Josh McGenius Leads Broncos to a 6-0 Start

Nobody saw this one coming. The Denver Broncos are 6-0 heading into this weekend’s contest against a struggling, 3-3, Baltimore Ravens. Yes, the same Denver organization that fired long time coach Mike Shanahan, hired a 32 year old kid named Josh McDaniels, and traded away its franchise quarterback, Jay Cutler. Not even the most optimistic fans could have predicted a 6-0 start.

After watching quarterback Kyle Orton throw three interception on his first three possessions in the Broncos pre-season debut August 14, people were even more so convinced that the Denver Broncos were going to be one of the league’s worst teams. Some analysts, such as ESPN’s John Clayton, went as far as to predict the team would on finish with two miserable wins.

Despite all the doubters, that didn’t faze rookie head coach Josh McDaniels and his staff. McDaniels, protégé of Bill Belichick, knew exactly what he was doing despite the criticism he was receiving through the media.

Upon first arriving, McDaniels hired prominent former head coach Mike Nolan to run the defense while virtually cutting most of the holdover defensive players from the Shanahan era. Other than Brian Dawkins, McDaniels and new general manger, Brian Xanders, brought in low key players who had proven themselves in their NFL careers. Overall, the defense found eight new starters. Now heading into week eight, the Denver D is atop the rankings in most defensive categories.

Players are stepping up all across the board. Kyle Orton has exceeded expectations, reviving his career, while former defensive end Elvis Dumervil has made a smooth change to linebacker, and now leads the NFL in sacks with ten. Even  Brandon “pay-me-or-trade-me” Marshall has turned his attitude around and is heavily contributing during games.

Although the offense has struggled at times, the Broncos still have found ways to get the victories. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but you have to be crazy not to buy in to McDaniels’ system. This is one head coach who you can bet will be spending a very long time coaching in the NFL.