Can the Denver Broncos hit the magic number against the Chiefs?
When the Denver Broncos score more than 25 points this season they are 4-0.
This is not a coincidence, last season NFL’s average in points per game was 24.8. Speaking prior to the season, I noted how scoring 24 points puts you in most games, but surpassing 24 points extends your chances of winning significantly.
Especially for a team that stifles most offenses in the red zone and forces teams into field goals, having the opposition reach 26 points almost forces you into three touchdowns a game. This defense just doesn’t allow that frequently.
From a captious obvious standpoint, the Denver Broncos must not commit critical errors. They must own the time of possession, score touchdowns instead of field goals, and they must carry on long drives. Keeping Patrick Mahomes off of the field is just as important as keeping your offense on the field.
This is one of the games that I think Teddy Bridgewater’s slow-paced style is actually beneficial to for the offense. Although, in his battle against the Kansas Chiefs last season, Teddy Bridgewater threw the ball 49 times for the Carolina Panthers, completing 36 of them.
Bridgewater threw for 310 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Outside of Melvin Gordon and Graham Glasgow, the Broncos’ offense is healthy as you could possibly ask for. KJ Hamler has not been available all season, so that is moot in this conversation. As far as the Chiefs’ defense goes, they will be out Cornerback Rashad Fenton, who has been playing great football for their defense.
My keys to victory for this offense:
- Give Javonte Williams 25-30 touches
- Attack the C gaps or the 5 and 6 holes in the run game
- Heavy play action
- Get Jerry Jeudy involved
- Control T.O.P and convert not only in the red zone but 3rd downs as well.
If I am Pat Shurmur, I open up the game under center, in 13 personnel and I am looking for Albert Okwuegbunam on a deep over with Javonte Williams as my check down. If this play works, this forces the linebackers to respect the play-action right out of the gate and puts them in react mode, instead of attack mode.
This goes against the Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo’s philosophy. Force them to play your game, not the other way around.
If the Broncos’ offense can do its part, what does the defense need to do to keep the daunting Patrick Mahomes-led offense in check?