The Denver Broncos defense has been doing a good job of creating turnovers in recent weeks. That must continue against the Chiefs.
It’s no secret that winning the turnover battle in the NFL equates to victories more often than not, but that has been especially true for the Denver Broncos.
Not only has that been abundantly true this season, but the Broncos have also really struggled to stay competitive in games with the Kansas City Chiefs, specifically, if turnovers are an issue.
If not for a wide variety of really bad and almost always untimely turnovers, the Broncos might not be on an 11-game losing streak against Kansas City dating back to the 2015 season.
Forcing turnovers vs. Chiefs will be key for the Broncos
In five of the Broncos’ six victories this season, the team has forced two turnovers defensively. Against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos obviously got a pair of turnovers in the form of Patrick Surtain II interceptions, but they also had a couple of fourth-down stops resulting in a turnover on downs and the Chargers missed a long field goal.
The Broncos’ defense has been getting their hands on the ball pretty consistently in recent weeks, picking off Justin Herbert twice as well as picking off Dak Prescott twice when they dominated the Dallas Cowboys.
Patrick Mahomes has been reckless with the ball over the last two seasons, largely because he can be. Mahomes will put the ball in harm’s way because a good percentage of the time, he can make the throws that no one else in the NFL can.
Still, he was the league leader in turnover-worthy passes last season and he already has a career-high 11 interceptions in 2021. He’s also right back near the top of the league in turnover-worthy plays this year:
Most turnover-worthy plays in the NFL:
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) November 24, 2021
Josh Allen 18
Ben Roethlisberger 16
Patrick Mahomes 16
Sam Darnold 15
Taylor Heinicke 15
Trevor Lawrence 15
Ryan Tannehill 15
Again, let’s not get anything twisted — Mahomes is still Mahomes.
In order for the Denver Broncos to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, they are going to have to make some plays defensively, not just get stops. They have proven in recent weeks to be up to the task.
Justin Simmons is getting his hands on the ball at as high of a rate as we have ever seen. He’s already got four interceptions and 11 passes broken up this season, well on his way to topping the career-highs he’s posted of five and 15 in those categories, respectively.
Surtain is getting his hands on the ball.
Nate Hairston was close to a pick off of Justin Herbert in last week’s matchup against the Chargers.
Baron Browning almost had a pick. Kenny Young almost had a pick.
Not to mention, the Broncos are one of the best teams in the NFL when it comes to batting passes at the line of scrimmage, and you never know when that’s going to result in an interception the other way.
The pass rush has been getting home and the Broncos have been really close to some strip-sacks in recent weeks as well.
Denver Broncos: Stock Report After Win vs. Chargers
Evaluating whose stock is up and whose is down for the Denver Broncos after their pivotal AFC West win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
It feels like the water is starting to bubble and is coming close to a boil. While there’s no guarantee of anything, the Broncos could very well force the issue against the Chiefs and keep their turnover party going.