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Power Rankings: Stumbling Broncos find their level

Updated Nov. 24

You are who we thought you were.

That's you, Denver Broncos.

That 6-0 start, which had every media pundit apologizing to Broncos coach Josh McDaniels for being so wrong about the moves he made (see: Jay Cutler trade) and his coaching prowess, now seems like decades ago.

Wasn't John Elway the quarterback for that team?

The Broncos have lost four consecutive games to go from talking about home-field advantage to trying to figure out ways to avoid staying home for the playoffs.

Their 32-3 blowout loss to the San Diego Chargers puts them in second place in the AFC West, one game behind the Chargers, and miles behind them in the way they're both playing.

That loss also drops the Broncos out of the top 10 of the CBSSports.com Power Rankings for the first time in weeks.

When I saw the Broncos live in Baltimore a month ago, their first loss of the season, I thought they were flawed. The offense didn't challenge vertically. That would catch up with them.

It has. That style can keep you around in games if everything else goes exactly right. The margin for error, though, is razorblade slim.

In the first six weeks, they got away with it.

Now it's killing them.

Their inability to make plays in the passing game cost them four games, and it was really bad against the Chargers. With starting quarterback Kyle Orton hobbled by an ankle injury, Chris Simms started and reminded us why he's destined to be a career backup. Orton didn't fare much better when he entered in a desperation move.

You also had Brandon Marshall jumping Knowshon Moreno for his fumble inside the 20 when the Broncos had a chance to cut a 13-0 lead to 13-7. Brandon Marshall, of all people?

Now the Broncos must get ready for the New York Giants on a short week since they play Thursday night in Denver.

That's a tough one, and there are other tough ones coming up. They have games at Indianapolis and at Philadelphia. That trip to Kansas City in two weeks, which has won two consecutive games, won't be easy either.

The fawning over McDaniels has stopped. He isn't the Boy Genius after all.

And his Broncos are who we thought they'd be; a solid team that might squeeze into the playoffs -- if everything goes right.

Super Bowl contender? It's not happening with that style of offense.

They look more burnt than your overcooked Thanksgiving bird.

