If anyone saw the woeful Raiders "perform" on Monday night, it's no surprise the Broncos are 1-0. A much bigger test comes this week against the powerful Chargers, who have owned the Broncos in recent seasons. The return of Brandon Marshall couldn't have come at a better time, especially following the dynamic game rookie Eddie Royal had at the flanker position in week one. Jay Cutler will need all the weapons at his disposal if the home team is to prevail this weekend. Of particular importance will be the play of the Offensive line, which dominated Oakland but faces a much tougher test this week even without Sean Merriman attacking from his OLB post.

The rookies played well, and the team needs them to keep it up. Quick review on the youngsters:

Ryan Clady -- Received help on a few plays, but mostly was in one-on-one and held up very well. Seems to be playing with much more aggression now.

Eddie Royal -- By now everyone's heard of him. Keep it up.

Kory Lichtensteiger -- Only interior backup to suit up and played in short yardage situations, sometimes as a TE and sometimes at fullback. Appears to have a bright future.

Jack Williams -- Played in dime situations and was not tested. Good-looking player.

Spencer Larsen -- Recorded a punishing special teams tackle; hits a ton.

Peyton Hillis -- Blocked with more authority than he ever did in college, plus had three rushes and a catch. Should be Broncos' fullback for a long time.

Brett Kern -- Not spectacular but not fazed by the pressure of his first game, either. Team should stick with him as he has tremendous potential.

Tyler Polumbus -- Suited up as the third tackle even though Erik Pears (injured) could have played. Shows the trust the coaches have in undrafted rookie.

Wesley Woodyard -- Recorded special teams tackle; should be a demon there the rest of the season.

The only rookie not to play was Ryan Torain, who won't be back until after the buy, but the team expects big things from him come the stretch run of the season.

If there was a major disappointment for the Broncos in week one, it was Jarvis Moss on the inactive list. Don't, however, start throwing around the "bust" label just yet. He was regarded as a two-year project when he was drafted, and spent the last half of his rookie season on IR. Denver has given up on young players too early in recent seasons (see Domenik Hixon), so don't expect them to do it with Moss. The clock is always ticking in the NFL, though, so hopefully he dresses for a game soon, though I don't think it will be against the Chargers.

Everyone knows the news; Hochouli (however it's spelled) blew the call, but the Broncos won. They hung 39 points on the hated Chargers, moved the ball at will, and Jarvis Moss was inactive again. Good news, though. As I suspected, it was confirmed on Thursday that Moss will suit up against the Saints pass-oriented offense on Sunday, giving him a chance to establish himself as a viable part of the D-line rotation.

Point of irritation which sticks in my craw: After completing a pass to Scheffler to the four, the Broncos faced a second and three, with time getting short and a chance to go up by seven, why not run the ball? In the opening moments of this season the Broncos short-yardage attack has been stellar; why don't you use your downs, work the clock and punch it in? Instead, another throw, pick, Chargers score, end of game drama.

Rookies continue to perform. Clady and Royal; stellar. Lichtensteiger again featured in short yardage, getting him as much experience possible before he contends for a starting role next year. Josh Williams, still untested. Spencer Larsen was one of five players within one yard of Sproles on the kick return touchdown, but lets face it: maybe only Devin Hester or Joshua Cribbs could have exploited that crease. Peyton Hillis played well again, and the undrafteds Tyler Polumbus, Wesley Woodyard and obviously punter Brett Kern were active. Good rookie class keeps movin' on.

The Saints present a problem as somewhat of a trap game. Their defense isn't very good but Drew Brees is among the best and they can score with anyone. The Broncos aren't familiar, and there's a slim chance they might look past the Saints to yet another division game next week against KC. Shanahan should have them ready, though, and expect the young stars to have another big game.

Gibril Wilson was just ejected, and Buffalo has momentum in the game...but Raiders are still leading.

TD Raiders...it should be over...c ya next Sunday.

Whoops! Bills win...can't wait to get the donkeys in the last game.

Have been away awhile, actually in Denver attending to family business, but of course the Broncos were in KC getting their butts kicked rather than at home, where I have several sources with tickets. The Chiefs should be commended on an excellent game. They kicked our tails from the opening kickoff and deserve credit, not excuses from Denver (though you didn't hear any from the Broncos). Following the exciting (nerve-wracking) 3-0 start, the Chiefs proved the Broncos defense, at least currently, is the teams' Achilles' heel, but it would be hard for any defense to overcome four turnovers on the road. One bright spot was the seeming elimination of the 3-4 defense following the one play it was run, a 65-yd Larry Johnson burst. The Saints ate it up the week before, and at least in the Chiefs game, following the big gain, the team realized the personnel just isn't there to run it. Dance with who brung ya', and stick with the 4-3.

Fact is, the Broncos offense started so hot, they needed a good dose of humiliation, which the Chiefs served up. The team seemingly went deep into the playbook rather than going with what has worked thus far, perhaps to hone a variety of plays versus a "lesser" opponent. However, this is the NFL and if you don't bring your "A" game, anyone can kick your tail. Expect a much better performance this week against the Buccaneers now that overconfidence has been wiped away. And make sure to give credit where it's due; the Chiefs may not win many more games this year, but they have a crop of fine young talent and someday soon will be a force again.

Incidentally, drove by the new stadium as I hadn't seen it yet (attended many games at old Mile High, but don't make it to Denver much anymore) and was fortunate to stumble upon a car-buying seminar being held under the south stands. With some artful conversation my brother and I were allowed to walk through the tunnel and onto the field in front of the south end zone. Absolutely beautiful stadium, and it makes me wonder exactly what they're constructing in Dallas and NY with the ridiculously exorbitant price tags those buildings carry. Foxboro's stadium costs just under 400 million and Invesco just over, while NY (800 mil. plus) and Dallas (1.2 BILLION) must have gold-inlaid toilet seats or the like to justify those price tags since the Pats' and Broncos' facilities are stunningly beautiful. Such is life.

Stadium price is directly related to land price...check out the real estate markets in NY and NE, and that's the driving force there. As for Dallas, I can only speculate that Jerry wants to own the NFL's version of the Taj Mahal.