The Broncos come to Kansas City with a chance to win two straight. The Chiefs have a chance to sweep the season series. Here is how K.C. can win on Sunday.
The AFC West is still a very tight race for the Kansas City Chiefs despite the fact that they reside atop the AFC for the moment. The team already has important road wins over the L.A. Chargers and Denver Broncos. As Denver now visits Arrowhead for the final half of the season series, K.C. needs another win to ensure maintaining their one-game lead in the standings for the division and conference.
Here’s a look at the film on how the Chiefs can pull off victory number two over Denver and move to 7-1 on the season. First the offense:
Offensively:
Patrick Mahomes is fun, but don’t forget the rushing attack. (Watch)
Kareem Hunt‘s dominance recently cannot be overstated. This is simple. Patrick Mahomes is a great quarterback and can make some ‘wow’ plays; However, the Broncos have struggled in recent weeks against the run. Immediately after the Chiefs game, in a game against the Jets they allowed over 300 yards on the ground. Kareem Hunt could be a game breaker if they decide to give him plenty of looks.
On this play, Isaiah Crowell just runs to the open spot on the field. Unfortunately for the Broncos, there were a lot of runs like this. To me, Crowell is a lesser version of Kareem Hunt. Unless Denver steps up, the Chiefs may run the ball down their throats.
Attack linebackers and safeties. Preferrably with Travis Kelce. (Watch)
The Broncos miraculously kept Travis Kelce underwraps for an entire half of football in their last meeting. When the Chiefs started the second half, Kelce looked a bit more like himself. The Broncos have looked a bit week in the middle of the field. If they line up man to man on Kelce with linebackers or safeties the Chiefs should be looking to him early and often.
On this play, Kelce makes a nice grab over the middle. This is not flashy, nor is it special, but if the Chiefs are able to get this look several times during the game, Kelce will put up big numbers. The Chiefs could conceivably have one of their best offensive game of the season.
Attack the deep part of the field when the Broncos show single high. (Watch)
As aforementioned, the Broncos safeties have not played up to their highest potential. The Broncos are banged up and they look it in the middle of the field; Even more than usual. With a little speed, like the Chiefs have, their defense will struggle getting to the sidelines. If Tyreek Hill can get by the cornerback defending him, the safeties will likely struggle helping over the top, especially in single high coverage.
On this play, Jared Goff finds Brandin Cooks on a deep corner route. Notice how slowly the safety ranges over. Now, remember how fast Tyreek Hill is. Yes, if the Broncos don’t fix this, they could be in trouble.