Power Rankings
CurrentTeamPrevious
Saints1Saints · Trends4
What is hidden about the Saints is that there are a lot of good, young players on their roster. I can't imagine them taking a big step back.
Colts2Colts · Trends1
Let's not forget they get Anthony Gonzalez back next year, which will make the offense better. They are the team to beat in the AFC again.
Vikings3Vikings · Trends5
After blowing a chance to win the NFC title game in regulation, it must have killed the Vikings to see the Saints win the Super Bowl. Now Minnesota has to play the waiting game with Brett Favre.
Chargers4Chargers · Trends2
They have a lot of contracts that come up, and they will have to make some tough decisions. There is still a lot of talent on this team, but they have to get over the hump at some point. Losing to the Jets was a big upset.
Cowboys5Cowboys · Trends3
Wade Phillips comes back for another year, and he has to get this team past the first round of the playoffs again. Tony Romo is in the same situation.
Eagles6Eagles · Trends6
Can we stop the Donovan McNabb trade talk? He will be back, and he should be back. Will Brian Westbrook?
Jets7Jets · Trends11
The next step will be letting Mark Sanchez do more. They have to throw it better in 2010. And they will.
Packers8Packers · Trends7
Aaron Rodgers showed he's a star in the making this season. That will make Green Bay a Super threat in 2010.
Bengals9Bengals · Trends8
They made big strides to win the division, but they have to improve the passing game. That means getting speed help outside.
Ravens10Ravens · Trends12
It's time for Joe Flacco and that passing game to take a big step forward. You have to get big chunks of yardage to win in this league.
Patriots11Patriots · Trends10
Tom Brady will be a year removed from his knee injury, which means he will be better. The key for the Patriots will be improving their pass rush.
Cardinals12Cardinals · Trends9
Matt Leinart takes over for the retired Kurt Warner. There are a lot of questions about the former Heisman winner, but the Cardinals staff believes in him. Do his teammates?
Broncos13Broncos · Trends13
What do they do with Brandon Marshall? Is he back? Is he traded? They need him, that's for sure.
Steelers14Steelers · Trends14
The concerns with this team are on both lines. They have to play better there. Isn't that the Steelers way?
Texans15Texans · Trends15
They had a winning season, but it's time to make the playoffs. They do have an explosive passing game, which gives them a good chance.
Falcons16Falcons · Trends16
They played the Saints tough twice with a lot of injuries. That has to give them hope heading into next season. They have to work on fixing that defense.
Giants17Giants · Trends20
There is some talk that Tom Coughlin could be in trouble if he doesn't win next season. I don't buy it. But they do have to improve the defense.
Titans18Titans · Trends17
Vince Young played well when he took over. Now he has to show he can do it again.
Dolphins19Dolphins · Trends18
I think this is a team to watch in 2010. Chad Henne will give the Dolphins a better chance to get to a Super Bowl. He does need a receiver.
49ers2049ers · Trends19
The Niners have talent, but they have to throw it better to be a playoff team. I think Alex Smith just might be the answer. The offensive line needs fixing.
Jaguars21Jaguars · Trends21
Jack Del Rio got another year, which some question. Does his quarterback get the same?
Panthers22Panthers · Trends22
They have to decide who plays quarterback. Is it Matt Moore or Jake Delhomme? It should be Moore. What to do with Julius Peppers?
Redskins23Redskins · Trends23
Mike Shanahan has to decide if Jason Campbell is his quarterback of choice. I bet he decides that he is. Hiring Jim Haslett was a good move for the defense.
Bears24Bears · Trends24
Lovie Smith has one year to show that he can turn this team around. Hiring Mike Martz as offensive coordinator is a great move.
Seahawks25Seahawks · Trends25
Pete Carroll has a long way to go to turn this team around. First decision is if Matt Hasselbeck is the right guy at quarterback.
Bills26Bills · Trends26
Is Chan Gailey the right choice? Let's put it this way: His hiring was a surprise. He does know offense.
Chiefs27Chiefs · Trends28
You can bet the first priority is trying to improve that offensive line. Matt Cassel took a beating.
Browns28Browns · Trends27
Eric Mangini gets another year, and he probably earned it late. Can Mike Holmgren turn this team around? He has a lot of work to do.
Buccaneers29Buccaneers · Trends30
Raheem Morris gets another year and his team should be better just because Josh Freeman will be better. Hey, they did beat the Saints late in the season.
Raiders30Raiders · Trends29
Tom Cable is back. Is that a good thing? Who knows? If they don't fix the quarterback position, does it matter?
Lions31Lions · Trends31
It's all about improving the defense. They need pass-rush help in the worst way. They are another year away from competing -- at least.
Rams32Rams · Trends32
They have a huge decision at the top of the draft: Do they take a quarterback or do they solve that by acquiring Michael Vick? We'll see.
 
For more from Pete Prisco, check him out on Twitter: @PriscoCBS
 

Talk Back
Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 6, 2009

December 1, 2009 4:39 am
I'm eagerly awaiting the next Power Ranking because I personally have thought that Prisco has been underrating the Saints in favor of the Colts and the incomprable Peyton Manning.  The ...(more)
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 27, 2006

November 24, 2009 7:42 pm

How come the Steelers fans aren't on here banging their drum about how they should be ranked higher.  Last week they were all banging it hard on how they thought the Steelers should be ranked above the Vikings.  They're pretty quiet this week.  Why is that?
...(more)

Reputation:39
Level:Rookie
Since:Dec 7, 2008

November 25, 2009 5:49 am
My definition of Power Rankings must be different than alot of sports writers out there. It may seemed far-fetched for some people, but what is so cool about power rankings is your record of W and L's doesn't make a difference. It contributes but also misleads the way a team is playing. Example:  Broncos (6-4) #12, ...(more)
Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 29, 2006

