The Denver Broncos can take a breath this weekend. They have bolted out to a 6-0 start and shown themselves to be one of the best teams in the NFL.
Clearly there is plenty of football left. But there is no doubt they deserve to enjoy their start.
The best part of it all is that no one who follows the team expected this. Most people thought the Broncos would struggle. Few, if any, thought they would be undefeated. That’s why they play the games.
Here are my top three reasons the Broncos are 6-0:
1 – COACHING. It’s probably true that coaches get too much credit and too much blame but Josh McDaniels and his staff have simply done a marvelous job. Their personnel decisions have been spot on. Their work ethic and attention to detail are incredible. Their ability to enjoy the moment is refreshing.
It has been clear from the beginning that Coach McDaniels has a plan, a system and the ability to implement them in ways that bring the best out of not only the players, but also his assistant coaches.
For instance, McDaniels said this week that he and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan talk about general ideas is developing the game plan each week.
“We talk about what we want to do each week and how we want to approach it and how we want to use our players and how we want to try to beat the offense this week or stop certain players,” McDaniels shared.
“The staff does a great job of taking those ideas, which are more general, and say, ‘Alright, here are the things we want to try to do to stop those players, get pressure or whatever it may be.’ I think we have a really good working relationship on our staff as a whole.”
It is no wonder the Broncos have had a good working relationship on the field, too.
2 – QUARTERBACK KYLE ORTON. Orton is showing himself to be more than able to handle McDaniels’ offensive system. And the scary part is that Orton has only played in six games. One would think there is still plenty of room for him to get even better and for him to feel even more comfortable as the guy who makes it happen.
Orton’s good decisions on the field contribute to his consistent play. Labeled by some as merely a “game manager,” Orton has also come up with big drives and big plays.
“The quarterback (in our system) has to be smart,” McDaniels said. “He has to understand what we’re asking him to do, which is a lot. We ask him to try to really know the defense each week. We ask him to do a considerable amount of the running game and be accurate, take care of the football, finish drives in the red zone and get it (the ball) to guys we think need to have it. Are we really happy with Kyle? Yeah, because Kyle does those things.”
But beyond his play, Orton’s humble, low-key and focused approach has been a perfect fit for this team. Emotionally, he is even-keeled. He enjoys winning but doesn’t soak in it too long. He is quick to deflect attention and compliment his teammates. I have to believe that it is easy to play hard for him.
3 – SAFETY BRIAN DAWKINS. Those who doubted Dawkins’ ability to play every down have to admit they were wrong, at least through six games. The guy is everywhere. On the first play against the Chargers, Dawkins stuck his nose into the run game, took on an All-Pro guard and then tackled All-pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
We have seen Dawkins race back in pass coverage to make plays; we have seen him blitz and disrupt or sack the quarterback. At 36 years old, Dawkins is playing with a full tank.
Dawkins’ impact, however, goes beyond how he plays during games. He is the leader that Broncos’ defense has been missing since linebacker Al Wilson retired.
Off the field, Dawkins is humble. He is polite. He is a man of faith and a man who treasures his family.
On the field, Dawkins is driven. He is passionate. He is all about winning and inspiring others to do everything they can to contribute to that cause.
“He’s a different breed,” McDaniels said of Dawkins. “He’s amazing as a person and as a player. I’ve said this before and most people look at me with a puzzled look on their face but he’s got a spirit that I don’t know that I’ve ever been around.”
We all know there are still ten games remaining in the season. But barring a rash of injuries, the Broncos aren’t going anywhere…except possibly to places well beyond all of our expectations.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to post your thoughts about the Broncos’ performance to this point. I hope you enjoy the bye week and I’ll have some thoughts about the remaining schedule this week.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: Brian Dawkins, Bye week, Head Coach Josh McDaniels, Kyle Orton
I wouldnt call yesterday a total loss, all the teams I wanted to win except one won(Those poor Chiefs) I was hoping that Cassel was the Chiefs answer on offense, but I guess not.
Those poor Bears looks like they still dont have a franchise QB, on the bright side Cutler your tied for 2nd in INT, you just need to throw 3 more and you’ll be tied for first!!! Better get used to it bud because thats the only QB stat you’ll lead in.
