How Do Denver Broncos Compare to Rest of NFL's Undefeateds?
After five weeks of NFL action, there are five teams who remain undefeated. The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons all have an unblemished record. The Patriots and Panthers have already had bye weeks, so they have only four wins, while the other undefeated teams have played and won five games.
At this point in the season, it’s not outlandish for each one of these teams to be thinking Super Bowl. They are all well on their way to winning their respective divisions and making a postseason run. These teams are also early favorites for home-field advantage in the playoffs.
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Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak is enjoying the team’s 5-0 start.
“You’re damn right I am. I’ve been doing this a long time. It’s hard to win in this league, and I’ve been doing it long enough to know that you had better appreciate it. If you ever get to the point where winning is a relief, you’re in the wrong business.”
Kubiak emphasized, “You bet [I enjoy it]. I woke up this morning, and I know that we have a lot of things that I’m trying to get better, but I enjoy winning every time out.”
How do the Broncos compare to the rest of the undefeated teams in the NFL? Let’s take a look.
New England Patriots
Offense
It’s the “Tom Brady 2015 Revenge Tour” this season, as Brady was supposed to be suspended for his role in Deflategate, but the suspension was overturned, and the Patriots have been on fire ever since. Brady is still deadly accurate with his passes, and he's got ice in his veins. The Patriots and Brady not only want to beat opponents; they want to destroy them each week.
The running game got a shot in the arm with the 5'8", 185-pound Dion Lewis. He's a compact and explosive runner who does a good job of working in space. He's a good receiver out of the backfield too. Behind him, LeGarrette Blount is the hammer to tear down opponents.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman is their new Wes Welker, and he's dangerous on underneath routes. Edelman can get open with ease, and he's got some ankle-breaking moves after the catch. The biggest weapon in the passing game is one of the biggest personalities in the NFL. Tight end Rob Gronkowski is the best in the game, and he creates mismatch problems each week. No matter how defenses try to cover the 6'6", 265-pound Gronkowski, he can beat opponents with a fantastic size/speed combination.
Defense
The Patriots had a mass exodus of talent on this side of the ball earlier this year. They still have plenty of talent in their front seven, with players such as Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Jamie Collins leading the way.
The defense benefits from playing teams who have to come from behind after struggling against New England's high-powered offense. This means most of the time it's facing one-dimensional units. If a team can put the lean on the Patriots and go toe-to-toe with the offense, then this defense can be worn down.
Problems/Concerns
The secondary can be exploited. It lost cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency earlier this year, and their replacements can be picked on. The Patriots rank 11th in the NFL by allowing 229.75 passing yards per game. They are also 19th against the run, having allowed an average of 112.75 rushing yards per game. The offense is not a problem, but the defense can be.
Who Would Win?
Just like real estate, location is everything. If this game is in Foxborough, then the Patriots would be tough to beat. If the game is in Denver, then the Broncos would have a better chance. These two teams play in Denver in Week 12. The Broncos can move the ball against this defense, but Brady and company will be difficult to slow down. Gronkowski will be an incredibly difficult player for the team to match up against.
Winner: Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals
Offense
Quarterback Andy Dalton is playing out of his mind this year. He leads the NFL with 1,518 passing yards so far in 2015. He's thrown 11 touchdown passes and only two interceptions.
The running back position is manned by two different backs who split time. Giovani Bernard is the lead back, and the 5'9", 205-pounder has a quickness/speed combination that makes him dangerous when the ball is in his hands. Bernard is an electric player who keeps defenders on their toes. Jeremy Hill is the power change-of-pace back. He makes his living between the tackles, and he's a "Costco" back because his touchdown production comes in bulk.
A.J. Green is a superstar wide receiver, and he’s a tough matchup no matter who is tasked with covering him. He can play above the rim, and Green does a good job of ripping passes away from defenders. Green has crazy body control and can make difficult catches seem routine.
