The Broncos did a great job last week, winning in a tough place in Pittsburgh. Did it help us in the rankings? Let's take a look around the web!!
ESPN - #2(LW: 6) - A huge jump, up four spots to #2, our highest of the year on ESPN's Power Poll. --
There can't be another player in the NFL playing better than Champ Bailey. The second-best CB in the NFL isn't even in Bailey's league.
CBS - #5(LW: 7) - CBS is no as excited about our win, though we are back in the top 5.
With the offense coming alive, they will be tougher and tougher as the season moves along. Javon Walker really gives this team another dimension.
Covers.com - #7(LW: 7) - No movement here, but oh well. --
They can win low-scoring games, and they can win shootouts. They can win at home as well as on the road. They also play in a tough division. The only question that remains in Denver is whether or not Plummer can get it done in the playoffs this year.
Football Outsiders - #10(LW: 12) - Damn, that DVOA is hard to figure out....
Projected record: 11-5 Early in the season, on the Football Outsiders FOX blog, I wrote that the Broncos defense couldn't keep up it's amazing early performance, but the offense would improve to balance things out. By conventional stats, it looks like the Denver defense has gotten worse, but in DVOA they have the exact same ranking: 11th. Meanwhile, the Denver offense has moved up from 17th to eighth. By the way, a belated thanks to Jordy Singer and Jason Beattie for helping with the local Denver humor in last week's comment.
RealFootball365 - #6(LW: 7) - I guees winning in Heinz Field doesn't bring alot of love, but Champ sure does deserve it -
Who has been the Broncos' MVP at the halfway point of the season? By far, cornerback Champ Bailey. The best shutdown DB in the NFL, Bailey is on pace to finish the season with 10 interceptions.
Yahoo Sports - #3(LW: 4) - Back up the spot we lost last week, even more love for Champ -
It's safe to say we can start talking about cornerback Champ Bailey in fairly certain Pro Football Hall of Fame terms. When are teams going to realize that it's just foolish to throw his way?
FoxSports - #2(LW: 2) - Another trip into the Top 2.
The Broncos led the Steelers 14-0 within the first five minutes of Sunday's game in Pittsburgh and rode that momentum to a 31-20 victory over the defending champs. Javon Walker scored three touchdowns and had a monster fantasy football day in the win. Those Jay Cutler rumors floating around the Internet a few weeks ago? Yeah, they've kinda gone away for now.
Sports Illustrated - #4(LW: 4) - It always makes me feel good when he picks against us!
The game I felt best about last weekend, was Pittsburgh giving them two points. Tough, hardnosed football against flashy stuff. So Denver won with a 72-yard end around and a lot of long catches by the same guy. C'mon Broncos! Play like men!
GridIronGrumblings - #7(LW: 7) - No change, even after the big day for Javon
NFL.com - #2(LW: 5) - Carucci moves us to number 2 as well, high praise for sure --
The Broncos rebounded well from an emotionally draining loss to the Colts and should keep their roll going vs. the Raiders.
AS high as #2, low as number 7. Not too bad.
