Would Broncos’ quest to win the AFC West be dead with a loss to Kansas City?
The Broncos looked bad in Baltimore. In fact, they looked eerily like the 511 team from last year. But with a 21 record, Denver is only a game behind Kansas City in the AFC West standings. The Chiefs are coming to this dusty old cow town for a Monday night tilt, with the whole country watching. This game is critical. That’s obvious. But is it too bold to suggest the Broncos can’t win the division if they can’t defend their home turf against Kansas City?
Even if the Broncos lose to Kansas City, it doesn’t mean their division hopes are dashed. Remember, the Chiefs started 50 last year before losing six of their next seven games. Any team coached by Andy Reid has a chance to be a comefromaheadtolose story. Plus, there is always the chance Patrick Mahomes cools off just enough to make things interesting. But Broncos coach Vance Joseph shouldn’t listen to me. He needs to treat Week 4 like his job is on the immediate line.
The Chiefs have been established as 5point favorites as visitors to Mile High? That’s insulting to Broncos Country. But here’s what is scary. Remember the eightgame losing streak that nearly cost Joseph his job in 2017? Well, take a look at Denver’s upcoming schedule. The Broncos might not be favored to win again until the first weekend of November, with a possible exception of their trip to Arizona. That’s why beating K.C. takes on added importance.
The Broncos should be favored at Arizona, but even the Cardinals should be thinking, “Hey, Sam Bradford or Josh Rosen should be able to dissect that secondary.” The Chiefs game is crucial for the Broncos in the aspect they can’t get outclassed on their home field a week after getting embarrassed at Baltimore. Yes, fans, it has come to that: The initial hope for Monday night is for the home team to be competitive.
The Chiefs are averaging nearly 40 points per game. Those are Star Wars numbers that evoke Peyton Manning’s best days in Denver. So as the Broncos install the game plan for Kansas City, what will present the greater challenge: Devising schemes in the secondary to slow down “Showtime” Mahomes? Or finding a way to amp up an inconsistent Denver offense to win a shootout? O’Halloran: Kansas City is allowing 474 yards and a shade over 30 points per game … and it’s 30! That shows just how potent the offense has been. The Broncos, if they don’t turn it over and keep left tackle Garett Bolles off the penalty ledger (two big “if’s”), should move the ball against the Chiefs. The Broncos’ coaches need to use the extra day to come up with a whole new pass defense plan. And that is Joseph’s area of expertise as a former secondary coach. The current over/under is 55. I’m taking the over.