KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs host the Denver Broncos with a playoff spot on the line this Sunday. A win and the Chiefs punch their ticket back to the postseason with four games left. The first hurdle of their run it back tour complete.
Last time the Chiefs played Denver a couple of key factors lead to a poor offensive performance. The Broncos were able to get consistent pressure on Mahomes through their interior. Kansas City also routinely struggled to effectively run between the tackles. The Chiefs defense and special teams both performed well to pick up the offense. Here are the ways the Chiefs can come away with another decisive victory.
Misdirect, take the edge with the bunch
The Chiefs offense can’t run directly at the Broncos. The have a strong defensive front and misdirection is the best way to attack them. The Chiefs will need to use some reverses, counters and screen passes to keep the defense honest. The Bunch formation is a great way for the Chiefs to seal off the edge and create massive space for the backs to exploit. It will also be there for the stretch plays with Le’Veon Bell.
Move the pocket early, ball out quick
The Chiefs can counter the Broncos ideas of creating pressure by moving the pocket with roll-outs and bootlegs. It changes the target for the rushers and keeps them out of rhythm and off-balance. The other key for the Chiefs will be to get the ball out quick so the rushers tire themselves out by middle of the third quarter.
Attack the flats
The Broncos left the flats wide open for the Chiefs last time. The team didn’t want to get beat deep so they allowed for the paper cuts. Kansas City can routinely move the ball down field by exploiting that area with their bootlegs, roll-outs and dumping down to a receiver or back in the flats. It will allow them to keep favorable down and distances.
Pressure Lock from his right side
The final key is to pressure Drew Lock from his right side. He speeds up his decisions when he sees the rush or blitzes coming from his right side. A couple of blitzes from the right each quarter will lead to a game of inaccurate throws because of how he speeds up his internal clock. The blind side blitzes and rushes are where they can go to strip the ball. Lock doesn’t have the best sense of pressure from his blind side and he leaves the ball loose for the taking. The Broncos offense can be derailed quickly with a handful of pressures on Lock.
Join us at 5:00 pm for our Countdown to Kickoff and you can watch the game on 41 Action News tonight at 7:00 pm with a post game to follow.
