Five losses into the Denver Broncos 2018 campaign, and I can already feel myself growing numb.

I feel bad for Phillip Lindsay. Here’s a stud who is shredding defenses and would have a legitimate shot at offensive rookie of the year, but because he plays behind a hapless offensive line that can’t keep it’s hands off the opposition, he’s destined to be looked over at season’s end. Often times, we hear how running backs buy extravagant gifts for the guys in the trenches that make highlight reels possible. If I was Lindsay, I’d be furious. Who among us wouldn’t blame Lindsay if he snuck around the player parking lot and let the air out of the tires of a select and deserving few?

The tandem of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb is still developing, but just isn’t where we were all hoping it would be at this point in the season. While there have been flashes of brilliance here and there, it isn’t living up to the hype that was sold when Chubb fell to the Broncos in the draft. Defensive dominance is not a determining factor in the games Denver has lost and that shines a spotlight on deficiencies elsewhere. Maybe Denver should have gone with a quarterback.

Who knew that when Garett Bolles held up his infant son on that stage moments after being drafted by the Broncos, that it would be a metaphor for the litany of holding calls he’s accrued just this season! “Pretend this is an opposing lineman. I’m going to do this, every game. Y’all are going to love it.”

False.

It’s becoming apparent that defenses don’t respect Bradley Roby. Teams are straight picking on him as though he were Roc Alexander in 2004 and he’s doing little to prove them wrong. There’s little need to elaborate on this point as his play speaks for itself and, frankly, there’s not much left to be said.

I’d like to blame the refs, but we all know that the issues with the Broncos are deeper than a few incompetent zebras with KC barbecue sauce on their collars. The Broncos have a cheap banner as temporary stadium signage instead of a sponsor. The official Broncos ‘insider’ is actively promoting interests of one Bowlen heir over another and does the most amazing mental gymnastics to find a way to praise those responsible for this already disastrous season. It’s no longer a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when’ regarding Vance Joseph’s eventual dismissal. Does it matter? Why is Elway always spitting into a cup when they show him on television? Can we get Greek to get a read on his overactive salivary glands?! I don’t know. Is this what apathy feels like? When did the damn rudder break off?

I will tell you this... If you’re looking for tickets to the Houston Texans game next Sunday, there are plenty available on the NFL Ticket Exchange for less than face value. If that’s not a barometer for how Broncos Country feels about football in the Mile High City, I don’t know what is.

...and that’s a damn shame.

HORSE TRACKS

Why it happened: Chiefs 30, Broncos 23
The Broncos couldn't sustain their momentum after the first quarter, leading to a seventh consecutive defeat to their AFC West rivals.

Injury Updates: Brandon Marshall, Isaiah McKenzie do not return in #DENvsKC
Marshall left in the third quarter of Sunday's contest against the Chiefs.

'Can't lose another one': Broncos' backs against the wall after another close loss to Kansas City
Falling to 3-5 on the season after Sunday's 30-23 loss in Kansas City leaves the Broncos with a tall task for the rest of the season.

Broncos think Chiefs bending rules with linemen
Several Broncos felt the Chiefs were committing penalties by sending linemen too far downfield during run-pass option plays.

Demaryius Thomas thinks there’s a 50-50 chance the Broncos trade him – ProFootballTalk
Did Demaryius Thomas play his last game as a Bronco today? He thinks that's a coin flip. Thomas said after the game that he could see it going either way amid talk that he might be shipped out before Tuesday's trade deadline. "I wish I could tell you, I really don’t know.

Trade deadline has potential to be most active ever, with Pats, Eagles, Steelers in mix - CBSSports.com
GMs say the potential is there for three to five more impactful deals

Opinion: Denver Broncos drama points to team being sold sooner than later
Question is who will step forward and will any of the Bowlen children be part of new ownership.

Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos « CBS Denver
Demaryius Thomas reportedly has piqued the interest of the Patriots.

Case Keenum Now Tied For Lead Among NFL QBs In 2018 For 40+ Yard Completions « CBS Denver
Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum hasn't performed as well as most Broncos fans have hoped this season, but there's one stat category where he has shined.

Watkins’ breakout game pushes KC Chiefs past Denver Broncos | The Kansas City Star
Sammy Watkins scored two touchdowns for the first time since Week 3 of the 2017 season and helped the Kansas City Chiefs top the Denver Broncos for the second time this season on Sunday, October 28 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Broncos say Chiefs' offense pushing rules boundaries - NFL.com
Losing can do a lot to a person. Broncos defender Derek Wolfe complained about the Chiefs' tendency to block downfield, and about perceived infractions he thought were missed Sunday.

Mike Tomlin made passionate address to Steelers after Pittsburgh shooting
The Pittsburgh Steelers held a moment of silence inside Heinz Field before Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns to honor the victims of the mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday.

DeSean Jackson requested trade from Buccaneers - NFL.com
DeSean Jackon recently requested a trade from the Bucs, sources say, as Jackson hopes to find a team that can better make use of his talents. The team has refused to grant him that request.

Pat Shurmur 'going to look at everything' as New York Giants' struggles continue
After his team again struggled offensively in a loss to the Redskins on Sunday, Giants coach Pat Shurmur said he was "going to look at everything" heading into the bye week, but he wouldn't tease making a change at quarterback.

Report: Giants getting offers for Landon Collins – ProFootballTalk
The Giants already dealt Eli Apple and Damon Harrison. They remain willing to listen to offers for other players. While Eli Manning has a no trade clause he isn't willing to waive and Odell Beckham's contract makes him difficult to deal, safety Landon Collins could become trade bait.

Rams edge Packers 29-27 to get to 8-0 – ProFootballTalk
When Greg Zuerlein hit a field goal to put the Rams up 29-27 with just over two minutes left to play in their game against the Packers, the thought in many heads was likely about whether they left Aaron Rodgers too much time on the clock. As it turned out, Rodgers never got the ball in his hands.

Buccaneers bench Jameis Winston for Ryan Fitzpatrick after four-interception meltdown - CBSSports.com
Winston has thrown 10 interceptions in only four appearances this season

Rams grounds crew couldn't get USC logos off before Packers game, field is a confusing mess - CBSSports.com
USC and Pac-12 logos are covering the field with the Rams and Packers playing

Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri passes Morten Andersen, becomes the NFL's all-time leading scorer - CBSSports.com
Vinatieri is in his 23rd NFL season and has now scored 2,547 points