Chiefs’ keys to beating Denver in Arrowhead

Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) cannot make an interception over Houston Texans wide receiver Keith Mumphery (12) during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

3. Young secondary must play well:

I wrote an article a few weeks back about Marcus Peters being baptized by fire early in his rookie season but it’s not just him that will be. Phillip Gaines is only in his second year who will be going along side of Peters and both players will be tasked with covering two wide receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders who can deal some major damage to defenses after the catch. It will crucial for these two to trust their technique and not give up too many big plays.

Against Houston, PFF ranked the young corners were in the bottom tier among corners playing at least 60% of the snaps. Peters had the highest grade between him and Gaines with a -.01 overall grade (ranked 40th) which honestly isn’t too bad considering it was his first game. However, it should be noted he was playing against one of the worst quarterbacks in the league so we should proceed with caution on being optimistic that he’ll shut down Thomas or Sanders. Luckily, they have a great pass rush working with them which shouldn’t require them to maintain great coverage for too long each play.

Even though Manning didn’t look like himself last week we shouldn’t write him off from being able to deliver a better performance in this Thursday’s outing and neither should the Chiefs. If the Chiefs can do these three things well I like their chances of delivering a special win at Arrowhead Thursday night.