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Denver Broncos: The best individual matchups on the 2021 schedule

By Graham Tiedtke

Oct 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Denver Broncos defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (93) in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Denver Broncos defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (93) in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 25: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs and is chased down by Josey Jewell #47 of the Denver Broncos after a third-quarter catch at Empower Field at Mile High on October 25, 2020, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 25: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs and is chased down by Josey Jewell #47 of the Denver Broncos after a third-quarter catch at Empower Field at Mile High on October 25, 2020, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Broncos coverage linebackers vs Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce has been a problem for the Denver Broncos over the years. In 13 matchups, Kelce has registered 83 receptions, 1,115 yards and five touchdowns.

The Broncos have been infamous for their inability to cover tight ends through the years. It has just been one of the biggest things the defense has been known for in a bad way.

Of course, it does not help that Kelce has superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes throwing him the football.

The Broncos hope that their tight end coverage will be solved in 2021, as they will get inside linebacker Justin Strnad back on the field, as well as the addition of rookie Baron Browning. Both figure to fight for snaps and there is no doubt in my mind that both can have a pretty big impact on the field in the upcoming season.

I really hate to say it, but with the inexperience of those two players, and the fact that with Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell the team hasn’t been able to contain Kelce.

In their second matchup of the 2020 season, Kelce went off for eight receptions for 136 yards and one touchdown. He led the team in all of those categories.

It might be another year or two before we see a lot of progress at covering tight ends. Look, maybe I am way wrong and the addition of Browning will in fact be the turning point. But I predict that it will take some time.

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