Buy or sell: Broncos

Yes, this is a segment on ESPNs Around the Horn. But as long as it's not trademarked, it's a good way to discuss teams that are currently undefeated. And no 3-0 team is more unbelievable than the Broncos, which during a tumultuous offseason looked to be headed for a disastrous season. 

To the surprise of many, Josh McDaniels can actually coach (crazy, huh?). The Broncos have played well in all phases of the game thus far, especially defensively. 

Through three weeks, the Broncos have the best defense in the NFL, surrendering just 5.3 points per game. Now, to put things in perspective, Denver's three opponents have been the Bengals, Browns and Raiders. Of those three teams, only the Broncos performance against the Bengals is impressive. The Bengals this season have proven to be a solid offense -- the Browns and Raiders haven't. Transitioning from the 4-3 to the 3-4 defense is not easy, but the move has payed off early for Denver. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's best work so far has come with Elvis Dumervil, who moved from defensive end to outside linebacker. Dumervil already has six sacks this season, which is the second-best total in the league behind Antwan Odom of the Bengals. 

Offensively, Kyle Orton isn't doing anything special -- but he's not making many mistakes either. Plus, the running looks excellent, with both Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter playing well. If receiver Brandon Marshall can fully grasp the playbook, this offense has a chance to be very good. 

Unlike the situation in Cleveland, Broncos players have bought into what McDaniels is selling. Overall, this is a solid football team. That said, I'm going to have to sell the Broncos for 2009. I like what McDaniels has brought to the team so far, and I think they're going to be in serious play off contention soon enough. 

Right now, this team is not ready to compete with the best teams in the league, which is what they will have to do shortly. Starting next week, the schedule gets brutal; matchups with the Cowboys, Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Giants and Eagles all await. Moreover, Denver still has two games to play against division-rival San Diego. At this point, I don't see the Broncos being good enough to win nine games this season. Next year, however, look out.