Sep 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) while throwing during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
It probably still stings a bit.
Thursday night football ended in such a way that it will be tough to forget. Only another football game can fix that. As the Chiefs prep for the trip to Wisconsin for their second consecutive primetime contest, they have some changes they need to make.
Defending the Rodgers Offense
The Chiefs were two fumbles away from a 2-0 start and the lead in the AFC West. The Defense has been bolstered by the return of Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito. After two weeks, Kansas City giving up only 3.7 yards per rush. They are currently a top-10 rushing defense. Though they have played two teams struggling to rush the ball, it is a good sign early in the 2015 season.
In a drastic change from last season, the Chiefs are giving up passing yards and passing touchdowns. While Justin Houston and the front seven pass rush has been effective, there is more to stopping the pass. Coordinator Bob Sutton needs to bite the bullet and make some changes for the game against the Green Bay Packers.
Sutton wants to play a single high safety and man coverage. A great concept when the secondary is at full strength, but currently it is shortsighted.
Due to the Smith suspension, Jamell Fleming was pressed into service at cornerback. Fleming has played 113 snaps in the first two games of the 2015 season. Unfortunately, he has played poorly. In fact, he has been the worst coverage cornerback in the AFC West according to ProFootballFocus.com.
Now, the Chiefs don’t have a viable alternative to Fleming until Smith returns. Moving a safety out to cornerback is a recipe for disaster, so they will have to adapt with Fleming. Against Denver, Fleming had trouble with the speed and subtle route running of Emmanuel Sanders. It won’t get any easier against Randall Cobb and the Packers.
Next: How to Neutralize the Big Pass?