Other weapons in the passing game include tight end Tyler Eifert. He's finally healthy this year, and Eifert is a big-bodied target (6'6", 250 lbs) who can produce over the middle of the field. While not a true seam-ripper, Eifert does have good speed to get away from linebackers or safeties trying to cover him. Wide receiver Marvin Jones has a nose for the end zone, and he's earned the trust of Dalton. Mohamed Sanu is a fine possession receiver who can make tough catches to move the chains.
Defense
The Bengals defense has a great pass-rusher in Carlos Dunlap. He plays with a nonstop motor and is relentless in his pursuit of the passer. He's aided by guys in the middle of the defensive line such as defensive tackle Geno Atkins. They allow an average of 108.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 19th in the league in that category.
The secondary features some tough players. Free safety George Iloka roams the field in coverage, but he arrives at the ball with natural violence and is not afraid to support the run defense.
Problems/Concerns
Hill has a fumbling problem that has plagued him during his short pro career. He fumbled five times in 2014 (two lost), and he’s already lost two fumbles this season. Against the Broncos defense, Hill would be at risk of losing the ball against such an aggressive unit.
Who Would Win?
Like the Patriots, the Bengals are an opponent we’ll see the Broncos play later in the year. Dalton looks good under pressure this year, and his average time in the pocket (2.02 seconds) is only bested by Brady (1.98 seconds). Dalton is getting rid of the ball quickly, and the rush isn’t affecting him as much as it used to. The Bengals defense can be beaten, and the Broncos should be able to move the ball through the air against them.
Winner: Broncos
Green Bay Packers
Offense
Aaron Rodgers just makes it look easy. He's accurate and aggressive as a passer, and Rodgers does a good job of spreading the ball around to multiple receivers. Rodgers is athletic enough to keep plays alive with his feet, can throw well on the run and will take off to scramble if need be.
The rushing attack is led by Eddie Lacy. He's a powerful runner who can run through arm tackles regularly. Lacy is not a bad receiver out of the backfield, and he can pick up tough yards near the end zone.
The receiving corps certainly misses Jordy Nelson, but the Packers have star talent in Randall Cobb. Working the underneath routes, Cobb can get open with ease and does a good job of looking passes into his hands. He'll make tough catches and help move the chains. Veteran James Jones has a nose for the end zone, and he's one of the most trusted targets for Rodgers. Rookie wide receiver Ty Montgomery and tight end Richard Rodgers provide the team with complementary targets.
Defense
After five weeks, the Broncos lead the league in sacks with 22. The Packers are right behind them with 20 sacks themselves. They allow the lowest QBR in the league at 23.4, followed closely by the Broncos defense at 27.6.
Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers love to harass opposing quarterbacks. Their strength up front allows players in the secondary such as cornerbacks Sam Shields and Casey Hayward to make plays on the ball.
Problems/Concerns
Lack of durability is a concern with Lacy. Coming into the pros, that was one of the reasons why the Broncos passed on Lacy to instead pick Montee Ball in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. Lacy has already been slowed by an ankle injury this year, and he only mustered 27 yards on 13 carries against the St. Louis Rams in Week 5.
Who Would Win?
Guess what? Just like with the Patriots and Bengals, the Broncos will see the Packers in a couple of weeks. They play the Cleveland Browns in Week 6, have a bye in Week 7 and then face the Packers in the Mile High City.
No matter where this game is played, it’s going to be difficult to slow down Rodgers and the passing game. If Lacy is near full strength, the Packers will have balance on an offense that should be able to put up a fight against the Broncos. The Packers defense is swarming and will get after the quarterback.
Winner: Packers
Carolina Panthers
Offense
The offense is all about Superman—aka quarterback Cam Newton. He's not running quite as much as he used to, but Newton is still capable of hurting a defense with his legs. Newton has a strong arm and plays with a ton of confidence each week.
