One of the five remaining undefeated teams in the NFL, the Denver Broncos have established themselves among those teams with a very peculiar winning formula. Though the Broncos’ boast the second-ranked defense in the league, their offense is the utter opposite, ranking 29th. Three of the five undefeated teams have offenses ranked in the top 11, as both the Broncos and Carolina Panthers, who rank right before at 28th, lack high-power offenses. Star quarterback Peyton Manning, who has been stellar in years past, has had many complications early this season. At age 39, Manning has his second worst career quarterback rating (72.5), his worst from his rookie year (71.2). He doesn’t lack offensive weapons, with star receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders as well as running backs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman providing plenty of talent. People are asking if this is the end of Manning’s prodigious legacy, as he enters week seven with only 7 touchdowns and a league worst of 10 interceptions. With so many offensive struggles, how have the Broncos remained unbeaten?

Defense has been the light in the tunnel for the Broncos. With four defensive touchdowns, 20 total takeaways, and 26 sacks, their defense has shut down opposing offenses and at times single handedly won games. In their season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, Pro-Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib had a pick-six to give them the lead with 10 seconds left in the third quarter. In week two, cornerback Bradley Roby returned a fumble for a game-winning TD with 27 seconds left against Kansas City. Finally, two weeks later in Oakland, cornerback Chris Harris Jr. returned a touchdown 74 yards that ultimately won the game. Time after time, the Broncos defense has showed up when needed.

On a separate note, kicker Brandon McManus has also been integral to their success. McManus has made 16 of 17 field-goals, three of them game winning. With a season long 57-yard field-goal, he has been a great compliment for a depleted offense that has had many problems finishing drives.

Each undefeated team looks to remain perfect, but in the end only one team will win it all. With a stark contrast in style, the Broncos have managed to secure themselves among the best, but many doubt that their success will last. Fans everywhere wonder: Can the Broncos defense keep winning games? Do the Broncos have what it takes to win a Super Bowl?