(Photo: Denver Broncos)
Special Preview- NFL, Week Eight
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
Chiefs (5-1):
I knew that Sunday night game would be tough for them. I understand you play who is on your schedule, and if they’re handling business by winning games, that’s all that matters at the end of the day. Throughout this season, I’ve been saying how impressed I’ve been with them and their quick start. Along with the running game powered by Kenneth Walker III, the defense has been playing well, and they aren’t completely relying on Patrick Mahomes to use his magic to bail them out. Again, do you see what happens when you run the football and the great things it can do for your offense? Everything I just mentioned went out the window last week, and they played their worst game of the season! The offensive line struggled first and foremost, and Patrick had very little time to operate in the pocket. Seattle disrupted the timing of the passing game, the Seahawks limited Kenneth Walker III, and let’s be honest, did you really think they wouldn’t be ready for this challenge? They knew how he operated and shut that ground attack down, making the Chiefs a one-dimensional offense. The receivers disappeared, which is a glaring hole for this team moving forward. I don’t care who the quarterback is; your receivers must help you out. As I was watching this game, I was reminded of how the Buccaneers dominated them in the Super Bowl back in the 2020-21 season. I also noticed that teams have studied what the Bucs did but have added their own twist to the game plan: rushing four, keeping a spy in the middle of the field, keeping the safeties high, and playing man coverage across the board. Today, the Chiefs look to get back in the win column.
Broncos (5-2):
I know you all remember when Sean Payton announced he would be taking over the play-calling duties from Davis Webb a few weeks ago because of the struggles and inconsistency in producing and scoring points, which is uncommon for a Sean Payton offense. He started calling plays in Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks, and nothing changed. They still struggled to score and push the football down the field, yet they still won the game in spite of their offense, not because of it. I say all of this to ask one question: Do we give Sean Payton the same criticism we gave Davis Webb? I’m only asking because the change was made, and they still have the same underlying issue. I’ll always give credit when and where it’s due, and I was actually impressed with the Broncos on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Bo Nix made explosive plays with his legs, and the defense dominated in the red zone. But most importantly, my biggest takeaway from their win on Sunday was that the running game finally showed up and delivered when they needed it. As a team, the Broncos ran the football for 159 yards, which was hands down their best performance of the year. Sometimes, you need that one game to get things jump-started, and this could’ve been the contest that propels them in the right direction. I’d go as far as to say this was their most complete win of the season. The Broncos return home today for a showdown with Mahomes, Andy Reid, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chiefs X-Factor: Rashee Rice
He returns to the field today after missing the last two games. In a receiver room with question marks all over, Rashee has become Patrick’s top target, especially on short passes, slants, and quick throws in the intermediate passing game. I like that he can turn a short pass into a chunk play with just one touch of the football, and this is an important aspect of the game against this Broncos pass rush. Rashee is also a threat in the red zone. I see him being targeted early and often to get him comfortable in the game.
Broncos X-Factor: J.K. Dobbins
In the words of the legend Gus Johnson: J.K. ALL DAY!! A healthy J.K. Dobbins is a difference-maker for this Broncos offense. He’s my X-factor in this game for three reasons, with the first being volume. With RJ Harvey out for this game, I expect a heavy dose of J.K., especially if they lean heavily on the running game. Second, he’s so explosive and knows how to turn a small opening into a big gain that can impact the game. When you play the Chiefs, establishing the run makes sense, especially if you want to keep Mahomes on the sidelines. Now, the question is: Can the Denver offensive line create opportunities for J.K. up front?
Final Thoughts:
These two have been the class of the AFC West for quite some time now. Denver and Kansas City met in Week 1 to open up the season this year on Monday Night Football, and it marked the return of Mahomes and the debut of Kenneth Walker III. As tough a challenge as Denver presents defensively, the Chiefs ran circles around them, and K9 made his introduction. The Chiefs absolutely dominated the Broncos for their first win of the season. All these weeks later, these two meet again in a huge divisional showdown. The Chiefs must feed Walker the ball early against a Denver defense that struggles to stop the run, protect Mahomes from the Broncos’ pass rush, allow him to use play action, get the ball out quickly, and avoid negative plays. The final key is to win on third down, as Denver has struggled to convert on this down. Get Bo Nix into long-yardage situations. Denver, on the other side, must get Bo Nix moving, meaning I’d use designed rollouts and take advantage of open running lanes. Establish Dobbins and this Denver running game! Wear down the Chiefs’ defense, force them to defend the entire field, and dare Mahomes to win this game from the pocket. Don’t allow him any open lanes to extend plays.
