Give Josh McDaniels credit: He can coach up a passing game out of seemingly spare parts. What he hasn’t been able to do in Denver is improve a mediocre defense.
Broncos are below average in nearly every defensive stat, especially in yards-per-play allowed against the pass and run. Things only threaten to get worse.
As we mentioned in one-liners Tuesday, starting outside linebacker Robert Ayers will miss the next six weeks with a broken foot, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. Safety Brian Dawkins will also miss at least two games with a strained right knee ligament.
With Elvis Dumervil out for the season, that is a lot of talent missing off a defense that looked average at best to begin with. At 2-3, the Broncos face a tough matchup against the Jets Sunday in Denver. They host the Raiders and then head to London to play the 49ers before a Week Nine bye.