3 reasons the Denver Broncos are ready to take down the Chiefs
By Noah Smith
2. Make Patrick Mahomes Think
How many times have we seen Mahomes fly on autopilot, making every decision and throw look effortless? The Broncos cannot let the Chiefs get into a rhythm on Sunday.
No defensive coordinator has been able to shut down the Chiefs offense, or even confuse Patrick Mahomes into a bad game. Vic Fangio will have his third opportunity on Sunday, and I believe he will have a game-plan for taking Mahomes out of his element.
Slowing down Mahomes all starts with the defensive front. One of Mahomes’ special qualities is his ability to float in the pocket, drifting just enough to avoid the pass-rush while keeping his eyes downfield.
Denver must account for this, using a variety of twists and stunts. However, the key for the defensive line has to be keeping Mahomes in the pocket on third down. The Broncos will likely run intricate coverages on third down, which may include some man and zone concepts. The defensive line will have to stay true to their gaps to contain the Chiefs’ offense on third down.
The linebackers will be a key matchup in this showdown with the Chiefs. While the defensive line is handling business up front, the linebackers have to be ready to meet the running backs on quick passes, or in the holes on running plays.
The Las Vegas Raiders spied Patrick Mahomes with their linebackers on third down in their win against the Chiefs. Expect Vic Fangio to use a similar strategy on third downs to prevent Mahomes from converting easy third downs.
The secondary easily has the hardest task: how do you slow down all of Kansas City’s weapons? Vic Fangio may have an answer.
The Broncos will have to change up their coverage looks against the Chiefs. The secondary has to be confident when they play man-coverage and must be locked in with their individual matchups.
The Chiefs’ most dynamic player is obviously Tyreek Hill, but the player that provides the biggest matchup problem is Travis Kelce. The Broncos must find a way to slow down Travis Kelce, and their answer could be Justin Simmons.
Simmons is an excellent coverage safety who has the size and athleticism to match up with a player like Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs’ offense is incredibly dynamic and multi-faceted. There’s a reason no team has been successful in stopping Kansas City. However, Vic Fangio has pieces to slow down the Chiefs’ offense, and potentially lead the Broncos to a three-game win streak.