The Denver Broncos made a six-spot jump in the latest CBSSports.com NFL power rankings, moving from No. 25 to No. 19. It appears that Pete Prisco is finally buying into the Broncos as a winning team. He had moved them only a couple of spots last week after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs. It appears a victory over the New York Jets is what turned him.
But Prisco correctly notes what's been powering this resurgent Broncos team:
Dare they say playoffs? Tim Tebow has pumped life into the Broncos, but it's the defense that has carried them the past month.
The defense has been solid and is led by players like Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. But it is rookie linebacker Von Miller who has been the empowering force on the team. He has 9-1/2 sacks through 10 games and could break the rookie record of 14-1/2. Maybe even shatter it.
The Oakland Raiders are the only AFC West ahead of the Broncos. But, of course, one late comeback victory over the New York Giants has the Eagles ahead of the Broncos. Can we call that a stretch?
Check out our Broncos blog Mile High Report for more on the team. Be sure to visit SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.