Three positive guarantees for KC Chiefs in 2022
By Jacob Milham
The winning streak against the Broncos extends to 15
It has been a long time since the Denver Broncos defeated the Chiefs. Quarterback Peyton Manning was still leading the Broncos, President Barack Obama was still in office, and David Letterman still hosted The Late Show. Just some context.
By trading for quarterback Russell Wilson, the Broncos are likely the AFC West’s most improved team. Poor quarterback play has wasted years of top-tier defensive units and solid rushing game schemes. Wilson’s resume paints him as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, but he looked very vulnerable after the 2021 season. Denver could still have one of the league’s better defenses, led by pass rusher Bradley Chubb and cornerback Patrick Surtain II. But, there is a lot of leadership turnover, leaving Denver’s outlook cloudy.
This is Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett’s first season in charge, along with offensive and defensive coordinators Justin Outten and Ejiro Evero, respectively, taking over their own units for the very first time. The Broncos’ top four coaching positions are not only new to the team but in their first season at the position ever.
The injury bug has already hit the Broncos, with wide receiver Tim Patrick and cornerback Michael Ojemudia on injured reserve. Despite what the narrative is, the Broncos are a dangerously top-heavy team in 2022. Both offensive tackle positions are one player deep, and that applies to the cornerback and defensive end positions too.
Ultimately, a lot of things have to go right for the Broncos to succeed in 2022. The Chiefs and Broncos do not meet until Week 14, and both teams could be at different points of the season. Even if the two games are for pride, the Chiefs are the smart bet.