Minus so many key players, it was a reach to think the Broncos’ defense could enter November playing at the level they showed for parts of September and October.
Through five games, the Broncos were tied for 11th in fewest points allowed (17.4 per game).
In the last three games, though, the Broncos have allowed 35.7 points per game (albeit including a special teams touchdown) to sink to 22nd.
Six projected Week 1 starters are out or have missed significant time: Outside linebacker Von Miller (ankle), nose tackle Mike Purcell (foot) and defensive end Jurrell Casey (biceps) are out for the year, and defensive end Shelby Harris (COVID-19 list) and cornerbacks A.