Five Keys to Victory: Chiefs vs. Broncos II Follow Up

Well Addicts, for the third week in a row, I’m forced to look at the five keys and figure out what went wrong in another Chiefs loss. It will be painful, but let’s relive this loss once more and then put it behind us as we look forward to the Washington Redskins. As always, my original comments are in normal type and my follow up comments are in bold.

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!

The Chiefs came out firing and pretty much kept it up the entire game. This offense is truly starting to click and gel and not a moment too soon. With only four games left before the post-season tournament starts, this offense will need to get maximum production. The receivers look top notch in the first half but found their case of the “dropsies” in the second which ultimately led to their defeat. However, when down by two scores, a fourth quarter drive for a touchdown and a second potentially game-tying drive that ended on the 13 yard line is quite promising.

Key #1: Achieved

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.

The Chiefs did well in this category too, just not well enough. The line held the Broncos running backs to 135 yards, but for the second straight game weren’t able to sack Peyton Manning. Nobody is quite sure what happened to the Bob Sutton Attacking 3-4 Defense that set up camp in Kansas City for the first seven games of the season, but I read that Unsolved Mysteries will be devoting an entire episode the case very soon. 

Key #2: NOT Achieved

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.

Although the Chiefs won the turnover battle on paper (Chiefs had one and the Broncos had two) the Alex Smith INT in the end zone on the opening drive of the game was a killer. Granted, the Chiefs intercepted the ball right back, but that pick took points off the board, which were ultimately the difference in the game. Turnovers hurt, but turnovers in your own end zone are deadly. 

Key #3: NOT Achieved

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.

This team continues to shoot itself in the foot. False starts, holdings and the illegal formation penalty that removed a Dwayne Bowe touchdown from the scoreboard are inexcusable. That’s not to mention the Sean Smith pass interference call in the fourth quarter. These mental mistakes have cost the Chiefs three games in a row. They’ve got to find a way to fix this problem. NOW.

Key #4: NOT Achieved

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.

Addicts, you guys showed up. You caused at least two false start penalties on the Broncos and that always helps. This Chiefs team doesn’t have a lack of loyalty from its fans, that’s for sure. The Chiefs have one home game left and the Addicts who attend need to make sure they’re just as loud. For your part yesterday, great job!

Key #5: Achieved

Only completing two of the five keys will not get it done, as we saw yesterday. This team needs to turn this slide around as it’s turned into a full blown losing streak. As I said before, up next is the Washington Redskins who are a very beatable team. They’re playing just in time, because the Chiefs could use a confidence booster right about now. Let’s hope they can fix what’s wrong and come back strong.

As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!