[Quesadilla Joe]

Time to hop on the Broncos’ bandwagon?
They’re winning with defense, Orton and a run game. Matt Bowen

After the offseason the Denver Broncos had — including their training camp saga with WR Brandon Marshall — could anyone have predicted that this team would be sitting alone atop the AFC West at 3-0?

Broncos fans? I would hope so, but for the rest of the experts, fans and avid followers of the NFL, a 3-0 start was the last thing we expected from coach Josh McDaniels and his team.

But that’s where we’re at today, and now I’m wondering if it’s time to jump on this Broncos bandwagon — because I see this team going places.

How are they doing it? Let’s take a look at the Broncos after three weeks.

Defense

Without a doubt, the Broncos’ defense was the biggest question mark heading into September. They lacked playmakers, they couldn’t get to the quarterback, and McDaniels’ offense would have to outscore teams to win.

Not so fast, folks. The Broncos rank first in points allowed (5.3) and total yards allowed per game (214.7). Add in the fact that the front seven is giving up just over 78 yards per game on the ground, and maybe it’s defensive coordinator Mike Nolan who should be getting some more publicity.

This unit has given up 11 third down conversions out of 39 attempts and has 10 sacks in its first three games. In the back end, Brian Dawkins is playing solid football, Champ Bailey is healthy, and the Broncos as a team are plus-6 in turnover ratio.

The stats don’t lie. That’s winning football.

Kyle Orton

Orton wasn’t a good fit for Ron Turner’s offense in Chicago, but in Denver, he doesn’t take long drops, he gets the ball out of his hands quickly, and to be honest, he’s the ideal quarterback to run this scheme. Plus, he’s only been sacked three times.

Through three weeks, Orton has a QB rating of 91.2, and although he is isn’t lighting it up in terms of TD passes (three total), he has yet to thrown an interception — and that statistic is more important when you’re trying to win games. He has spread the ball around to nine different receivers, and with Brandon Marshall starting to work his way back into the lineup, expect Orton’s numbers to increase.

That trade doesn’t look too bad right now, does it?

The running game

McDaniels’ scheme is often misinterpreted as a pro version of the Texas Tech run-and-gun, but the difference is McDaniels’ ability to incorporate the running game. And right now, the Broncos are producing out of the backfield.

As a team, Denver is ranked fourth overall in the league in rushing yards, averaging over 158 yard a game. Knowshon Moreno is going to continue to develop over the course of the next month, but what about some love for Correll Buckhalter? The guy is averaging 7.4 yards a carry. Plus, the Broncos also have LaMont Jordan in the mix.

Sound familiar? Well, it should because it’s the exact same way New England won Sunday at home against the Falcons -- a committee of backs and fresh legs in the game at all times.

Josh McDaniels


Josh McDaniels is silencing his critics with a 3-0 start in Denver.

Why McDaniels? Because somehow, some way, he has held this team together despite an offseason and a summer that was atrocious from a PR standpoint. McDaniels became the punching bag for every joke and every satire column about the NFL.

But he weathered the storm and has kept his focus on the team. Marshall got no special treatment when he started his own circus in training camp, and despite the constant beating McDaniels takes from the media, he’s doing the right things inside those meeting rooms, on the practice field and in the way he has this team prepared to play on Sundays.

Give him the credit. He deserves it.

Can the Broncos keep it going?

Sure they can. I fully understand that the early season schedule has been favorable for the Broncos, but looking ahead, they still have two games against Kansas City, one more at home versus the Raiders (three games they should win) and two big games against Philip Rivers and the Chargers.

Without a doubt, the schedule will become more competitive, but after three weeks the Broncos are doing what it takes to win — and that’s what matters on Sunday nights.

Are you on the bandwagon yet? I am.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/...bandwagon.html

Pretty soon Mile High Mania will be on the Broncos bandwagon!