As story unfolds...doubters beware

It seems like every week the Denver Broncos have hurdled another obstacle left in place from their tumultuous offseason. It seems to be playing out like a storybook. In Week 1, many fans wanted McD and his faux arrogance put into place. This new Denver team was no good. Even, no wait, especially, our own Denver Post writers, the home of the fan base, wanted us to refuse to believe.......The result was held in suspense until the final seconds and for those who believed our faith was justified..

In week 2 & 3, every Bronco-hater was waiting for last year's inconsistency, a slip against a weaker opponent, anything to demonstrate the need for McDaniels to placate and pamper his players to victory. They were certain his leadership was all wrong. The Broncos continued their winning ways with no individuals to promote and no clear strength to demand respect.

In week 4, the skeptics hoped that McD and this "fluff" team would be brought to its senses by "true" NFL star power and talent. The Broncos stood firm and displayed their toughness, physicality, and resilience. By the end, every fan could see McDaniel's reason for "tough love" and how it transformed one of our own lost superstars.

So is the story over? The Broncos stand "born-again" as a new team ready to move forward, right? Have we excised all the demons from the offseason? Not so fast. The story, our walk, has only just begun. I see this week forcing us to confront more demons, deeper scars. OUR faith, even the team's faith, may be tested. Of course, this is the way a walk of faith always goes. You never completely arrive. There is always something more to learn about yourself and your identity.

So, who seeks to attack our faith and how? Arguably, I believe we have demonstrated some weaknesses in the passing game. I am of the strong opinion that Belichick, in his strategy to defeat this team, will focus his efforts on the run game and forcing Kyle Orton to win the game. The stage is set for a beautiful act where the lights will shine on Orton. This is exactly the way that Belicheck develops strategies and I hope for the sake of Denver and the Broncos he is successful.

What? Why? Because we are still hounded by one question and one doubt that still threatens to weaken our solidarity and belief both as a team (I speculate) and as a fan base.

For fans: Why did we trade Jay Cutler? Are we a better team without Cutler? If only we had kept Cutler, we would have both this "great" defense and a "franchise QB"? A certain Super Bowl contender, right?

For the players: How much pressure can the defense handle? Can we rely on Orton "to carry" the team on offense if we need it?

I know how I and, I imagine the players, would answer those questions, but every week these questions will be presented and performance on the field must answer them. On the field of play, performance speaks for itself. At this point, I have been let down by Kyle Orton. No, not because he doesn't do enough to win, because he obviously does. I have been let down because I had far greater expectations. All last year, I was surprised by Chicago. I didn't understand how they won. When we traded for Orton, I started to research last year. The guy was a stud. I don't believe in the limitations he is given or his "weak arm". I thought for sure he would become a superstar right away. There has been injury and he needs to learn the system. The fact remains, he has not "carried" this team to victory, yet.

Yes, we could become the Baltimore Ravens of 2000 and win a SB with a superior "D". However, that would not satisfy me. I have developed so much faith and belief in this team that I just KNOW we are capable of anything and everything. I also have faith in Kyle Orton and believe he can still be the player I envisioned. I don't think there should even be an argument. Kyle Orton IS better than Jay Cutler.

Here is the test Denver fans and players: This week when the pressure mounts on Orton, will we believe? Will we stand firm in our faith? Will we recognize that something special is happening and redemption will come this week just as it did the last few weeks? It may all depend on OUR belief.

I'll be rooting hard this week, not just for a Bronco victory, but for another demon to be excised as our team redeems itself......in a manner that the fan base can come together and stand with the Broncos in FULL faith and allegiance....in a manner that the team's weaknesses are challenged, causing the team to become stronger and never complacent....in a manner that causes even Woody Paige to feel compelled to eat crow and call this Bronco team the "real deal".

Thought I'd share my thoughts for this week......Happy rooting!!!