Last week, the performance of the Broncos defense was overshadowed by Brandon Stokley’s catch on the Immaculate deflection.
After Denver’s 27-6 drubbing of Cleveland Sunday in the Belichick Disciple Bowl, it’s time to give defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and the boys their due.
Elvis Dumervil, converting to outside linebacker, racked up four sacks of Brady Quinn, including a forced fumble. Former Brown Andra Davis led the Broncos with ten tackles. (Quinn, meanwhile, has suffered through two dreadful starts to open the year.)
Denver’s offense also looked improved against Cleveland, with 186 yards rushing, primarily from Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter. A gorgeous 45-yard run by Buckhalter capped the scoring in the fourth quarter.
A co-worker at NBC called Denver one of the worst 2-0 teams in the last ten years, but you have to admire their defensive effort. This is a rag-tag unit that is lacking in talent, but not creativity.
The AFC West is wide open; a little effort and good fortune could keep Denver in the mix for a while.