One week after being eliminated from the postseason, Kansas City Chiefs fans are learning more about where their team must improve to get to the Super Bowl next season.
In an outcome not many expected, the Denver Broncos (cringing writing this) downed the New England Patriots 20-18 which has allowed them to advance to their eighth Super Bowl.
Just a week before the Patriots loss many were gushing over how great this offense was in New England. Not many gave the Broncos much of a chance after watching them have so much success against Kansas City. We rationed with reasoning based on stats like the Broncos being ranked in the 20s in scoring and the Patriots being third. We thought about Manning’s playoff history and his age becoming factor.
What we didn’t consider was how truly great the Broncos defense is. Denver was able to smother New England with its coverage and pass rush unlike what the Chiefs had hoped to do in their previous matchup with the Patriots.
The Broncos actually ran a simulation in real time of what Kansas City’s game plan would look like if it was executed. Peyton Manning wasn’t spectacular but emulated an Alex Smith like approach to running the offense and taking care of the ball. That along with playing outstanding defense sacking Tom Brady four times and forcing two interceptions was enough to get to the Super Bowl. This leaves Chiefs fans feeling like they had the winning recipe but were derailed by injuries.
Next: Were injuries the only reason?