The Denver Broncos received plenty of hype entering the 2020 season. However, the COVID offseason, injuries to key players and close losses have resulted in a difficult start. Coming off an impressive defensive performance, the Broncos are hoping to jump back on track. Another difficult task occurs this week, with a date against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City has defeated the Denver Broncos in nine consecutive games. But as we saw two games ago, the Chiefs have some competition in the AFC West this season. The Raiders took it to them all game long, and this Vic Fangio led team is not one to back down. With that in mind and much more, let’s get to know the Chiefs’ opponent for this week in the Denver Broncos, from behind enemy lines.
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Chasing The Chiefs
Denver is not just chasing the Kansas City Chiefs in the division, they are looking to alter how they matchup with them as a whole. They have done a good job of that from a roster construction standpoint. Following years of failed draft pick attempts, the Broncos have worked to assemble a well rounded offensive attack. Drew Lock has the arm to beat you deep, and he is not afraid to test teams consistently.
Meanwhile, a receiver tandem of Jerry Jeudy and breakout Tim Patrick have easily kept the passing game afloat, despite Courtland Sutton being out with a torn ACL. They have speed just like Kansas City does now, just not to the same degree. Noah Fant is growing into one of the more promising young tight ends in the NFL. And if Melvin Gordon is back this week, the combination of him and Phillip Lindsay should not be taken lightly by the Chiefs defense. Denver is also a lot more balanced with new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.
Staying Alive
The Denver Broncos defense became an afterthought once was superstar Von Miller went down with an unfortunate injury. Though without him, this team has remained a complete unit against both the run and pass. Safeties Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson are underappreciated, with how many different things they do for this defense. This pass rush unit is also more complex than they’re given credit for. Bradley Chubb looks to be just fine in his return from a torn ACL suffered last year. He is currently at 3.5 sacks on the young season, and has nine quarterback hits already. That is well on pace to top his rookie number.
Others like Shelby Harris, Alexander Johnson and Bryce Callahan have quietly enjoyed impressive starts. All three either needed bounce back seasons, or had to prove themselves from a strong season last year. That trio will not have an easy time against the Kansas City arsenal of weapons. But overall, the Denver Broncos have confidence in this defense. They are also extra motivated, following last week’s dominant showing in New England.
Coaching Matters
The aforementioned leader in Fangio has had a knack of surprising top teams on many occasions. During his time in Denver, this team is a tough out on their own turf. And with all these new expectations, injuries and early shortcomings could have derailed the Denver Broncos season. Yet in the always feisty AFC West, Fangio has kept his team together. And more importantly, a return of Lock and others has given the Broncos a sense of rejuvenation. With an additional playoff spot now up for grabs, Denver is going to fight even harder to prove they can hang with these upper echelon teams. The Chiefs cannot come out flat like they did in the previous division matchup.
Be on the lookout for the Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos game preview article that will drop on Friday. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
