To paraphrase Casey Stengel, the Old Professor himself: Can any around here stop anybody?
In case you haven’t noticed, the AFC West has become a wasteland for shoddy defenses.
Numbers? You want numbers? Well, you’re gonna get some anyway, wise guy.
Just when you thought the Performers Formerly Known as the Raiders couldn’t possibly be first in anything, one look at the latest NFL stats shows them to be the top defensive unit in the division.
Say what?
It’s true. It’s borderline unbelievable and seemingly impossible, but it’s true. The Raiders rank 26th in the league in defense (in offense, too, just to show they’re at least consistent). That puts them two notches above the Chargers at No. 28, whose defensive shortcomings cost defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell his job during the bye week.
Just wondering: What does that say for the Broncos’ defense? Denver ranks 30th in defense — 30th vs. the run, 28th against the pass — just ahead of the hapless and hopeless Chiefs at No. 31.
If there’s a silver lining in all this for the Broncos, it’s this: As shaky as their defense is, it won’t take much to become the top defense in the division.
Jim Armstrong: 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com
