Staff and Wire Reports

Orange Crush was still just a soft drink the last time the Cincinnati Bengals won in Denver.

Since that 17-16 squeaker over the Broncos on Nov. 9, 1975, Cincy has lost eight straight times in the Mile High City, not that any of these Bengals care.

The past isn’t pretty for the Bengals in Denver, where they’re 2-11, including losses to the “Orange Crush” in ’77 and to John Elway’s Super Bowl champs in ’98.

The last time they were in Denver, a missed late extra-point attempt led to a 24-23 Bengals defeat in 2006, and ultimately being shut out of the playoffs.

“It’s a new season, a new year,” Bengals run-stuffer Domata Peko said. “Those old stats don’t really come into play too much when you have a young team like this. We’re looking to change that stat.”

In their last meeting, the 2009 opener, the host Bengals were about to close out Denver when Brandon Stokley caught a deflected pass, turned and found nobody between him and a Broncos touchdown. Denver won 12-7.

Stokley isn’t around for this one, but Kyle Orton, who threw that fortuitous pass, remains the quarterback in Denver, despite loud complaints from fans after his so-so outing in the opening loss to Oakland.

Some supporters even say they’ll buy two billboards in downtown Denver urging coach John Fox to start former Florida star Tim Tebow over Orton — even though Brady Quinn is probably No. 2 on the depth chart. As usual, Orton shrugged it all off.

“I just look at it like I don’t care,” Orton said. “(Fox’s) opinion and my teammates’ opinions will always be the ones that matter.”

The Broncos will have to rely on a bevy of backups as they try to avoid starting a season with two straight losses at home for the first time in their history.

In addition to missing leading tackler D.J. Williams (elbow) and new nose tackle Ty Williams (triceps), who were hurt in camp, they lost Pro Bowlers Champ Bailey (hamstring) and Brandon Lloyd (groin) in the opener, along with fellow starters Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Elvis Dumervil (shoulder).

This could come down to whether the Broncos can run the ball or stop the run.

Some story lines, stats and notes to get ready for the game:

Rookie starter: Andy Dalton became first Bengals rookie QB to start an opener since Greg Cook in 1969. He hurt right wrist in the game but is better.

Benson and century mark: The Bengals are 11-2 when running back Cedric Benson runs for 100 yards as he did last week against Browns.

Bad for Broncos: Linebacker Thomas Howard has three career interceptions against Denver.

QB’s yards: Orton threw for 304 yards in opener.

Quick action: Rookie Von Miller, the second overall pick in draft, forced a fumble on his first NFL snap but didn’t get to QB after Dumervil aggravated a left shoulder injury on Denver’s fourth defensive snap and was limited to pass-rushing downs after that.

Safety measure: Brian Dawkins led Broncos with nine tackles against Oakland. He’s the third NFL player to play 16 seasons at safety.