville might be the only decent team we play until Week 16 against Buffalo!

  I'm not saying anything is a lock, but let's try to keep some level of perspective. This team is clearly better than last year, and Cutler may be a candidate for MVP this year, regardless of what the Bronc's do in the postseason. I want to see how they do against some more average offenses, so it'll be interesting to see how the Jacksonville and Tampa Bay games go.

  If we make the playoffs, you're probably looking at the Bills, Ravens, Steelers or Titans. The only one of those teams that has an offense capable of putting up big numbers is the Steelers.

  Now if we beat KC 40-38 after they make a 28 point second half run, then its probably time to be concerned. Until then, you have to keep the level of competition in mind.

• September 22, 2008

  10:45 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  RickyLee, you must have had your lunch money stolen, a lot, as a kid. Grow the hell up. You have the IQ and logic of a turnip. God, what a loser....
  To all of you who keep crying about the D, STOP with the "glass half empty", garbage. Some of you are regular posters and I usually agree with your posts. But if you feel we won't make the SB, then stop watching. Don't be the Randy Quaid from Major League II. Root for your team when your winning then don't when we aren't. Worst part of the whole thing is, we are 3-0, yet you still complain and don't give us a chance?
  BroncoRick69, I usually like your posts. Not today. See above......
  DeimosJB, dilligaf, thank you.
  GJrodburner, oh, and SD and NO wasn't the test??? Please. When will ANYONE be CONVINCED? Geez.

• September 22, 2008

  10:57 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BroncoDan writes:

  Like the orange jerseys!

  Yes, we need some more DEFENSE!!! geez, seems like the personnel is there!?

• September 22, 2008

  10:58 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  B300 writes:

  THEY HAVENT PLAYED A GOOD TEAM YET. I THINK MOST OF YOU MIGHT BE SURPRIZED! WE WILL SEE WHEN REALITY HITS HOME. THEY MIGHT EVEN BE CAREFUL NEXT WEEK IN K.C. LETS SEE HOW LONG THEIR LUCK LASTS!

• September 22, 2008

  11:01 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Kingfish writes:

  I look at it like this....The defense also needs some more help in the second half...Selvin had 66 yards on 11 carries thats a great average. But three times in the secoond half with a big lead we threw three straight times instead of working the clock. The result was an interception and two straight three and outs...Its no wonder the defense was gassed in the second half. We are getting too cocky with the play calling when we should be playing smarter football with a big lead. Im all for going for the throat, by all means take your shots, but dont throw 30 yrd bombs on first down with a 20 point lead all day. I saw some bad defense, but I also saw them in bad positions because of cocky play calling(look at the time of possesion - it tells the whole story). Oh yea, and this is basically a brand new crew out there...

• September 22, 2008

  11:03 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  B300, do you even read the stupidity that you just wrote?

• September 22, 2008

  11:09 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  bbbb writes:

  Dynamicdave writes:

  I agree with you. His post was silly.

• September 22, 2008

  11:13 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  bbbb, thanks, but I was just going to bust on you for saying our luck will run out, ha, ha. Oh well, steal my thunder by agreeing with me... Dang.

• September 22, 2008

  11:15 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  vvsignin, you're pretty good at 4-letter-words. I have a few of my own for you, but I don't want to get deleted.

• September 22, 2008

  11:17 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BigRedCelt writes:

  Maybe it's because some of us have a deeper understanding of the game. Maybe some of us understand that, eventually, the defense is going to start costing us games. With the offense in the position of having to score every time they have the ball, mistakes are going to begin happening because they feel they need to take chances. I'm all for the "W" and happy to be 3-0. It's NOT a glass half empty outlook it's reality. The defense isn't just pourous..IT STINKS!!!!!! Giving up two 18 pt leads AT HOME is inexcusable. I'd like to see the glass half full....right now, defensively, it's empty. They are not even slowing teams down. I've been a bronco fan since the days of Floyd Little and Steve Ramsey and ALWAYS back my team, but I don't have my head burried in the sand either. This defense must get better..Lets hope they do.

