Kansas City Chiefs: How They Will Beat Denver in 6 Easy Lessons

The Chiefs, after losing three straight to open the season, came back to win four straight and pull even for a first-place tie in the AFC West.

Then, for some reason, they played the Dolphins.  The problem, however, was nobody told the Chiefs they were playing that day.  Therefore, they did not.

So, needing to win three-of-three on their home-stand, they instead, imploded.

They had to beat San Diego, Miami, and wait, what's the third one?  I know this.  It's, the, uh, EPA?

That's right, they left whatever chance of a winning season fall before them like Rick Perry watched a GOP Presidential bid go, oops.

Now, they play Denver and whatever marginal hopes they have, and marginal is just what they are, starting today.

So, what do they need to do?  Here's my take...

Pass, Pass and Then Pass

Yes, I know.  You all hate Cassel and don't think he can complete any passes and never has.

Well, I don't think the Broncos can defend the pass very well.  I also happen to think Cassel can pass effectively.

Dwayne Bowe medium and long, Breaston out of the slot and McCluster out of the backfield.  Note to Haley:  Please start the McCluster thing before the middle of the fourth quarter.  Throw in some sneak Baldwin and you have a very good pass attack.

I know the Chiefs still fancy themselves as a "running team," but truth be told, it's working less and less every week.

Pass on First Down, Often

Stop with the two-yard first-down runs.  I'm not suggesting you try to turn Cassel into Tom Brady or Arron Rogers, because he's not.  I get that.

Second-and-10 versus 2nd-and-9 is not that big of a difference which is what it will turn out to be quite often.

The Chiefs have some very talented receivers so even if you lack some confidence in him, have some in them.

Of course, all of this is predicated on the offensive line allowing Cassel more than two seconds to throw the ball, ala, Miami.

The Two-Minute Offense: Use It for 50 Minutes

Pick up the pace.  I know the NFL is very trendy.  You'll notice that most of the very good teams, especially good offensive team, utilize this method.

I believe this will make the Chiefs running game more effective, after combining steps one and two.

This is where Breaston and McCluster can be tremendous offensive weapons, which will open up holes in the middle for Jackie Battle.

Lastly, on Offense...Be Creative!

You don't need to be the Oregon Ducks on offense, but for the love of Darwin, show some sign of creativity.

They say that Haley likes to gamble.  That means he goes for it on fourth down.  That's all.

How about a reverse with Bowe?  Try a flea flicker. Can Jackie Battle or McCluster throw?  The list goes on.

I'm not suggesting they do these thing once a series, but this team is not good enough to come straight at you and just "be better."  They've proven that.

So, be smarter.

No Rocket Science Here; Stop Tebow from Running and Make Him Pay

No breaking news on this one. 

With the way the Broncos are currently set up, you stop Tebow, you stop the team.

McGahee is a great runner, but he's not going to beat anyone by himself.

This is where Derrick Johnson's great season continues.  He will be the one to have the most impact on Mr. Tebow.  He will be the one to deliver the message that "This is the NFL, not college."

Defensive Line Must Get More Push

Sacks are great, they look good in the stats, but are not necessarily the most important thing the defensive line and ends can do.

Again, there's no secret in this one that the Chiefs are not getting any pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.

If there was ever a time to do so, it's today.  Tebow needs to be rattled. 

The defensive line needs to push the offensive line back and make everything more difficult for Tebow and McGahee.

They need to hit them both, often.