Horse Tracks: Getting it done with the Denver D

If the Broncos keep playing like this, they're going to have to go retro and put the old school 'D' back on the Broncos helmet, because the 'D' is back in Denver! With a solid secondary and a lethal pass rush, Broncos fans are hard pressed to remember the last time they  had this level of confidence in Denver's defense.

The offense, though more productive this week, is still a work in progress. Peyton Manning had more time to throw operating out of pistol. The offensive line was less sieve-like against the Lions, which helps. It may be time to put the running game on the back of a milk carton, because Broncos fans have yet to see it in 2015. The good news is that it's only week four and there's still time for the running game to go on a journey of self discovery... because it's a little lost right now.

Offensive struggles aside, Broncos fans should revel in this win. The Minnesota Vikings are coming to Mile High this week. If you look closely, Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is already squirming in his seat.

Horse Tracks

This Broncos defense is ice cold. This Broncos defense is deep. Depth at defense lifts Broncos over Lions | Denver Broncos

Protection on Sunday improved for Peyton Manning. I'm not so sure the improvement has more to do with an offensive line starting to gel than it was a lackluster Detroit pass rush. Regardless, it's something to build off of. Peyton's Take: Improvement in communication, protection drives road win | Denver Broncos

Peyton is smarter than ever. Whatever he may be lacking in velocity is more than compensated for by that brain that roosts behind that ample forehead of his. Sunday Night wrap-up: Peyton Manning gets it done, differently | ProFootballTalk

Bennie Fowler also now appears to be above Cody Latimer on the depth chart. Hmmm.

— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) September 28, 2015

The Broncos had six receivers active on Sunday night. Bennie Fowler got his. Jordan Norwood got his. Cody Latimer? Not so much. Bennie Fowler rockets way to Denver Broncos roster spot - The Denver Post

Broncos running backs were a little dinged up on Sunday night. C.J. Anderson left for a bit and re-entered the game after miraculously passing the concussion protocol tests. CJ Anderson injury: Broncos RB tested for concussion (video) - NFL - SI.com

Running back Juwan Thompson wasn't so lucky. He left the game after suffering a neck injury in the second quarter. Broncos RB Juwan Thompson suffers kneck injury | 247Sports

Poor Detroit. It's shaping up to be a long season for the Lions. After another loss, Detroit Lions could end up starting season 0-5 - Detroit Lions Blog - ESPN

Want to revel in another recap of the Broncos win on Sunday? Here you go. Peyton shines in Broncos' methodical win over Lions - NFL.com

Jim Saccomano's article this week was another good one. He takes a look at the Broncos history with the Lions, but goes much deeper than the artfully written history article that appeared on MHR earlier this week. **Cough, cough...** Sundays with Sacco: Broncos have deep roots with Lions | Denver Broncos

What would a Monday Horse Tracks be without a Brandon Marshall update? Brandon Marshall of New York Jets -- Lateral attempt vs. Philadelphia Eagles 'probably worst play in NFL history'

The biggest news outside of the Broncos win on Sunday? The injury to big Ben. Ben Roethlisberger out 4-6 weeks with MCL sprain | ProFootballTalk

Who hates Seattle more than Broncos fans? Probably John Fox. His Chicago Bears were embarrassed Sunday. Bears: Punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt - Stats & Info - ESPN

There were a ton of blow-outs on Sunday. The Cardinals destroyed San Francisco. Cardinals pick off Kaepernick four times in blowout - NFL.com

...and the Dolphins were clowned by the Buffalo Bills. Listless Miami Dolphins blown out by Buffalo Bills - NFL.com

The Dallas Cowboys briefly looked better than everyone thought they would without Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, but then looked about like everyone expected. There is trouble in Dallas. Cowboys' strategy needs refining, starting with roughed up D - NFL.com

Cam Newton was annoyed at Ed Hochuli. Poor Cam. Cam Newton of Carolina Panthers says referee told him he is 'not old enough' to get personal foul called | ESPN

NFL IN LONDON UPDATE: London is far away. Logistics prevent full-time team in London, for now | ProFootballTalk

How would you like to be Brent Grimes? After the Miami Dolphins got their butts whooped, Grimes got to find out that his wife was arrested during the game. Probably not the proudest day for the Grimes family. Wife of Brent Grimes arrested at Bills-Dolphins game | ProFootballTalk