Moreno vs Charles: Who will have the better game?
By Nick Floyd
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2 of the saga of the Kansas City Chiefs vs The Denver Broncos is still a day away.
In the first match up the Broncos handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season. Whether it is related or not, the Chiefs have found themselves on a two game skid that has brought their record to 9-2. The Broncos have seen their share of shocks as well as they blew a 24 point lead to the Patriots and loss the game in overtime.
This Sunday finds both teams coming into the weekend with shocking losses. As the Chiefs kingdom gets ready for the game at home we are going to take a look at two key pieces of both offenses and who will ultimately have the better game, this is Moreno vs Charles.
First Takes:
Knowshon Moreno
A while ago, there were several Bronco fans who liked to call their running “No Show Moreno”.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports The once thought to be first round bust, has been plagued his first few years with unstable ball handling resulting in several fumbles over the last few years.However this year has seen a resurgence in his career as he has rushed for 825 yards, 342 yards receiving and has 9 rushing touchdowns which is tied with Marshawn Lynch and trail only Adrian Peterson. He is also coming off of the best game of his career in which he ran for 224 yards and a score.
Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles is the Chiefs best offensive weapon. Nov 24, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs for yardage during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chargers won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsExplosive in the open field, he is a true duel threat in the passing and the rushing game. This season has seen his production increase especially in the passing game as he is set to shatter his personal best in receptions and receiving yards. Charles is also coming off his second multiple rushing touchdown game of the year. His season stats thus far are 918 yards on the ground, 425 through the air for 10 total touchdowns.
The Defenses:
Broncos
The Broncos has had a lot of trouble in the secondary as teams has torched them in the passing games at times. Currently they rank 30th in pass defense, but their rush defense is ranked 5th in the league giving up only 94.8 yards per game. Von Miller coming back for the team has helped them up front getting pressure on the quarterback. So while they are able to stop teams from running they lack the ability through the air.
Chiefs
The Chiefs defense has had a complete turn around from 2012 to 2013. Bob Sutton has his team aggressive causing takeaways and in the Buffalo game the defense won the game with two defensive scores. Their stats indicate the turn around 3rd in points allowed, 15th against the pass and 20th against the run. However Justin Houston and Tamba Hali both went out injuries against San Diego and they are hurting as a result, though Hali says he will play, Houston is going to be out a few weeks. So while they are hurt their motto is “Next man up” and they will continue to play with passion.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Final Results:
As we have looked at the 2013 stats for both Charles and Moreno, and the defenses of both teams, the slight edge goes to Charles for a few key reasons.
1. Moreno is coming off being hurt.
He was able to fully practice on Friday but he has shown that he is the most trusted back for the Broncos so his snaps will continue to be high and a chance to re-aggravate the injury is high especially with players like Dontari Poe in the middle causing havoc.
2. Charles will be active in the pass and the rush.
Charles, as stated before, is a true duel threat. He is active in the pass game and because of his break away speed has the chance to take it to the house any given play if given the room to work. That rush defense of the Broncos is good, but when you add having to cover him through the middle and sides, but also off the pass, it will make it difficult for them.
3. They are not in Denver.
Time and again the crowd at “Terrorhead” has proven to be effective. For the Chiefs having to face the Broncos at home could not be favorable. The crowd will make things difficult for the visiting Broncos.
There you have it, in the second battle of the Chiefs and the Broncos the edge for who will have the better game goes to the hometown favorite Jamaal Charles as he will continue to effective on both the ground and the pass.
Prediction:
Chiefs 31 Broncos 28
What do you think addicts? Who will have the better game this Sunday and win the game? Sound off below.
Go Chiefs!!!!