Denver issues? Let us count the manyways

The Broncos will beat the Miami Dolphins 35-20 on Sunday. No problem. But the Broncos have much larger problems— the offensive line’s malfunctions and dysfunction; the uncertainty at tight end; the inconsistency and injuries of the running backs; the questionable decisions and calls of the coaching staff; the lack of faith in their kicker beyond 45 yards (even in a domed stadium); the inability of the defense to prevent lengthy, time-consuming drives; the inability of the offense to put together lengthy, time-consuming scoring drives; the futility of the special (make that merely mundane) teams and return specialists; the worst three-game span by Peyton Manning since early in his first season in Denver; the likelihood of an AFC championship game in Massachusetts; and the Broncos’ power failure on the road.

The Broncos will mash Miami, Buffalo and Oakland here.

Looming, though, are games at Kansas City, San Diego and Cincinnati. As tourists, the Broncos are 2-3— defeating only the Raiders and the New York Jets, who have a total of three victories combined.

Thanks to Oakland, which finally did win one— against the Chiefs. The Broncos will be hardpressed, however, to prevail against K.C. in the rematch at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 30.

Where are Mike Shanahan and Alex Gibbs when the Broncos need them? The pair, who produced awesome running games and offensive lines, are available as advisers.