Bengals at Broncos
THE STORY: There is a problem in Denver, and it has nothing to do with stopping the run. Some of the players - including top wide receiver Brandon Lloyd - are getting sick and tired of hearing about the mythical quarterback controversy between Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow. Coach John Fox has made it clear: Orton is his starter. But fans and the majority of the media won’t accept it. Orton will get another chance to silence the doubters when the Broncos host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Denver’s biggest challenges may be slowing down Cincinnati running back Cedric Benson and putting a healthy team on the field.
TV: CBS, 4:15 p.m. ET. LINE: Denver -3.5, O/U 40
ABOUT THE BRONCOS (0-1): Denver allowed 190 rushing yards - including 150 to Darren McFadden - in its 23-20 loss to the Oakland Raiders on Monday. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil injured his shoulder in that contest and won’t play Sunday. Cornerback Champ Bailey and running back Knowshon Moreno suffered hamstring strains and Lloyd strained his groin. Lloyd returned to practice Friday, but Bailey and Moreno did not participate. The offensive line had a rough opener as the Broncos rushed for 38 yards and Orton was sacked five times. Rookie outside linebacker Von Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, forced a turnover on Oakland’s first offensive play with a big hit.
ABOUT THE BENGALS (1-0): Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton left last week’s game at Cleveland with a bruised forearm, and was limited in practice Wednesday. He could play Sunday, but backup Bruce Gradkowski will be ready. Gradkowski took over in the second half and led Cincinnati to a 27-17 victory. Benson had 121 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds left. The Bengals are 11-2 when Benson rushes for 100 yards. Cincinnati has lost eight straight at Denver.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Tebow isn’t even the clear No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart. Brady Quinn could be next in line if Fox decides to make a change or if Orton is injured.
2. Dalton led the Bengals on scoring drives in their first three possessions, the first time in franchise history that has happened in an opener.
3. The Broncos are 6-20 since their 6-0 start in 2009, and haven’t made the playoffs since 2005. They posted a 12-7 win at Cincinnati in the 2009 opener on Orton’s 87-yard touchdown pass, which was deflected near midfield to a streaking Brandon Stokley with 11 seconds left.