Deify , is that sarcastic about the Chiefs and Cassel, or you really want them to do well?
It’s funny how people acted now. Everyone glad Cutler is gone. Where were you when they were trading him. If he was so bad. Why know one was asking to get rid of him after last season. Don’t get me wrong. I am loving everything that’s going on. I just think we’re better than coming on her and bashing him. He is a after thought in my mind. Should be yours to. Some of ya’ll sound like lil kids. Giving play by play of a Bears game. On a Broncos website no less. It sounds like to me your still mad he’s gone. Why? We’ll never know.
You probably meant just for yesterday’s game so they could beat the Chargers, but it didn’t sound right.
the#1, because if he does poorly we get a better 1st round draft pick, that’s why, like I always said I will not care about him after next year, because he will meam nothing to us anymore, unless if we meet him in a superbowl. We do have reasons, don’t jump on our throat just because you don’t get it.
…after THIS year…typo
No, I really do want the Chiefs to be a better football team, I like them far more than I like the Chargers or the Raiders.
Deify, I see, thanks for answering me.
broncosfreak30 Go to Stubhub.com they just put some up for sale today!
#1 If you go back, I’m talking way back to the first week that I join this website which was ironically was when the Cutler trade talk began I was all for him being traded. I wanted him to be drafted for draft picks so we could draft Orakpo, Cushings, or Jackson. This was of course before I knew the Broncos were switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 so obviously these guys wouldnt work. Which is why we drafted Moreno because Jackson went to the Chiefs and got Ayers who was suited for the 3-4.
*traded not drafted lol
Maybe Cutler is having a Saw episode. He probably woke up in the off-season. Had a tape recorder in front of him. Pressed play then…” Hello Jay. You have turned your back on your teammates. Only for reasons that you could not see the business side too. I have a way out for you. This game will make you rich, but at what price. The cell phone in front of you will ring. Do not answer it. The other that I provided for you will ring. Answer it. It will be a team wanting your services via a trade. That team is the Bears. Orton won game with them. So why can’t you? Close enough to your home. They will all so give you the money you want. At the same time, Orton can’t do what you can. The Broncos will rule the day they traded you. McD will go down as the worst coach in history. Much like the former Falcons head man. He will quit to go somewhere else. Now this may happen it is just hypothetical. If you except the phone call from my phone we will see. To begin this game just talk to the Bears. The introduction to SAW VII. lol I guess Jigsaw like Bill’s coaching tree. lol
Maybe Cutler is having a Saw episode. He probably woke up in the off-season. Had a tape recorder in front of him. Pressed play then…” Hello Jay. You have turned your back on your teammates. Only for reasons that you could not see the business side too. I have a way out for you. This game will make you rich, but at what price. The cell phone in front of you will ring. Do not answer it. The other that I provided for you will ring. Answer it. It will be a team wanting your services via a trade. That team is the Bears. Orton won game with them. So why can’t you? Close enough to your home. They will all so give you the money you want. At the same time, Orton can’t do what you can. The Broncos will rule the day they traded you. McD will go down as the worst coach in history. Much like the former Falcons head man. He will quit to go somewhere else. Now this may happen it is just hypothetical. If you except the phone call from my phone we will see. To begin this game just talk to the Bears. The introduction to SAW VII. lol I guess Jigsaw like Bill’s coaching tree. lol
Now that is funny. lol I think someone has seen all the SAw movies too much.
Great post Mike!!!!! LOL @ #1
Lol @ the #1!!!!!
Great post Mike. Sorry I cant follow up after laughing at the previous post. lol
Someone has seen too many of those SAW movies. READ A BOOK. LOL
Im just wondering were all the people went who said McD and Orton need to be ran out of town it got quiet fast. Congrats to the broncos with starting better then anyone said you would now its time to start the big race lets keep it going into the playoffs.
