Can the Denver Broncos hit the magic number against the Chiefs?
With a depleted secondary last year in December, the Denver Broncos’ defense held Mahomes and the Chiefs to just 22 points. Shortly after when the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-9, it was noted that a similar game plan was installed to halt the previously unknown “unstoppable offense.”
First-year GM George Paton took head coach Vic Fangio to Lowe’s and gave him his credit card to grant him an entire new bag of tools. Paton provided him with a new Impact, a new saw and any other took he requested to make sure he had all tools necessary for a more polished product.
His new impact drill, Patrick Surtain II, has done nothing but bring a positive impact to this defense. He brought in Ronald Darby to provide this secondary with the needed speed to be the saw the cut off all extra length on the back end of plays.
Fangio will not have to rely on Michael Ojemudia as CB1. Not only will Fangio have more depth and talent at the cornerback position, but he has also improved the speed at the linebacker position. Baron Browning and Kenny Young have revamped the inside of the defense since becoming full-time starters.
Fangio & Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell said that All-Pro tight end, Travis Kelce will see a bevy of defenders including three rookies, Caden Sterns, Baron Browning, and Patrick Surtain II.
My keys to the defense “preventing” the Kansas City Chiefs unleashing are:
- Rookies playing phenomenal, mistake-free football.
- Ronald Darby not letting Tyreek Hill get behind him.
- Justin Simmons patrolling the backend of the defense.
- Pressure with four, keep Mahomes inside the pocket. Collapse the pocket and get heat in his face with Dre’Mont Jones & Shelby Harris.
- Inside Linebackers playing fast and blanketing Travis Kelce, Jerick Mckinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire & Darrel Wiliams.
- Last but not least, finish every single play.
Aside from all individual expectations, that last bullet point may be the most important. This team has to stay in pursuit and has to have 11 men collapsing on the play, every single play.
When playing Tyreek Hill or Mecole Hardman even, you have to have everyone chasing the football. This cant be a game where individuals are taking plays off to catch a breather. Keep fresh legs on the field and have a solid rotation at every level.
Speed and endurance are vastly important when facing the Kansas City Chiefs.
So, what is my prediction for this game?
While I would love to sit here and predict a victory, I think that may be more likely at Empower Field. This isn’t going to be a blowout though, I think the Denver Broncos hold up strong in many facets of the game and make it difficult for the Chiefs.
In the end, it just isn’t enough yet.
Denver Broncos fall to the Kansas City Chiefs, 23-27.