Kansas City Chiefs: 3 Keys To Victory vs. The Denver Broncos
By Nick Floyd
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is hurried by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
3. Pressure Manning
Obviously, Manning is a great quarterback, but he hasn’t been the same as he was last season. Manning has thrown two picks in a stretch of three games this year—something he hadn’t done since 2010.
Denver’s offensive line has also been under scrutiny for the lack of protection they have been affording him. There is no doubt that he’s a master of the game, with knowledge from years of experience that he uses to effectively dissect opposing teams. But he can be stopped. The St. Louis Rams were a prime example of that. Using a four-man front with tight coverage, the Rams pressured Manning into making key mistakes, which resulted in the lowest point total since Manning arrived in Denver.
The Chiefs are very much like the Rams. They have a stout defensive front and have shown they can thwart opposing passing games. The biggest thing the Chiefs need to do is apply the pressure on Manning. Disrupting his timing is going to be the key when it comes to stopping this potent air attack. The biggest regret teams have is not sacking Manning, who is not the most elusive quarterback under center. This is where the Chiefs need control. They don’t need to sack Manning in order to beat him. If they are able to get the pressure on him and keep him uncomfortable in the pocket, the Chiefs just might squeak out the victory.