  And LOVED the orange!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Go Broncos

• September 22, 2008

  11:26 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  bbbb writes:

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Who knows I didn't say it would run out. It just the defense is scary in a bad way. At some point they will have to quit hoping that a bad call by a ref or a missed field goal will continue to bail them out.

• September 22, 2008

  11:26 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  ShowMe writes:

  Ok, Dynamicdave, I usually agree with most of YOUR posts, but I think you are mis-reading some of these comments. I think (most) everybody is rooting and enjoying the victories, but even the best coaches (and fans) need to look at wins and ask what can we do better. You only look at the glass completely full...everything else is negativity.

  I am slightly concerned about the D, but I think we still have time to settle on a scheme and gel. I am waiting to see a game where the offense struggles and the D steps up and we win 13-10. However, until then, the enemic pass rush and tacklng in the secondary is scary.

• September 22, 2008

  11:27 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  B300 writes:

  DYNADAVE IT IS OBVIOUS THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE, I THINK THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE! SEE YA IN A FEW WEEKS. BBBB THE ONLY THING YOU COULD THINK OF TO SAY IS THAT? SILLY.... RIGHT! THE BOTH OF YOU WOULDNT TALK LIKE THAT FACE TO FACE! PUSSIES!

• September 22, 2008

  11:35 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  BigRedCelt, BEEP! Wrong. Thank you for playing, though. I have a very good knowledge of the game so you're dead wrong, there. If you are sooo smart then you would understand that we played 2, YES, "2", of the BEST offenses, in the NFL. But , gee, I guess I don't understand football the way you do? Sorry, but reality says 3-0, not, "Oh, but we are going to get beat because we don't have a good enough team". Yes, "TEAM". Get it? Group effort. If one is lacking the other picks up the slack. Yes, the D needs work, but we played a quality team with a very good offense, yet you whine. But hey, what do I know, I'm not you.

• September 22, 2008

  11:45 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  B300, God, you are such an idiot. Oh, by the way, I WOULD say this to your face, but I don't start fights with women. Sorry.
  ShowMe, I am a "glass half full: person, that's just me. But I will always rag on anybody who complains how "bad" our D is when they don't give credit for how good the offense of the other team was. We did a great job against the run. Therefore, the Saints went to the "dink and dunk" to get back into the game. Not bad D, just great O. Bree's is a top QB. Not going to just shut him down. I agree, our D will settle down. My post may be blunt, but that's my style. B300 better get used to it. But thanks anyways, for the post. I'm not always right, but I'll always try to be objectionable.

• September 22, 2008

  11:49 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Packerfan writes:

  Just like the days of the old AFL, give up 30 points a game and still be 3-0 (4-0 after KC next week). Perhaps we can put a in call for Tom Jackson or maybe 'dig up' Lyle to resurrect this defense? Can we bring back Al DeRogotis and Curt Gowdy to call the games, as well? Christ, back in them days, 'Barrel Dude' was probably just a kid!

• September 22, 2008

  11:56 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BroncoRick69 writes:

  Dave, Dave, Dave....It's okay you dont have to like my post today. The fact of the matter is, I want the Broncos to win and go ALL the way more than anyone. Your enthusiasm for the team is not going to get us there, and neither is the way they have been playing. Think back to when you were a kid, and used to "doorbell ditch" (there are various more non-polite phrases for this activity) Well, thats the style of ball the Broncos have been playing. Get way ahead and hope they don't catch up. It's lame. And it's embarrassing. I would be right with the rest of you if the defense was just a little bit better.

• September 22, 2008

  11:57 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BigRedCelt writes:

  Dude I understand completely we've played two top offenseive teams. DUH REALLY!!! And you have never once heard me whine EVER!!!. Yes it takes a TEAM not just offense. And when one aspect of the team is always bailing the other out it begins to wear down. I always ALWAYS root for my team. I don't nitpick about little things nor look for the bad in every game. The defensive ineffiencies are GLARING. San Diego, a division opponent, almost always going to be tight and sometimes you just get caught in a shoot out. I can live with that The Saints should have been burried being down by 18 on the road. The defense must start playing better or it will start costing them games.

