By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

Denver, scalded for 41 points by Peyton Manning and the Colts in a 2003 AFC wild-card playoff game, retooled its defense in the offseason.

And the results have been immediately positive: After six weeks, the Broncos are ranked No. 1 in total defense, second against the pass and fourth against the run.

A team known for its high-scoring offense is winning with defense, though the offense is still pretty good.

BENGALS ON MONDAY NIGHT

The Bengals are preparing for their first Monday night game since 1992 and first at home since 1989. Bengals references in the Monday night record book: Most yards passing, single game: 458 - Joe Montana, 49ers vs. L.A. Rams, Dec. 11, 1989 447 - Ken Anderson, Bengals vs. Bills, Nov. 17, 1975 Most touchdown passes, single game: 5 - Jim Kelly, Bills vs. Bengals, Oct. 21, 1991; Dave Krieg, Seahawks vs. L.A. Raiders, Nov. 28, 1988; Vinny Testaverde, Jets vs. Dolphins, Oct. 23, 2000 (OT) Most field goals, single game: 5 - Rich Karlis, Vikings vs. Bengals, Dec. 25, 1989 (tied for second most) Most receiving yards, single game: 260, Wes Chandler, Chargers vs. Bengals, Dec. 20, 1982 (third most) --Source: 2004 NFL Record & Fact Book; compiled by Elias Sports Bureau

Not since the days of the "Orange Crush" in the 1970s has a Denver team been built around its defense the way this one is.

"The great thing about our defense right now is they're not satisfied," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said this past week. "They know that we have a ways to go. We can improve."

Change took place over thewinter.

The most significant and symbolic move was the trade of running back Clinton Portis - a 1,500-yard rusher in his first two seasons - to Washington for Champ Bailey, regarded as the league's best all-around cornerback.

Most of the Broncos' free agent activity took place on defense: They signed safety John Lynch, defensive ends Marco Coleman and Raylee Johnson and tackle LutherElliss.

Then Denver used its first-round draft pick, the one acquired from the Bengals in exchange for Shanahan-doghouse cornerback Deltha O'Neal, on linebacker D.J. Williams. Williams is Denver's leading tackler and became a starter after weak-side linebacker Jashon Sykes injured his knee in the first preseason game.

The task of finding some weak spots in the defense to exploit falls to Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski.

"They play their scheme well," Bratkowski said of the Broncos' defense. "They are extremely fast. Their linebackers are extremely fast. They have great cover people on the outside. Their line is, what you might say, a little under-sized, but they utilize their quickness in all kinds of line movements."

Shanahan explained his motivation to upgrade the defense the day before the start of training camp. He hauled out statistics of how the previous 15 Super Bowl winners were near the top of league scoring defense rankings.

The Broncos are playing well defensively, too, without their most dominant player, defensive end Trevor Pryce - out since Week 2 with a herniated back disc that required surgery.

Denver has allowed just three points in the fourth quarter, 77 total in six games.

And the Broncos are yet another tough defense Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer must try to solve.

"It does seem never-ending. And when you looked at the schedule before the season, you wouldn't think ... that this would be the best one and the highest-ranked defense," Palmer said.

"Before the season, you look at the Monday night game and you see all these great defenses, and you hear so much about Baltimore, and you think it might be a little easier on Monday night. (Then) all of a sudden, they're ranked No. 1."

Bailey is the key to the defense. He can take the offense's best receiver out of the game - it's all but a guarantee he'll be one-on-one most of the night with Chad Johnson.

With Bailey on the outside, the Broncos have blitzed more, helping up their sack total to 13.

"You don't see it too often with guys you can just leave one-on-one all game long and not worry about it," Palmer said. "There aren't too many of those corners left - if any. He might be the only one."

Bratkowski sees Lynch as the difference-maker.

"His leadership. You see him out there directing things," Bratkowski said. "And he's so savvy. John can smell out a play and see what's coming. He has a great amount of poise. It's really a challenge for us."

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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