The Broncos' defense has been stuck in the doldrums during recent seasons. For example, Denver has surrendered at least 400 points in three of the last four years, the team's worst stretch since the defensive wasteland that was much of the 1960s.
But there has been a lot to like about this year's version.
John Fox and Dennis Allen have quickly forged a unit that is aggressive and fast and has tackled far better than folks have seen since Larry Coyer turned the lads loose in 2005.
But give Fox, a veteran hand who shuns hyperbole as if he were allergic to it, plenty of credit for perspective. After the Broncos' defensive starters turned the Seahawks offense into a pile of wreckage in the first half Saturday night, Fox offered an assessment that included, "We've got a long way to go."
And in reality they do.
The biggest difference will be the quality of quarterbacks they face in the coming weeks, especially in the middle of their schedule this season.
They have befuddled Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tarvaris Jackson so far and ravaged struggling Buffalo's and Seattle's offensive lines.
But that's what good NFL teams do — they take care of business against those who are struggling. That too is a measure of improvement.
Still, after a three-game stretch to open the season against Oakland, Cincinnati and Tennessee, none of which has a completely settled situation at quarterback, the Broncos then move to the front of the class.
Back-to-back weeks of Aaron Rodgers — at Lambeau Field — and Philip Rivers await in Week 4 and Week 5, respectively. Down the schedule a bit are Matthew Stafford, Rivers again, Jay Cutler and some guy named Tom Brady.
And if the Broncos are going to play as aggressively as they've shown in the preseason, the patient, composed, front-line quarterbacks will be the real test. Those guys have bent and broken the Broncos for much of the last five seasons.
And even the composed running games, the ones that can press a defense in the middle — defensive tackle, middle linebacker and safeties — will provide a test as well.
The Broncos' defense figures to see plenty of screen passes of all varieties to slow it down up front, which is why its ability to run to the ball has been such a constant focus in practice.
To make the Broncos system work, they have to have players with the ability and desire to recover, pivot and run to the play, no matter where it is.
Also opposing offensive coordinators figure to challenge the Broncos linebackers in coverage with tight ends and running backs, as well to push them away from the line of scrimmage. The best quarterback they've faced in the preseason was Tony Romo, who was 3-for-5 passing, with all three of his completions going to tight ends and running backs, for 33 yards.
That includes Joe Mays, who has been a nice surprise for the Broncos. For all the things Josh McDaniels did poorly regarding personnel, signing Brandon Lloyd on offense and trading running back J.J. Arrington to the Eagles for Mays are two moves that have worked.
Mays has never been a full-time player in his career until now, but he fits nicely at middle linebacker in Allen's system.
If he can consistently be a physical presence in the middle, be the guy blowing up plays and standing up running backs until help arrives, the Broncos' chances to keep down-and-distance situations right for turning their improved pass rush loose improve dramatically.
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