Three Major Areas Of Concern For The Broncos

Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Cyrus Gray (32) carries as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nate Irving (56) attempts to tackle in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Run Defense

One of the biggest reasons the Broncos dominated in the playoffs en route to the Super Bowl was their stout run defense. It remained the most consistent part of the whole team all season long and shined brightest on a defense that had lost so much of its talent to injury.

Yet, the strength of this defense has not played up to snuff thus far.

Denver’s early lead in Week One might’ve covered up their struggles, but against the Chiefs, they were exposed.

With star running back Jamaal Charles exiting early with a foot injury, backup Knile Davis came in and carved up the Broncos.

Inside, outside, it didn’t matter with Davis. Quarterback Alex Smith joined in on the fun, and together they racked up over 120 yards on the ground.

The next back Denver will face is Marshawn Lynch. He’s Davis on steroids, people.

“Beast Mode”, as they call him, is one of if not the best running back the NFL has to offer. He’ll pound opposing defenses all day long, then explode to the outside for big yardage when you least expect it.

The sideline-to-sideline speed is just not there yet for the Broncos, and the interior of the defense needs to be consistently disruptive if they want to stand a chance of slowing down Lynch and the Seahawks.