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Published on 08/23/2011 at Tue Aug 23 15:04.
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Where the Broncos stand through 2 weeks of the preseason

Posted Tue Aug 23rd by

Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee (23) celebrates with Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ryan Clady (78) after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee (23) celebrates with Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ryan Clady (78) after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Some people are getting really excited about the 2011 Denver Broncos. Really excited.

OK, I am too. The first team offense and defense looked dominant against both opponents so far, and the players seem to be uniting behind John Fox and Kyle Orton.

So I decided that maybe I could take a figurative cold shower if I looked at the Broncos’ statistical standings through two weeks of the preseason. Maybe I could find something to settle down my excitement. “I mean,” I thought, “we were just 4-12 a season ago. We can’t be that good, can we?”

Take these stats with a grain of salt (it’s preseason, with a mixed bag of first through third string players contributing), but, while they’re not looking like world-beaters, the Broncos don’t seem to be in the NFL’s statistical cellar anymore (and are the most impressive-looking team within the division).

Overall offense: 361.0 ypg (6th) (1st in AFC West)
Pass offense: 251.0 ypg (6th) (1st)
Pass defense: 110.0 ypg (17th) (1st)

Overall defense: 329.5 ypg (18th) (2nd in AFC West)
Pass defense: 215.0 ypg (20th) (2nd)
Rush defense: 114.5 (18th) (1st)

Again, it’s preseason. We might as well be talking about practice, Allen Iverson. But it leaves me optimistic.

  • http://thingsatrexdoes.tumblr.com Mike Birtwistle

    and how does this compare to last year? I'd be interested to know but not interested enough to do any work on the stats myself

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    Good question.. I'm on it… might save for a post for tomorrow depending on what I find

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    I assume you mean preseason last year… maybe compared to regular season finish last year…

  • Darwin

    Preseason stats mean nothing.  However, preseason observations can be interesting.  When you look at the Broncos this year they seem to be trending up on both sides of the ball. The defense looks much better rushing the passer and defending the pass. The rush defense still looks vulnerable but improving.
    The offensive line looks very good.  The running game looks much improved. The receiving corp including the TE's is versatile and tough. It will be better when Thomas comes back because he is the best at running after the catch.
    I just like the balance of the team.
    However, given all this I would still put San Diego and Kansas City ahead of them.  Oakland I think will implode this year.  I just don't see the consistency with them.

  • BroncoMan24

    I would like to see the stats on 1st-string only.  It seems like a majority of poor defensive play was when the 2nd and 3rd string players were in.

  • anthony33

    Looks to me like EFX did a good job in the draft.  Miller has star potential,  Moore looks solid as does Franklin and Thomas.  All four look to be major contributors THIS YEAR.  However, it also still looks too similar to a year ago as in not being able to stop the run or run the ball.  Only two games so not passing judgement, but…

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    At a glance, the preseason 2010 stats actually tend to reflect the regular season stats. Broncos were in bottom 10 across the defensive categories and near the bottom in rushing offense too. I'll probably write about this tomorrow.

  • Troyn

    Dominant? Don't see that. Better than last year, especially on D, for sure.  The team will go as far as the D and running

  • http://thingsatrexdoes.tumblr.com Mike Birtwistle

    yes i did mean pre season last year. there's no point me getting excited about pre season stats unless they're dramatically better than last year. i mean if it turns out the defense was top 5 last pre season…..

    p.s. kyle, good to have you back blogging and reinvigorated

  • 5280

    i think the Running game has vastly improved based on what ive seen in the preseason. The D looks like a top ten D if they stay the way they are right now thru the whole season.  if denver continues running the ball as successfully as they have been then the offence can really improve from last season.

  • Fan From Spain

    I have to say I'm also excited about the 2011 Broncos even if it's preseason.

    Remember the 08 Lions though, they went undefeated in PS and couldn't win a single game in regular.

    Can't wait to see the Broncos tested against the Packers for example in week 4 at GB. Should be interesting.

  • td30ismvp

    Well, we are rebuilding, so the linebackers and DB's should look good and the D-line will look suspect, the offense is basically intact so it should be steady but with a heavy dose of run, nothing spectacular.  We should be grateful for middle of the pack stats instead of dead last.  Fox is a good steady coach who knows how to build and win, not spectacular but a big dose of sanity after the last few years of crazy.

  • 5280

    i think the Running game has vastly improved based on what ive seen in the preseason. The D looks like a top ten D if they stay the way they are right now thru the whole season.  if denver continues running the ball as successfully as they have been then the offence can really improve from last season.

  • Fan From Spain

    I have to say I'm also excited about the 2011 Broncos even if it's preseason.

    Remember the 08 Lions though, they went undefeated in PS and couldn't win a single game in regular.

    Can't wait to see the Broncos tested against the Packers for example in week 4 at GB. Should be interesting.

  • td30ismvp

    Well, we are rebuilding, so the linebackers and DB's should look good and the D-line will look suspect, the offense is basically intact so it should be steady but with a heavy dose of run, nothing spectacular.  We should be grateful for middle of the pack stats instead of dead last.  Fox is a good steady coach who knows how to build and win, not spectacular but a big dose of sanity after the last few years of crazy.