Recently, I've heard from NFL.COM analysts that under new HC John Fox and GM John Elway the Bronco Defense is much improved. In particular, this glowing appraisal concerns Denver's (suddenly formidable) pass rush led by rookie LB Von Miller and returning DE Elvis Dumervil who had missed the previous season.

First, let's look at last season's tale of the sack [players with 4 or more Sacks]

Oakland:  Wimbley 9, Kelly 7, Shaughnessy 7, Seymour 5.5, Houston 5, Branch 4, Huff 4  [fn. Groves 0]

Team Total: 47 [Opponents 44 ... net +3]

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Denver:  Williams 5.5, Haggan 5

Team Total: 23 [Opponents 40 ... net  -17]

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Now we look at the 2011 Preseason [players with 2 or more sacks]

Oakland:  Moss 2  / Team Total: 5 [Opponents 13 ... net  -8]

Denver:  Von Miller 3, Hunter 2  / Team Total: 9 [Opponents 11 ... net -2]

As you can see, the Raiders more than doubled the Broncos regular season sack total while during this preseason Denver nearly double Oakland's sack total.  Granted the sample is tiny in preseason and starters are not playing 4 quarters but, apparently this recent data and projections of VonDoom are getting some in the media as excited as the Mile High fans.