Paddy’s Keys To Victory

As always, here is what I think the Chiefs need to do to knock the Donkeys out of the playoffs Sunday.

1. Stop the run

Last time the Chiefs met the Donkeys they got ran over to the tune of 245 yards. Buckhalter had 113 yards on 12 carries. The Chiefs should benefit from Brandon Marshal being on the bench, as he is the Broncos only big threat deep. The Chiefs need to use a strategy similar to the one they employed against the Bengals. While Benson got a lot of yards, the Chiefs did a pretty good job of not giving up big runs, which enabled them to stay in the game until the end.

2. Get Jamaal Charles to 1000 yards

If the Chiefs can help Charles get the 139 yard he needs to reach 1000 on the season, they will have a very good shot at winning. They will be on the road, in a tough environment, playing a team desperate to make the playoffs. If the Chiefs can run the ball they can control the game.

3. Force the Broncos into 3rd downs

Last time these two teams met the Broncos were not very good on 3rd down, converting only 4 of 13. If the Chiefs can get the Broncos in 3rd and longs they have a good chance of getting the ball back.

4. Win the turnover battle

Limiting turnovers is always a key to victory, but the Chiefs can not afford to give up the 3 turnovers they did the last time these teams met. Kyle Orton has a tendency to make make stupid throws and hold to the ball too long. The Chiefs need to get Tamba Hali into the backfield to force Orton to make poor decisions. On the flip side, Matt Cassel needs to protect the football. That means throwing it away instead of taking sacks and making solid, safe throws.

5. Start fast

This is something the Chiefs have not been able to do all season. They need to get the ball in the endzone early. The offense is not powerful enough to play from too far behind. If the Chiefs can score on their first possession they will have a chance to take Denver’s crowd out of the game early.