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The Denver Broncos are off to a strong start at 6-0 and the defense is a big part of the success along with consistent play from the offense. After hiring a new coach, Josh McDaniels, Broncos fans were skeptical but with the right formula and some key new players they are doing all the right things to win. The offseason brought some drama and after trading disgruntled QB Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears for quarterback Kyle Orton, the Broncos have to be pleased with the move. In addition, WR Brandon Marshall gave the team problems but after things calmed down the receiver has been a key element for the offense. The bottom line is the Broncos have quelled the skeptics and continue to play at a high level. The Broncos know how to finish games and the have outscored their opponent 76-10 in the second half this season.

The Broncos

OFFENSE: Kyle Orton is perhaps underrated as he leads his offense to a 6–0 start. Orton has made plays in addition to just ‘managing’ the game and has 9 TD’s and only 1 interception. The offense line run blocks efficiently and pass protects well too. LT Ryan Clady is consistent in the pass protection and does not give up many sacks.

With two playmakers in WR Brandon Marshall and WR Eddie Royal they are a challenging tandem to any defense and can take over a game. Royal returned a punt and a kickoff for TD’s in their last game in San Diego. Both are receivers are fast and strong with the ability to bust open big plays. Brandon Stokley (former Raven) is a dependable slot receiver who has been clutch for the team. Tight ends Tony Scheffler who is playing well and Daniel Graham, a consistent change up, are both good blockers at the line.

The rookie running back Knowshon Moreno continues to improve and does not have many runs for losses. Correll Buckhalter is a player that has battled injuries but is having a great season. This offense is all about controlling the line of scrimmage with a heavy dose of the running game.

Lately: Rookie running back Knowshon Moreno is proving to be a consistent runner and the O-line is setting up his lanes well. Tendencies: The offense consistently tries to establish the run, opening up the play action for QB Orton. TE Scheffler has been instrumental part in the offense and is a key target for QB Orton.

DEFENSE: It is no surprise that defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has his defense playing at a high level. The former Ravens coordinator has brought the same mentality and playbook to the Bronocs. Nolan has incorporated talented and disciplined players who are thriving in a pressure packed 3-4 defense. The Broncos blitz from everywhere and from every gap. With the high level of play from their secondary, it gives the defense more opportunities to bring in extra blitzers and run stoppers at the line.

Leading the defense is long time Eagles safety Brian Dawkins who inspires and brings leadership on the field. The team features a premier cornerback in Champ Bailey who is playing at the top of his game. Bailey has made big plays this year. Against the Dallas Cowboys this year they challenged him twice in the 4th quarter and Bailey broke up both passes sealing a victory for his team. The Broncos have a talented linebacking core that continues to play at a high level. LB/DE Elvis Dumervil leads the team with 10 sacks and is a threat to disrupt any offense. ILB Andre Davis and ILB D.J. Williams are versatile and sound players, both excel in the blitzing scheme.

Lately: Can’t ask for much more, this unit is proving they are no fluke this year. The unit is leading or the near the top in most defensive statistical categories. The team has a total of 21 sacks and gives up the fewest points in the NFL. Tendencies: The defense does not play conservative, and tends to crank up the pressure when the team is ahead in ball games. They focus on getting pressure on opposing QB’s and with a great secondary they can gamble in the blitz game.

MATCH-UPS: Chalk it up!

CB Champ Bailey vs. Derrick Mason: Should be a great match up, both are seasoned veterans.

Denver’s Blitz vs. Ravens O-line: Denver can bring the heat and they blitz from all angles, it will good to have LT Jared Gaither back in the line up. The O-line will have to pick up the blitz and protect Flacco, they will want to stay away from 3rd and long.

Royal & Marshall vs. Ravens Secondary: With the bye the Ravens secondary has had plenty of time to make corrections. The defensive secondary might be happy to know that Orton doesn’t take a lot of deep shots, but with their talented tandem of WR Eddie Royal and WR Brandon Marshall, the secondary will be on red alert.

Defensive Game Plan: The Ravens will look to stop the run and make QB Kyle Orton beat them. The Broncos tend to establish the run and if the Ravens can eliminate the big gainers, it will only help their chances.

Denver Linebackers vs RB Ray Rice: The Broncos will look to cover RB Ray Rice, he is becoming a game breaker and it will be interesting to see how the Broncos try to slow down the speedy back.

Kick Return Game: The Broncos have found a new weapon with Eddie Royal and the Ravens have to be consistent in coverage. With the addition of David Tyree it might help the Ravens in this game. The Ravens picked up Tyree because he excels in coverage. On the Ravens side it is obvious they will go with rookie Lardarius Webb in the kick-off return game. Webb is averaging 25.6 per kick return and continues to improve.

There has to be a sense of urgency to win in order to get back in the hunt. It will be interesting to see how the Ravens adjust their defensive play coming off the bye week. Ravens fans hope they will see more movement at the line to confuse their opponents and more blitzing from the young linebackers.