Chiefs 2022 Opponent Overview: Denver Broncos

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For the first time this season, the Kansas City Chiefs will square off against the division rival Denver Broncos. Despite coming off of a crushing loss, the Chiefs still have hope to win out and possibly still get the AFC’s number one seed. Meanwhile, it has been a depressing season for the Broncos. Denver currently sits at 3-9, last in the AFC West division. Additionally, the Chiefs enter Sunday with a current 13-game winning streak over these Broncos. The last time where Denver defeated Kansas City was in September 2015, when Peyton Manning and Alex Smith squared off.

More on some of the key matchups and game planning will be covered right here throughout this week. Today, we will be giving our own view of the Denver Broncos entering their matchup with the Chiefs. What can Kansas City expect from their offense and defense? Let’s kick it off.

Waning Wilson

This entire Broncos campaign has been nothing but disappointing. Yet, there has arguably been nothing more concerning than the play of quarterback Russell Wilson. You could see slight regression from the passer during his last one and a half seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Nevertheless, no one could have imagined Wilson struggling to the degree in which he has in 2022. Wilson has missed throws that appear as simple, while also displaying a lack of pocket awareness and a failure to read opposing defenses.

In recent seasons, this roster has been described as being a “quarterback away” from competing. Another quarterback change has resulted in the same old frustration, however. To compound matters, the Broncos have not made the playoffs since 2015. Denver also hired an offensive-minded head coach in Nathaniel Hackett, who has failed mightily with in-game management and with building chemistry with Wilson. Furthermore, Wilson was given a monster contract extension of five years and $245 million before even taking an official snap with the Broncos. As a result, Denver is tied to Wilson for the next six years, at most, though there is a potential out in his contract after 2025. Is an early split inevitable at this point?

Relying On Size

Even with Wilson’s failures and the offense’s inability to score points, Denver does have tremendous size and speed at their offensive skill positions. Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy have each endured challenging seasons, due to their results and items out of their control. Sutton is most dangerous as a vertical stretch receiver. In those moments, he can outmuscle opposing defensive backs with his body control and density at the catch point. Whereas with Jeudy, his dynamo long speed can best almost anyone. At any instant, Jeudy is capable of taking a short pass all the way to the house. His mix of spatial awareness, savvy route running and instincts in zones simply leave opponents on their heels.

Quietly, rookie tight end Greg Dulcich has been building momentum as of late. He missed time early in the season because of injury. But since making his NFL debut in Week 6, Dulcich has 25 receptions, 319 receiving yards, 12.8 yards per reception and a touchdown catch. For his size, the UCLA product is an incredible athlete. He is also silky smooth with his route running and with creating extra separation at the top of his route. For a rookie tight end, Dulcich is already keen in how to win reps quickly, while also being able to offer versatility as a larger pass catcher.

Scoring Shutdown

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The Denver Broncos have allowed just 204 points in 12 games this season, good for just 17 points allowed per game. That is good enough for second best in the NFL, trailing only the San Francisco 49ers, who have allowed a measly 15.8 points per game. Obviously, the Broncos offense has not held up their end of the bargain, scoring the fewest amount of points in the league (166 points, 13.8 points per game). Denver’s defensive unit has largely continued to answer, despite being placed in precarious positions.

The Broncos defense is everything that a defensive coordinator dreams of. With their current defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, Denver is able to be fast, physical and aggressive. This team has done a good job of finding unique pass rushers who offer both length and first step quickness. Namely, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto and Dre’Mont Jones have acclimated quickly since being drafted. The football IQ of Justin Simmons, Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton cannot be taken for granted up the middle of the defense. Finally, Patrick Surtain II has suddenly become one of the most productive young cornerbacks in the NFL. Rookie Damarri Mathis is getting more and more confident, to boot.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. 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.