Where the Broncos stand through 2 weeks of the preseason

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.