Chiefs have to get past beating themselves
By Chris Clark
Sep 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) intercepts a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) and scores a touchdown during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
A few days later and I still really don’t have much I can say about the Kansas City Chiefs loss against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. There were some positives but there were obviously a lot of negatives as well. Kansas City has shown the ability to move the ball if they can be productive on first and second down but they continuously struggled to move the ball on third down.
Moving forward the Chiefs take on the Packers in a week and Green Bay is lacking the formidable pass-catching duo of Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb after Nelson suffered an ACL tear in the preseason. It has also been announced that the Packers will be without starting right tackle Brian Bulaga, who is out for six weeks with a torn meniscus. With the injuries the Packers have sustained, their offense will not have the same capabilities it normally has. Yet, with Aaron Rodgers under center the Chiefs defense will have its hands full.
One of the most glaring issues the Chiefs had on Thursday was the inability of Jamell Fleming to stop his receiver. For most of the night, Fleming had a couple of catches allowed here and there but on the last drive in the fourth quarter Manning found a matchup he liked. Turns out, that matchup was whoever Fleming was covering.
There are multiple issues that need to be addressed. Fleming is at best the Chiefs fourth corner, and Sutton’s choice to leave him on an island cost the Chiefs dearly. I understand the Chiefs not wanting to switch their defense and take pressure off of Manning but at that point Peyton wasn’t looking elsewhere. Sutton needed to give his corner help or even replace him.
Next: How about the offense?