Broncos enter the hell stretch

It’s been said often, and we’ll say it again: the Denver Broncos have a tough slate of games ahead of them.

Every team the Broncos face until December had as good a record or better than Denver in 2008 (8-8): the Cowboys, Patriots, Chargers, Ravens, Steelers, Redskins, Chargers (again), and Giants.  That’s six teams (seven games) of tough football.

Thanks to a hot start, though, the Broncos will be 3-3 at worst heading into their bye, and very possibly better. Most fans would take a 5-1 or 4-2 record at the bye any season. Let’s take a look at the next three opponents before the Broncos get a Week 7 break, and a breath of fresh air before finishing off the hell stretch.

Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
2008 record: 9-7
Streak: Won 1
Hell ranking: 3.5/5

The Cowboys haven’t looked great, but they haven’t looked bad, either. They’ve shot themselves in the foot with turnovers and haven’t matched those on defense, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s talent across the board.

New England Patriots (2-1)
2008 record: 11-5
Streak: Won 1
Hell ranking: 4/5

The Patriots whipped us 41-7 in 2008. They look beatable this year, and we look better defensively, but something tells me Tom Brady will have the kinks worked out by next week. Home field advantage knocks the Hell ranking down half a point.

at San Diego Chargers (2-1)
2008 record: 8-8
Streak: Won 1
Hell ranking: 5/5

Records, trends, division placement, streaks — throw it all out the window. Playing in San Diego has been a House of Horrors for the Broncos since 2004 (see the 51-21 season finale in 2008 that knocked the Broncos out of the playoffs). The defense looks vulnerable — again. The offensive line looks penetrable — again. The coach looks miserable — again. Don’t be fooled. Playing in San Diego is the annual toughest game on our schedule.

I’m hopeful for 2-1 but will accept 1-2. What do you think, BT? Take off your sunglasses, get objective for a moment and predict our record at the bye…