Running back Jonathan Stewart is talented, and he's a steady performer in the backfield. Stewart has the power to grind out tough yards, and he's also a decent receiver for Newton to toss passes to.
The wide receivers aren't great, but veteran Ted Ginn Jr. has the speed to get open deep, and he's earned Newton's trust (even though he still drops too many passes). The team really misses Kelvin Benjamin, who went down with a knee injury earlier this year and will not play until next season. Tight end Greg Olsen can create mismatches in the middle of the field. At 6'5", 253 pounds, he's a big-bodied player who commands his space. Olsen can box out smaller defenders in the red zone, and he's also quite capable of picking up yards after the catch.
Defense
When healthy, the Panthers have an extraordinary defensive unit. They have playmakers at every level of the defense. Nose tackle Star Lotulelei makes things difficult for opposing ground games as his size (6'2", 320 lbs) helps clog up the middle. When healthy, linebacker Luke Kuechly is a seek-and-destroy player with the ability to force turnovers and intimidate opponents. Cornerback Josh Norman idolized former Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey growing up, and he wears the No. 24 in his honor. The Panthers have found a young shutdown corner in Norman, and he's capable of making field-flipping plays off interceptions.
Problems/Concerns
The team doesn't have a ton of firepower offensively. It's not one-dimensional on offense, but Stewart is constantly banged up with nagging injuries that slow him down. The receivers aren't big-time threats, and teams with better secondaries should be able to shut them down. Kuechly is a superstar linebacker, but he's recently been out of action because of a concussion.
Who Would Win?
The Panthers would struggle to move the ball against this Broncos defense. Newton would be difficult to contain as a runner, but his limited weapons in the passing game wouldn't be much help against the Broncos.
The Denver offense would likely struggle to run the ball against the Panthers. Its passing game could find a few spots to pick on, so long as it stays away from Norman as much as possible.
Winner: Broncos
Atlanta Falcons
Offense
The team has no problems on offense. It is led by quarterback Matt Ryan, and it has the ability to score points in bunches because of the passing game. Ryan is one of the toughest players in the league, and he’ll stand tall under pressure in order to deliver a striking blow.
The rushing attack was a question mark to enter the season, but with the emergence of second-year running back Devonta Freeman, that’s no longer the case. Over the last three games, Freeman has rushed for seven touchdowns and over 100 yards in each contest. Freeman runs with a low center of gravity and can change direction without losing much speed. Behind him, rookie Tevin Coleman started off the season strong (as the starter) before a ribs injury knocked him out for a couple of games.
The wide receiver position is manned by one of the best in the business: Julio Jones (6'3", 220 lbs). He's huge, fast and physical. Jones can dominate an opponent, even though he regularly draws two or more defenders in coverage. Roddy White is not the same player he used to be, and that's why Leonard Hankerson is getting some more playing time. Former Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme gives the Falcons an experienced player at the position.
Defense
The Falcons defense is getting better under first-year head coach Dan Quinn. The pass-rushers don't get much pressure on the quarterback, and the Falcons have only generated six sacks in 2015. The secondary is where the best playmakers thrive. Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford can bait quarterbacks into bad throws. They'll break on the ball cleanly, and both are threats to score after the interception.
Problems/Concerns
Jones is a bit banged up, and if he misses any time, then the team just isn’t the same. The Falcons have a short time between games, as they play on the road against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night in Week 6. At this time, Jones’ availability is in question. There’s a chance the team could shut down Jones for a week or so in order for him to heal from his hamstring/toe injury.
Who Would Win?
The Falcons have found a star in Freeman to go along with their superstar quarterback and wide receiver. They have the offensive weapons to move the ball against a fierce Broncos defense. So long as Jones is healthy, the Falcons would be a formidable foe.
Outside of Ryan, Freeman and Jones, the Falcons don’t have elite-level weapons. Their defense is good but not great, and the Broncos should be able to score on them.
Winner: Broncos
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.
Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.
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