• September 22, 2008

  12:04 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  SirRealist writes:

  Well, hold a sec - let's do a break-down of the D if we can.

  Except for a couple breakaway runs by Sproles, McFadden, and Bush, the run-stop D played pretty well by most accounts - no team stops a good runner every time he carries the ball so I'm good with a couple breakaway runs a game - our RB's have been doing it for years, so we should expect others will do it to us at times.

  Rushing pressure - let's be honest here, we could do better. I like that we're trying different things but I'm not sure 3 rushers is really the answer when our guys are already smaller than most others in the league. And we can't blitz every down. So I think what the coaches were trying to do is rush what they had to, and drop more guys back in coverage hoping to jam the lanes and give us more shots at picks and knock-downs, but there was a problem in that Brees has a quick release, throws a fastball, and our cover guys allowed their receivers to get open. So I'm liking the idea of at least 4 rushers, sometimes 5 or 6, any time the offense is in an established rhythm. Adding a bull-rusher is a great idea, but unless you're willing to sell the farm it isn't going to happen this year and we're going to have to use who we have.

  Passing D - The real weak link here is Karl. Now, is it because he's slow, can't cover, or he's missing assignments? I don't know. Maybe someone who's been at the games can offer a perspective, but he sure seems to be getting beat a lot. But in fairness, against some very, very good QB's and offenses even Champ, Bly, and everyone else back there has been allowing catches, so I think we have to just accept that we aren't going to stop everything these guys throw. Let's be honest, if we didn't have Cutler, most of us would be pretty happy to have Rivers or Brees at the helm, and there's a reason for that.

  Until the D picks up the pace, we've got a very, very good O, and even though I'm chewing the ends of my fingers off with about five minutes to go in the games, I'll take it. Besides, I've seen this before, back in the early to mid 80's it was always coming down to a field goal try against the bolts, rayduhs, or chefs with seconds on the clock, and more often than not, we were on the short end.

• September 22, 2008

  12:14 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  BigRedCelt, it's all good. No hard feelings, here. I'm just bored so I figured to run through the articles and see what I can stir up.
  BroncoRick69, no harm, no foul. Still love you man (got a "Bud Lite"?).
  B300, still an idiot.
  On that note, time to go, places to go, people to do. Denver 42, KC 17. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• September 22, 2008

  12:20 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Squatch writes:

  This secondary will get burned every time if the defensive line continues to play off the line like they have been. The 4 down lineman dont get off the ball well except for Dumervil I hope this gets better but if it doesnt you could have Deion Sanders back there with Champ and they will give up yards. You need Consistant pressure to make Zone or man coverage work for you and right now they arent doing it. I will give the Broncos their Due since they just played 2 of the best Offensive teams in the league and won but they have to start pressuring the Quarterback in order to save that Secondary.

  One thing can be said the Broncos D is better than the Chargers & Saints defense. The chargers were without LT & Saints without Colston.

• September 22, 2008

  12:22 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  smaestas writes:

  The Broncos are very fortunate to be 3-0. The good news is offense looks great. The bad news is the defense might be off to a worse start then last year. The sad thing is I think they have decent players. Against Raiders, they "almost" gave up a couple of big plays. In San Diego game they gave up 4+ plays of 50+ yards. I am thinking, they will be ok if they don't give up the big play. The D-Cordinator must have been thinking the same thing because against New Orleans because the game plan for the D seemed very conservative. No blitzes, bend don't break type concept. I think we would be way better off if they blitzed a little more, zone blitz, 4 man line, 3 man line......Just mix it up. When you play the better teams they will make corrections to take advantage of a defense. If the defense does not mix it up, along with not having the over powering defensive players, they will look like they did against New Orleans. I remember this same issue a few years ago, where the players complained and the cordinator said, "OK, I am going to let you play". The D went on to have a good year. They where weak against the run, but if our offense puts up the points they have the Defense would have had a field day. I will feel much better next week if they the Defense put a spanking on KC. If not, then I would say big red flag.

