Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
A Victory Monday is always a good way to start the week. Unlike most Monday’s the Kansas City Chiefs will be back to work as they face the Denver Broncos on Thursday night in an epic early season showdown in front of the Chiefs faithful at raucous Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs don’t need a reminder of how these contests have turned out in the past, but they will need to play exceptionally well in all three phases of the game to walk out of Arrowhead 2-0.
What made the Chiefs successful against a good Houston Texans defense on Sunday? How were they able to take a line with five new starters from the first game last year and still walk away from Houston with a victory? Both questions can be answered the same way. Coaching and game planning set the Chiefs apart from the Texans.
While head coach Andy Reid struggled in the season opener a year ago, he showed that this season will be completely different in what he is able to do with packages and players. This season defenses must account for multiple receivers on the field and they have to know where Travis Kelce is on every snap.
While Jamaal Charles is still the biggest weapon on the Chiefs offense, his role as the Chiefs only playmaker has come to an end. Both Kelce and Jeremy Maclin will be able to take some of the workload off of Charles and will keep defenses honest throughout the game.
Next: Maclin shows what the Chiefs have been missing at WR