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Their record of 3-0 is great considering the issues from the off-season and all the questions that surrounded this team. It hasn't been pretty, but winning in the NFL isn't a beauty contest. Over 50% of the roster has changed and there is a completely new coaching philosophy on both sides of the ball.
Denver has done what they've needed to do... beat 3 teams that many thought were bad teams. They beat a bad CLE team in Denver and won two road games... yes, Oak is horrible, but that typically doesn't matter in divisional matchups as everyone knows. And, yes while the tipped TD in week 1 was a fluke and sealed the deal... it happened, it's all about being in the right place at the right time and not giving up on a play, so kudos to Stokely for doing exactly that in the final minute.
The next 5 games will tell a lot about what this team has become and what they will ultimately be at the end of the season. They play teams that are 'expected' to either win or compete to win their divisions. These 5 teams are known for having great balance and strong traditions of playing well. Each of the 5 teams will be (or should be) favored to win over Denver.
That being said, I'm interested to see how Dallas responds in their game tonight after losing it to NY in week 2. The Patriots haven't been the 2007 Patriots that everyone expected, but they're still damn good. Same for the Chargers and the Steelers... and the Ravens, they look like the most well balanced juggernaut in the NFL to me right now.
The next two games are in Denver - vs Dallas and New England. Geography is a good thing in these games and with Denver having confidence, they should compete well... can they win? We'll see.
The games at SD and Baltimore... I dunno, based on what I've seen - the Ravens should beat them handily if you ask me and I'll give the nod to SD at this point. Then you have the Steelers... in Denver. They haven't played great for 60 minutes in 2 of their games, so they're vulnerable. Question is, can Denver stick with their game plan and make the game close? Again... I dunno, but I like their chances to make it a game deep into the 4th quarter in each of these games.
Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos
Patriots @ Broncos
Broncos @ Chargers
week 7: bye
Broncos @ Ravens
Steelers @ Broncos
If Denver can go 2-3, I'll be pleased. If they can go 3-2, I'll be estatic. If they only win 1 of the 5... well, I won't be shocked. But, I don't think they'll go 0-5 during this stretch.
I think they have a shot at beating Dallas and/or New England if they can control the ball like they did yesterday. We'll see. Their defense gives me much more reason to hope compared to three weeks ago... they'll certainly be battle tested after the next 5 games.
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