• September 22, 2008

  12:30 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  dilligaf writes:

  RickyLee
  Your a loser because you have picked the loosing team 3 weeks in a row and will probably go for 4.

• September 22, 2008

  12:57 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  T1anda writes:

  C'mon defensive coaches get your duckies in a row and make use of each mans talent at their position. Champ and Dre have givin up passes, but you take ANY great cornerback in the NFL and have them guard an NFL receiver for as long as the Bailey/Bly combo have to, because of a poor pass rush, and see how they do...I bet no better than our corners.

  Go Broncos!!!

  Rickylee just GO!!

• September 22, 2008

  12:57 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Ofearghail writes:

  ORANGE, ORANGE, ORANGE!! The Broncos need to make those orange jerseys as the STANDARD HOME UNIFORM. Dump the blue, or maybe just use occasionally. Stay with the ORANGE!!!

• September 22, 2008

  1:01 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  T1anda writes:

  One more thing! DUMP the orange uniforms! Barf! The Broncos looked like tall skinny,shiny, halloween pumpkins running around on the field!

• September 22, 2008

  1:16 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  SteveC writes:

  A win is a win and I'll take it but you can't give up 30-40 points a game and hope for a blown call or a missed field goal to get a win. The run defense looked good but the pass defense was almost nonexistent. I'll be at the Tampa game in two weeks and can't wait to go but this defense scares me. Somebody has to pressure the QB and stop letting him pick apart the pass coverage.
  That being said, OMG this offense can score a TON of points and Eddie Royal is only going to get better which will force teams to choose who to put double coverage on, him or BMarsh. This is looking like the breakout year all the experts predicted for Cutler, the guy has a rifle for an arm. I wasn't so sure about rotating 3 running backs but it's working so I'll shut up about it. I hope we crush the chiefs next week. 45-3 would be nice!

• September 22, 2008

  1:34 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Squatch writes:

  The Orange Jerseys should stay. I was at a Preseason game and saw in the Broncos store in the Stadium an Orange Fantasy Broncos Helmet that wouldnt look bad on the field.

• September 22, 2008

  1:51 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  ssqured, tell Heidi "hello", back, for me. I've been kind of busy. I just retired from my martial arts studio. Still volunteer at the YMCA for the kids and teach 3 local celebs. Other then that, ride my Harley, watch my Broncos and enjoy the Vegas life. Thanks for the "posts perks". I guess people get their feelings hurt when I defend the boys. But that's what the blog is for. To write in, talk, argue, disagree and agree. It's all good with me. Tell Heidi to write in on the Bronco blog and give her 2 cents. I'll be kind... Trust me..... Oh, as far as the uniforms.... Don't like them.

• September 22, 2008

  3:07 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  vvsignin writes:

  Dave, I would truly be saddened if you hit a tree on your Harley...

• September 22, 2008

  3:33 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  SirRealist writes:

  Here's a good writeup about the top teams in the league that might shed some light on the situation:

  http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug...

• September 22, 2008

  4:27 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  vvsignin, you are a mental midget. I hope I didn't make you cry?

• September 22, 2008

  4:30 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  vvsignin writes:

  And have a family member on the back...

• September 22, 2008

  4:37 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  vvsignin, I will. One of yours.

• September 22, 2008

  5:21 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  ssqured, ha, ha, but I was having so much fun. So, what's your take on the next game at KC? Hopefully, this will be a good chance for our defense to shine. KC looked horrible, yesterday. I think it will be something like this, 42-17 Denver to win. I don't think the 3rd string QB can get it done.

• September 23, 2008

  7:06 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Mighty_Mile writes:

  I don't care about the D, this year is all a bonus. We'll win the Superbowl next year and the year after that.

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