Was the Denver Broncos' Early-Season Performance a Fluke?

After a disgusting 7-9 season, and an offseason pointed by franchise quarterback Jay Cutler’s health issues, the Denver Broncos were facing an intriguing situtation a month back. The team looked absolutely lifeless last season, and Cutler’s situation was a question mark coming into the season.

Going through the third week, those question marks looked to have disappeared. The team was 3-0, and Jay Cutler's impressive start put him as the best quarterback in the NFL. They started the season with an easy and solid victory over the Oakland Raiders, and they continued their march with dramatic victories over the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints.

The record shows that yes, they won these two good football teams—but there is a fact that the record doesn't reveal.

The Broncos won the game to the Chargers after a bad call, which allowed them to overcome the game in the final second. The NFL admitted the mistake, and referee Ed Hochuli was downgraded after the poor call. One week later, Saints kicker Martin Gramatica missed a potential go-ahead field goal from 43 yards with 1:55 left in the game.

Absolutely, Cutler is recovered, and there are no doubts about him. However, questions remain on the defensive side of the football.

This week, they finally struggled—against a winless team. The Kansas City Chiefs destroyed them on the ground.  Larry Johnson had a season high with 198 yards and two scores.

They main problem in the Mile High City is that although they have a high powered offense, their defense is calamitous, and unable to stop anybody.

The New Orleans Saints had 502 total yards, while the San Diego Chargers compiled 456 yards of total offense. The Broncos are ranked 30th in total defense, ahead of only two winless teams—the Rams and Lions.  You can’t win many football games without making plays on the defensive side of the ball.

Many analysts and fans overrated them after three weeks, but the reality is that this team is not poised to make a statement or the playoffs this year. They are facing solid teams next four weeks, starting with two home games to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Then, they will go on the road to face the New England Patriots, and finish the term against the rising Miami Dolphins.

They also have tough road games with the Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers befrore the end of the season.

In my opinion, this team is a very enjoyable team to watch, but I think that they are not going to translate their game into victories further this season. It’s too easy to score and move the chains against this team.  This, and the grind of the season will put them where they expected to be before the start of the year.