Contenders or pretenders?

The Denver Broncos are undefeated in three games, which is two games better than I thought they’d be, and I still have no idea if they’re any good. 

I do know that last year’s Broncos would have given up close to 60 points by now, and would most likely be 1-2. However, these Broncos have given up only 16 points through three games — which leads the league — en route to a perfect record so far.

Is it possible that Josh McDaniels, the kid from Ohio, is the real deal? I cringe every time a play breaks down and Kyle Orton automatically throws the ball out of bounds, rather than trying to make a play. But that’s exactly what his Joshness wants, and Jay Cutler would have never acquiesced to that. Never! No wonder he’s history. Josh knew all along that he wanted an accountant at quarterback, not a high-wire act.

I’ve said that the teams they’ve opened the season against, and beaten, are terrible. In fact, their collective record is 3-6. Now the Broncos go into a stretch playing against five teams that are collectively 9-5. It appears as though tough times lay ahead, but do they? 

If we look at whom the Broncos have beaten, we must also look at the teams who have beaten them. Cincinnati is one immaculate deflection away from being undefeated themselves. They were victorious over Green Bay last week, and beat the reining Super Bowl champions yesterday. The Bengals may be for real. The Broncos did get lucky to beat the Bengals, but Brandon Stokley did actually happen. Sorry.

Sure, Cleveland is winless, but they have lost to the Vikings, Broncos and Ravens, all undefeated teams. Who knows how good Cleveland will be when their schedule lightens up. The Raiders lost only to the Broncos and San Diego, who are 5-1 collectively. 

Your Broncos could be for real. I still don’t think so, but I’m giving you an argument. Dallas is coming to town after a short week. They play tonight at home, but they’ve certainly not proven to be world-beaters yet. 

The Broncos defense could keep them in the hunt all season, and anything can happen, and has, at the end of a game. Dallas, New England, San Diego and Pittsburgh have all looked beatable. Only Baltimore seems to have that invincible atmosphere about them. 

They’ve dominated the stats, outscoring their opponents 62-16, and out-gained them by 379 yards after only three games. They can run the ball inside and out; Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno are a great tandem. 

Somehow Orton can include anyone in the passing offense, barely going to their two potential all star wide outs. 

It’s incredible, unthinkable, not understandable, but here they are, undefeated. Who’d a thunk it?

Gil Whiteley covers sports and film for the Denver Daily News. Listen to Whiteley everyday at noon on “Gil and Woody” on AM 1510 KCKK. Respond to this column at editor@thedenverdailynews.com.

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