Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos: Chiefs Week 2 Game Preview
The Kansas City Chiefs want to put the struggles and mishaps against Tennessee behind and recharge against the Denver Broncos. In order for the Chiefs to pull off the upset, they must limit their mistakes and play completely opposite of how they did in Week 1.
A 0-2 start is never an ideal way to kick off a season as it takes a toll on any team, making it difficult to turn around and be in the hunt for a playoff spot late in the season.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid knows what must be done for the team to improve in Week 2.
Week 1 Recap
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Andy Reid admitted there was “negligence” on his part this past week in giving the ball to running back Jamaal Charles only seven times on the ground in Sunday’s loss to the Titans. Quarterback Alex Smith had his worst game as a Chief, throwing three picks.
Kansas City’s defense stood strong in the first half, keeping it a one-possession game going into halftime. But fatigue set in, and the defense couldn’t hold the Titans down any longer.
To add insult to injury, defensive end Mike DeVito and inside linebacker Derrick Johnson suffered season-ending Achilles injuries.
If the Chiefs can find a balance, they will look different than they did in Week 1.
News and Notes
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Dwayne Bowe returns
Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is back with the team after serving a one-game suspension. It was obvious the offense needed Bowe after a lackluster offensive performance overall, especially in the passing game.
Even so, is Bowe going to be the solution? We all know he has been inconsistent in his career. From leading the league in receiving touchdowns to being nearly a non-factor, Bowe has had all kinds of different seasons.
But ESPN.com’s Adam Teicher highlighted Bowe’s confidence earlier this week when he met with the media. Bowe said it was hard to watch from his home in Kansas City, adding that he saw himself making certain plays that weren’t made against the Titans.
Actions always speak louder than words, but confidence and poise are never bad things, especially when the offense needs then going into a tough game.
Emmanuel Sanders almost a Chief
Paul Klee of The Gazette wrote a feature this week on Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders when he was close to signing with the Chiefs. With Tampa Bay also in the mix, Sanders said he and the Chiefs were about to solidify a deal, but it never became official.
Sanders heard from the Broncos and decided to explore another option. Eventually, Sanders said although the Chiefs were almost his new home, he decided to go with Denver in the end.
Injury Report
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Name | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
DB | Quad | |
OL | Elbow | |
S | Heel/Quad | |
WR | Quad | |
CB | Ankle | |
LB | Ankle/Knee | |
WR | Shoulder | |
WR | Hip | |
OL | Shoulder | |
LB/DE | Quad | |
RB/ST | Hamstring | |
WR | Ankle |
Everyone knows that injuries are bound to occur. But it has been excessive for the Chiefs, who have also been missing players due to suspensions. The Chiefs have been forced to make plenty of roster moves to adjust to the injuries.
The Chiefs will need all the help they can get against a powerhouse Broncos team in Denver.
Injury information from KCChiefs.com.
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X-Factors and Key Matchups
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OLBs Tamba Hali, Justin Houston and Dee Ford vs. OTs Ryan Clady and Chris Clark
The biggest key for the Chiefs is to put pressure on Peyton Manning throughout the game. The Chiefs have three strong outside linebackers who can get the job done. Last year, Manning’s jersey was kept clean in both games, as he was not sacked and hit just a couple of times in the second meeting at Arrowhead Stadium.
Will that happen again?
Broncos offensive tackles Ryan Clady and Chris Clark will have their hands full, and a fully fresh Dee Ford will come from the sidelines, keeping Tamba Hali and Justin Houston in good hands and letting them rotate when needed.
WRs Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery vs. CBs Aqib Talib and Chris Harris
Dwayne Bowe is back, and Donnie Avery looks to have a better game. But the Chiefs will go against a pair of Kansas Jayhawks and elite cornerbacks in Aqib Talib and Chris Harris. The Broncos may have one of the best groups of cornerbacks in the NFL, and there is no doubt that Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson has devised a plan to try and succeed against two stout defenders.
X-Factor: RB Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles must get the ball more than 11 times. He ran seven times and caught it four times in Week 1. Even if the Chiefs are trailing, Charles is still the player who needs to get the ball. He picked up 37 percent of Kansas City’s offense and led the league in scoring among all non-kickers last year.
If the Chiefs have one player who they can rely on to come through, Charles is the guy. He is hungry for success individually and as a team player, especially after a bad offensive outing last week.
Prediction
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Kansas City’s defense will give Peyton Manning and the Broncos a hard time. This will be a competitive game but only for a limited amount of time. If it turns out like last week when the Chiefs were down by just seven at halftime, it is important that they take advantage and capitalize on any opportunities given to them.
Denver finished in the top five in 2013 in fumbles lost and fumbles altogether. But Alex Smith has to take care of the football after three turnovers last week. In addition, the offensive line continues to struggle and has to keep DeMarcus Ware away from Smith. The likelihood of that happening is close to none.
Prediction: Broncos 28, Chiefs 17
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