Chiefs vs. Broncos: Five things to watch

Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) defends at NRG Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Texans 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

4. Marcus Peters Against an Elite Quarterback

Marcus Peters started his NFL career with quite the bang. Nabbing an interception on his first snap. he also had five tackles, two assists, and three passes defended.

He was not perfect, allowing a pair of touchdowns, but he looked good overall.

You could make the argument that part of the reason he impressed was because he was playing against a lackluster Texans offense. Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett throwing to DeAndre Hopkins is not the same as Peyton Manning throwing to Demaryius Thomas. The talent level of Peters’ competition is about to go way up.

It should also be noted that neither Manning nor the rest of the Denver offense looked particularly good in Week 1. Manning ended the game 24-of-40 for 175 yards, no touchdowns and an interception returned for a touchdown. The Broncos had only 69 yards of rushing offense as well. Hopefully, Denver will end up with similar stats against Kansas City, though I am not holding my breath for that.

If the Broncos start looking more like what we have seen in the past, Peters’ Week 1 performance gave me every reason to believe he has the ability to handle it. But will he be able to execute when the pressure is on?

The thing to watch will be how the rookie responds under the primetime lights in only his second NFL game. If he is able to fully rise to the occasion, the Chiefs could have something special to look forward to for years to come.

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