A few thoughts upon completion of Denver’s fifth consecutive win to open the season:
1) Wow.
2) Josh McDaniels is now one of four coaches to begin his career 5-0 (including former Denver coach Red Miller). When Pat Bowlen hired him, and especially after the Cutler and Marshall fiascos, Bowlen had to be thinking about a couple of years down the line. McDaniels is making good on his potential a whole lot earlier than anyone thought. And the fist-pumping to the crowd after the game? Love it.
3) I teach with this guy named George. Good guy, Bears fan. He keeps reminding me that Orton has second place on all the Purdue passing records, behind Drew Brees. I was kidding George that he’s the Bears’ biggest Orton fan. But boy, I’m a believer now. He finally threw his first interception, a meaningless hail mary snatched by Randy Moss at the end of the first half. So now he’s got 7 TDs to the one INT. He’s clearly got what it takes to lead McDaniels’ offense. With the glove off today, he looked even better.
4) The last three of those Orton TDs have been to Brandon Marshall, who suddenly loves Denver so much he shows up for postgame interviews in a Colorado Rockies jersey and batting helmet. And what’s he talking about to Tiki Barber on NBC? Staying humble.
5) This team still has to improve a whole lot before they’re ready for teams like the Colts and Giants. But the next five games, against San Diego (twice), Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington? Bring ‘em.
6) After today, they can break out those 50s uniforms anytime they want, vertical socks and all.