November 25, 2009 11:22 am

Ok, let me start by saying that Prisco is not as bad as some people on these message boards will say. I just want to say that because this attack is not solely placed on Prisco. That being said, what the hell is the media's obsession with the Cowboys? They are a decent team, but definitely not the 5th best, and the fact that they ar ...(more)

Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jun 2, 2007

November 25, 2009 1:46 am
Seriously, hardly anyone thought the Broncos would make the playoffs, especially not Prisco.  I think he gave them three wins.  So how can he say that he thought they'd be a solid team? Doesn't make sense.


By the way, I doubt that they will make the playoffs.  I hope I'm wrong, but it doesn't look good.
Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 2, 2007

November 27, 2009 8:16 am
Seems every time the Broncos lose, Pete Prisco is the first to jump up and say - "see, I told you they weren't any good."  Now after the Broncos humiliated the Giants last night, are you ready to eat some crow, Prisco?  Or - should I say - some mo ...(more)
Reputation:87
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 17, 2009

November 25, 2009 5:38 am
The Cowboys at #5? They were badly outplayed and barely squeaked by the Redskins, who are simply one of the NFL's worst teams. They have scored a grand total of 14 points in their past 2 games. Scanning the teams behind the Cowboys is a vivid reminder of how much competitive (or bad) ...(more)
Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Sep 4, 2009

November 24, 2009 1:48 pm

You must be stoned.  Sorry all, that's the best analysis I could come up with to explain that.  They shouldn't even be in the top 10.

Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 5, 2009

November 24, 2009 9:24 pm

They are who we thought they were? Really? Nobody beats a dead horse quite like Prisco. Also the Cowboys at #5? They have scored 14 points in the last two games and the Romosexual's passer rating this week was 35. This is not the 5th best team in the NFL. I know, I shouldnt just diss on a guy if I cant do one better so here is my top 5. ...(more)

Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 11, 2007

November 25, 2009 9:40 am
Come on Prisco, why no love for the AFC West?  Yea okay, Oakland and KC are waht they are record wise, but they both beat good teams with week and yet NO movement?  What gives?  The Raiders beat one of the hotest teams in football, and the Chiefs beat the defending cham ...(more)
Reputation:79
Level:Pro
Since:Apr 11, 2007

November 25, 2009 2:29 pm

I remember two years ago when Prisco said any runningback who is traded to another team will always fail.  ALWAYS.  Of course he forgot about MVP & Superbowl champon Marshall Faulk, but that's another story. 

Prisco used this premise for his historic prediction that Michael Turner ...(more)

Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 21, 2006

November 24, 2009 8:49 pm
Boy did Josh McDaniels and Pat Bolin pull the wool over the Denver Broncos faithful I know they sure did mine. The San Diego Chargers and Philip Rivers sure put a hurt to the Denver Faithful. As well as the Baltimore ...(more)
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 17, 2006

November 25, 2009 12:20 pm
Prisco, you say the Broncos are who we thought they were.  Well, you thought they were the 3rd best team in the NFL.  You've had them ranked top 5 all season pretty much, and as high as number 3.  So you clearly didn't think they were ordinary.

I think any person with half a brain knew they were in WAY over their h
...(more)
Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Nov 23, 2007

November 24, 2009 8:35 pm
Who below them is distinctively better?  The Bengals with their loss to the Raiders?  The Giants with their narrow esacpe from 5 losses in a row?  Eagles ...(more)
Reputation:76
Level:Pro
Since:May 15, 2009

November 25, 2009 12:58 pm
Dallas at number 5 in the power rankings is ridiculous .  The Cowboys have lost games to the Giants, Broncos and Packers.  All of these teams are rank ...(more)
 
 
 
 
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