For those who want a more in-depth look at the numbers that drive the NFL, we strongly recommend Football Outsiders. As the NFL rolls on and trends continue to develop, we’ll be taking a look at DVOA rankings to gain some perspective on the Broncos‘ upcoming opponent.

New England Patriots

Passing Offense: 44.0% (6th)
Rushing Offense: 13.0% (9th)
Overall: 25.5% (6th)
Analysis: This Patriots offense isn’t making anyone forget the record-setting unit circa 2007, but the Pats have been getting the job done since their Week 1 struggles. Tom Brady, in particular, has really come on of late. Consider Brady’s response to a sack and forced fumble that resulted in a Baltimore Ravens TD in Week 4. Brady calmly led his Pats on a 74-yard drive touchdown drive in which he went 4-of-4, capped by a 14-yard score to Randy Moss on third down. The drive gave Moss his first touchdown of the season and sent a crystal clear message to the rest of the NFL: Tom Brady is back. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Just reported on ESPN: Patriots RB Fred Taylor, the team’s leading rusher, will undergo ankle surgery this week, ruling him out for Sunday’s tilt against the Broncos. If the surgery is successful, Taylor isn’t expected to miss the season.

It’s a blow for the Pats — Taylor is their only rusher averaging over 4 ypc — but not a huge blow.  The Pats rushed five different backs remarkably evenly in their win last week against Baltimore; look for them to do the same in Denver.

Source: RB Taylor needs ankle surgery [ESPN Boston]

Ryan Clady (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Last week, Ryan Clady tied the record for most games to start an NFL career without giving up a full sack. After Sunday’s performance against the Dallas Cowboys, he broke it.

Clady, the Denver Broncos‘ 12th overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, now stands alone, having started 20 games at left tackle in the NFL without giving up a full sack.

Now that Clady has broken the record for a rookie tackle, he can set his sights on the all-time mark. The record number of games without giving up a sack for any player, regardless of experience, is 32 games, currently held by Jason Fabini. Clady is tied for ninth on that list.

Clady’s run is remarkable, and it’s disappointing that it’s not getting more pub. We’ll keep an eye on his streak throughout the season and be among his loudest supporters if and when he reaches the top.

• Ryan Clady: Best in the NFL [BroncoTalk]
• Ryan Clady career stats [STATS]

Elvis Dumervil (2007 photo)

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil was flagged for roughing New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady Thursday, three full days before the two were set to face one another on the football field.

“I saw Dumervil chasing and sacking me in my dreams,” Brady stated simply. “So I called coach (Bill Belichick), he called the NFL officials office, and they took care of it from there.”

NFL Head of Officiating Mike Pereira confirmed the penalty, citing the NFL’s publicly concerted efforts to protect the league’s signal callers and the quality of the game.

“We don’t want our star players to suffer,” Pereira said. “Let’s face it, this is a quarterback’s game, and whether it’s season-ending knee surgery or scream-inducing night terrors, our quarterbacks need to be protected.”

“I really don’t see what the big deal is,” Brady added.

Dumervil, tied for the league lead in sacks, is expected to be fined up to $15,000 for his perceived actions. Fearing further league punishment, Dumervil declined to comment.

• Truly epic video/audio of Josh McDaniels during the Dallas game.  [NFL.com] [via]
• Gene Mingo, who played in the AFL’s first game (a 14-10 Broncos win at the Boston Patriots), will be the Broncos’ honorary team captain this weekend. [DenverBroncos.com]
• Mingo shows off the yellow and brown jerseys — and yes, the vertical-striped socks — the Broncos will don this weekend.  [Colorado Springs Gazette]

Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Josh McDaniels praises the talent on his former team; Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins discuss how dangerous Tom Brady can be. Bonus video after the jump.

Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman isn't happy with his GM's comments. (John Pyle/Cal Sport Media)

A storm is brewing in San Diego.

A few weeks after Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner basically admitted to his team’s mediocrity, General Manager A.J. Smith did the same.

“Everything is wrong with it right now,” Smith told the San Diego Union Tribune. “I’m not the least bit happy in a lot of areas. I’ve seen us be tough and physical to soft and bewildered.”

Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, at first declining to speak on the matter, took exception to his GM’s comments.

Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Denver Broncos Champ Bailey, left, congratulates Brandon Marshall after Marshall scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the NFL football game in Denver, Colo., on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009. The Broncos won 17-10. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)

HEAD COACH JOSH McDANIELS

On changing his approach now that the Broncos have won four games

“We never played up the underdog role, anyways. We are just preparing the same way we have prepared for every game this year from the preseason through the first four and are going to continue to prepare that way this week. Nothing is really going to change. (We will) just get really into the opponent and talk about how we have to play to win.”

On if his plan changes since New England prepares in a similar manner Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday Injury Report for the Week 5 NFL game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots on Sunday, October 11, 2009.

DNP – Did Not Participate; LP – Limited Participation; FP – Full Participation; NL – Not Listed

Patriots report after the jump. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

We’ll be serving up crow all season to self-proclaimed preseason prophets and prognosticators as the Broncos continue to out-perform their pitiful predictions. This week’s victim: John Clayton.

Good evening, John, how are you? Good? Wonderful to hear. So kind of you to dine with us tonight.

Before we begin, I must say, your prediction on the Denver Broncos rings of a certain… howdoyousay… poignancy. Would you agree? After all, you predicted the Broncos would win all of 3 games this year, and in fact, they’ve already won 4. Click here to read the rest of this entry »