Things To Watch: Chiefs at Broncos

Sep 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

5. Big Plays Over Completions 

Peyton Manning is going to complete passes. That’s the point of his short, quick timing routes. Get the ball out in a hurry and let the receivers do all of the work.

This brings about two huge points for the defense today: Tackle and keep the ball in front of you.

Manning at this stage of his career cannot launch the ball downfield like he used to, especially if he does not have a clean pocket. The result is his quick intermediate game that relies on letting his receivers run after the catch. This is why tackling is going to be a huge point in this game.

The quicker Chiefs defenders can get to the ball and make the play, the more likely the Chiefs are to slow down Manning and force him to hold on to the ball longer. Getting Denver into third an long situations will allow the pass rush the chance to disrupt Manning and possible forced a few of the turnovers the Chiefs are going to need in order to win this game.

But Manning will also attack down field if you are not paying attention, so it is important for Marcus Cooper and Sean Smith to not let Demaryius Thomas loose downfield. Berry and Abdullah will have their hands full trying to do the same with Julius Thomas. Should Manning be able to connect on a few of those big plays then the Chiefs are pretty much done.