Five Keys to Victory: Chiefs vs. Broncos Part II

Nov 24, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass during the first half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the sequel! The first act of this drama didn’t play out well for the Kansas City Chiefs. In hostile territory, the hero was defeated by the villain, which is what everyone predicted. But just like any good Hollywood screenplay, in the final act, the hero will strike back. It’s Chiefs vs. Broncos, round two. And just like Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed and Clubber Lang the Chiefs will come out swinging in this contest.

Like the Chiefs, the Broncos are coming into today’s contest with an excrutiating loss in the last seconds of the game against the New England Patriots. This will only serve to make both teams extremely hungry. Nevermind the fact that this game will decide the first place (and #1 AFC Playoff seed) in the AFC West. In order to beat the Broncos, the Chiefs are going to have to be perfect.

Here’s what they need to do:

Key #1: OFFENSE, ATTACK!!!

Last week, we got to see what a real NFL offense wearing Chiefs red and gold looks like. Alex Smith was on the money and the receivers gave him all the help they could. Jamaal Charles found the end zone and rushed for more than 100 yards. In the end, it wasn’t quite enough, but that wasn’t the offense’s fault. As good as the “O” was last week, they’ll have to be twice as good this week. Smith will have to “air it out” once again to keep this Denver defense honest. Unlike their first match up though, the receivers will have to catch the ball when Smith puts it on them. I’m looking for Alex to have a big game today!

Key #2: DEFENSE, HOLD THE LINE!!!

Without pass rusher, Justin Houston in the line up and Tamba Hali still be listed as questionable, the Chiefs will have some difficulty getting to Peyton Manning. I’m okay with the Chiefs only getting a couple of sacks in this game as long as the rest of the defense adapts and they’re able to contain the Broncos receivers as well as the running game. Making Manning uncomfortable is definitely a key to victory all on its own, but with just the right amount of pressure, the Chiefs can do that, even with a limited pass rush.

Key #3 Win the Turnover Battle

Sorry about those first, two, my CAPS lock key was stuck. Or maybe I was excited. Either way, this key is vital. Last week, the single Smith interception was the only turnover in the game and it proved to be deadly for the Chiefs as it was quickly converted into a touchdown. The Chiefs defense has to force takeaways from the Broncos and Smith and company to convert those into points. If the Chief don’t accomplish this, the rest of the game plan is moot.

Key #4: Avoid Costly “Stupid” Penalites

Some penalties are unavoidable. They just happen. However, the ones I’m referring to are the “false starts” and “delay of games” at home that sometimes seem to plague this team. They’ve gotten better as of late, but it seems when one of these penalties occurs, the offense is unable to recover from it and stalls the drive, even when previously clicking on all cylinders. The Chiefs have to be perfect in their execution to come out on top this week.

Key #5: THE LOUDEST STADIUM IN THE WORLD

Sorry…stupid CAPS lock key…ahem… Anyways, the home crowd needs to bring it today. I’ve read that this game is completely sold out and possibly only standing room only. If that’s the case, every single one of you Addicts in attendance needs to break the world record that you…excuse, me, I’m sorry…WE, set seven weeks ago. Be as loud as you can. Show Manning and his Merry Men who’s house they’re in. Win this game for our Chiefs.

There you have it, Addicts. The Chiefs need this one more than any other game this season! Thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!