Broncos vs Chiefs: Kansas City's offensive tackles are X-factors in AFC West showdown

The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the rival Denver Broncos for the first time this Sunday. Many surprises have come about for Denver as they are playing complementary football under head coach Sean Payton. They can truly lean on different pieces and units, as currently constructed. On the other end, the Chiefs, as Sunday's opponent, do not present many weak points as an undefeated team.

There is one area on Kansas City's offense where teams can consistently attack, however: the offensive tackle duo of the Chiefs. While there have been recent improvements from Kansas City's passing attack, there's been more pressure and hits on Patrick Mahomes in various situations. As physically and mentally tough as Mahomes is, no quarterback can remain absent of pressure and hits throughout the season.

There have been many different pieces to highlight on the Broncos this season. But when it comes to personnel matchups for Sunday, Denver's aggressive pass rush against the Chiefs offensive tackles could be one that keeps this game tight.

Mixed Offensive Tackle Results In Recent Weeks

The overall play of the Kansas City offensive tackles has been mixed in recent weeks. Jawaan Taylor has looked more under control in the last few games. The play of Wanya Morris has been a bit of a rollercoaster, however. Morris has dealt with issues of penalties, losing his balance at the point of attack after getting overpowered. If the Chiefs were a little bit stronger at offensive tackle, this offense could truly put that much more fear into opponents.

Mahomes has looked comfortable and confident in the last month. The running game of Kansas City is something that can severely wear down opposing defenses. With the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, Mahomes now has two names that he trusts immensely in Hopkins and Travis Kelce. The performances of those pass catchers are intertwined with Mahomes getting the ball out quickly, giving Taylor and Morris easier assignments as well.

Different Results Against Pressure For Mahomes

The biggest difference between now and prior seasons is that Mahomes has been unable to escape pressure as much. He is still making gains with his legs here and there. But even when he gets outside of the pocket, defenders have run him down more often. That includes a rep from this past Monday.

In the pocket, Mahomes is feeling pressure from all angles. Some teams were continually trying to attack him from the outer edges of the offensive line. Yet, some opponents have begun sending extra heat towards the middle of the pocket. This has led to him having less room to step up into certain throws. Because of that, he is being taken down more, and teams are getting home at an increased rate, compared to what we have seen against the Kansas City signal caller.

Broncos Will Test Taylor, Morris With Plenty Of Speed

The Broncos present a good mix of speed and length with their edge rushers. Nik Bonitto is undersized for some schemes. But in an aggressive unit like defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's, Bonitto can pounce in obvious passing situations. In Jonathon Cooper and John Franklin-Myers, Denver has long, dense pass rushers who can convert speed to power.

Most of all, Zach Allen is having an impressive year. His ability to crash hard with an explosive first step at his size really creates headaches for opposing blockers. He disrupts technique, timing, and decision-making on numerous occasions.

You add those abilities into the fact that Denver holds the second-highest blitz percentage in the league, and you have a group that is poised in the course of games. The Broncos are also getting home when calling all of these blitzes. Denver is 8th in the NFL in pressure percentage, converting those blitzes into actual pressures, hurries or sacks on the quarterback.

The Bottom Line

With the Broncos not being afraid to consistently blitz the quarterback, Mahomes will be put the test for a steady amount of plays. The Chiefs quarterback has historically been good against the blitz in his career. His timing and quick release have especially stood out lately. If Denver is able to stress Taylor and Morris, Mahomes will be forced to make quick, smart throws at a fair clip. Can the Kansas City offensive tackles play steady and not lose control? Or, will the Broncos be able to overtake Taylor and Morris by outsmarting them?