-Nothing motivates a professional athlete more than being disrespected (real or imagined).  Case in point, the Broncos defense.  

Check out what Tatum Bell said immediately following the game.  "We know they got the hype all week, that they've got the best defense blah, blah, blah."  Bell then took his shot at Baltimore, "I go against the best defense every day."

So it was no surprise to walk into the locker room after the game and hear that same theme repeated over and over.

To a man, the Broncos defense talked about being disrespected leading up to the game against the Ravens.  Darrent Williams suggested one of the Ravens even had the audacity to characterize the Broncos defense as "soft."  When pushed to reveal which player might of suggested such a thing, Williams couldn't recall.

That's because no one on the Ravens actually said that. 

It sounds like the Broncos' defensive coaches may have created some interesting bulletin board material. 

-Champ Bailey gets about one chance a game to make an impact, and 99 percent of the time he capatalizes on the opportunity.  Last night was a great example.  The Ravens tested him before the half.  Steve McNair lofted a pass into the endzone, but Bailey picked it off ending the Ravens scoring threat.

That's why he's the most valuable defensive player in the game right now. 

-Despite fumbling in the first quarter, Tatum Bell continues to establish himself as the Broncos top running back.  Bell ran for 92 yards against the Ravens, including a couple of runs where he faked all-world linebacker Ray Lewis out of his shoes. 

-The Broncos released punter Todd Sauerbrun.  In case you forgot, Sauerbrun had been serving a 4-game suspension for using ephedra.

You have to applaud head coach Mike Shanahan.  He's a man of his word.  He'll give you a second chance, but if you make him look stupid you're going to pay the price. 

Sauerbrun is a great punter, and he was instrumental in the Broncos' success last year.  But the organization made a statement by getting rid of him.  No troublemakes allowed.