Denver Broncos Get Big Win in KC
By Adam Malnati
Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and strong safety T.J. Ward (43) celebrate a play in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
In the Denver Broncos victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, a few things were reinforced to the Bronco faithful. Number one, Jack Del Rio can dial up a blitz package, and the Broncos are good at hitting the quarterback. Number two, CJ Anderson is a stud. The combination of Anderson and Juwan Thompson is solid, and should probably not be messed with. Finally, Peyton Manning is not a great quarterback in the elements.
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I know many of you gasped reading that, but the fact is Peyton Manning, for all of his greatness, struggles in bad weather. Manning’s football is already a little fluttery, so make him throw in the wind, and it floats like a plastic bag. Look at some of the deep throws from Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium. The wind would grab Manning’s throws and push them all over the place. If Emmanuel Sanders had not been able to play good defense on a few throws, the score might have looked a lot different.
I am firmly on the Peyton Manning bandwagon, but not without my reality glasses on. What all Denver fans should fear is windy cold weather games in the playoffs. It was no fluke last year that Denver was able to get through the AFC. Home field advantage is a must, as Foxboro is a nasty place in December and January. As it sits now, that is the path the Broncos will be forced to walk if they want to make it to Arizona in February, a dream location for Manning and the Broncos for a Super Bowl.
Anderson and Thompson were the best remedy to Manning and his flutter throws. Being able to control the game with the run is still a major bonus in the NFL. If the quarterback is not able to throw, then the running back better be able to run.
That brings us back to point number two. CJ Anderson is a stud. The best thing the Broncos did against the Chiefs was show they can win in cold, windy weather. The best way to do that is to beat teams up at the line of scrimmage and run the football. Anderson and Thompson were the best remedy to Manning and his flutter throws. Being able to control the game with the run is still a major bonus in the NFL. If the quarterback is not able to throw, then the running back better be able to run.
Credit the offensive line. They have shown up in a big way the last two games. The offensive game plan put in place by Adam Gase has stressed a heavy dose of the run game. After the St. Louis debacle, it was time for some changes, and Gase and John Fox have made important changes, which should pay off in for the Broncos as the playoffs approach.
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Finally, was that a blitz package Jack Del Rio dialed up? After some criticism, Del Rio put together the best game plan of the season. Alex Smith was under attack the whole game. Jamaal Charles was unable to escape the swarm of defenders. It was a great all around game for the defense. Alex Smith was sacked six times, once by Chris Harris and once by Quinton Carter, safeties on the blitz. The disruption of the quarterback was essential to the win. DeMarcus Ware came down with an interception off a tipped pass, and Rahim Moore forced a fumble that was recovered by Bradley Roby as Kansas City was piecing together a good drive.
The ball bounced Denver’s way a few times, and this game could have looked much different if the wind had blown the ball a little differently. However, the Broncos proved they could win games in bad weather, but it will most likely not be on the arm of Peyton Manning. Sunday night against the Chiefs showed that Manning knows that, and the Broncos will be able to make adjustments to win games in all conditions.