Denwu, what is scaring you about this Ravens game now? I understand you thinking we would lose this one when the schedule came out, I did too. I know we historically haven’t done well there in the past, but 1) we are a nearly completely different team with no recollection of what’s happened there in the past, and MORE IMPORTANTLY, 2) the Ravens have only won the first three games of the season, at home against KC and Cleveland and away against the Chargers, who at that time had all sort of problems and were considered by most to be playing poorly. They also have lost their last three. So, please explain to me why this game now should be tougher than any other to go to the point of thinking that we will lose, other than the historic factor, which in my eye has become a non factor. I’d appreciate any imput about that from anyone…
DID YOU SEE!
Brett Kern got waived? We signed Mitch Berger.
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
I can see that, Kern had one good game for us out of five…
out of 6, LOL.
I cant remember every single game of cutlers career but if you go back and look at the stats and the score of the game it almost coincides to cutlers productivity. On games that he throws more td’s than ints we mostly won. Imagine what our record would be if cutler and his 11 int’s were with us. I know our awesome defense wouldn’t be as good as it is now with other teams getting 11 more chances to score on us.
just saying.. Love the Broncos
#1 WTF! LOL!
If you all want a HILARIOUS laugh. Listen to Chicago Sports Radio 670 the score @ http://www.670thescore.com (this is chicago’s radio station around the clock coverage)
you can do this via your computer. These guys just hate the bears LMFAO!
This has nothing to do at all wishing bad things on the Bears….o.k. well it does, but it’s still hilarious!
I wouldn’t at all feel like this if Jay would not have been a baby when JMac tried to make things better. Not calling the owner? Have fun out there Jay. Oh…..and listen, keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll help us with a top 10 draft pick!
Yeahhhh!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
Hey Bronco Country!
Pro Bowl voting is open….let’s go get our boys to Hawaii!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
my dad always says, ” what position are we missing?” really, what position ARE we missing? Our defensive backs are playing great, our linebackers are playing awesome and so is the d line. The o line is difficult to get around and are great blockers. The receivers are always a threat to the opposing secondary and our running backs really bring it. Kyle Orton is playing great this year, yet people are still saying that we’re missing our QB position. Really? KO’s stats are up there with the big names.
Anyways, lets kick some Raven tail feathers!
GO BRONCOS!!!!
bronconolan24 They think we’re missing a punter. I think they got it straight now.
I love how we get little to know recognition on national football shows, especially Inside The NFL. They talk more about the 0-6 Titans than the 6-0 Broncos.
I cant help it I love when the Bears lose. I think Cutler took for granted how light his pressure was in Denver due to our O Line. His picks are a reflection on how defenses are upsetting him and on the flip side, they talked about Orton like the red headed step child of the league. Forgetting good bad or indifferent he led a team to the Super Bowl in the last 5 years.
i love seeing cutler do terrible lol if we had cutler we would have a more explosive offense but we would not be 6-0 thats for sure too many ints orton helps the field position battle by not giving the other team the ball with a short field……. im sayin cutler can help a team but i think that he hurts a team more… denver is better with kyle and darnn i love seeing the cry baby lose lol
GO BRONCOSSSS
What players/position are we missing? We still need a reliable kicker. We haven’t had a really good kicker since Elam left. Changing punters should help and now our weakest single point of failure could be the kicker. I’m actually buying my first jersey since my old #7 Elway jersey and I think it might be the new #8 Orton jersey. He’s no where near Elways stature but he is definetely proving everybody wrong about supposedly “managing” games. Those two 90+ yard drives prove that Orton can handle the system and will only get better as the season goes along. This guy might be around for awhile.
I LOVE EVERYTHING I SEE, CAN GET ENOUGH OF THAT KOOL AID, KEEP THE RUN GOING!!!7-0 BABY RAVENS ARE NEXT!!!
60 MINUTES OF FOOTBALL GO BRONCOS!!!
Go Broncos. Has anyone checked out the Cutler stats vs. Orton stats @http://670thescore.stats.com/fb/leaders.asp?year=2009&type=Passing&range=NFL&rank=033
It might surprise a few fans. McD just might know what he is doing.
Go Broncos…..
7 and 0 tomorrow…
#10rangeCo.fan, where have you been? This is a favorite past time of ours, LOL.
It’s nice to get an update once in a while though, don’t you think? LOL