With the Denver Broncos first loss of 2018, it seems like last year’s atrocious 5-11 season isn’t necessarily history.
Sure, it’s a little soon to fret, but the Week Three loss against the Baltimore Ravens was ugly. And it was a scary reminder of how the Broncos can be outclassed by teams that aren’t even the favorites.
Denver Broncos Must Defeat Kansas City Chiefs or AFC West Domination Is Over
It’s going to be a critical high-pressure Monday night primetime game and the Broncos will not want to be humiliated on home turf. Especially by the Kansas City Chiefs, one of their biggest divisional rivals.
The Bright Side
Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post gave a friendly reminder that the Broncos are 2-1 and that only puts them one game behind the Chiefs in AFC West Standings.
And If The Broncos Lose?
Their division hopes won’t be dead just yet. Last season, the Chiefs were a spectacular 5-0 team until they lost six out of their next seven games. Kansas City has the propensity to start a season with a bang, only to stumble out at the end of it. Andy Reid is not a better coach than Vance Joseph, and that’s saying something. It’s still early in the season, so the top spot is anyone’s to take.
But Why Is Beating K.C. So Important?
In 2017, the Broncos had an eight-game losing streak that almost sent Joseph packing. After this game against the Chiefs, Denver’s upcoming schedule is daunting – they aren’t favored to win (except against the Arizona Cardinals) until the first Sunday of November. Kansas City now has been named a five-point favorite when they visit Denver, so it’s of the utmost importance that the Broncos win this one.
Which Scheme Should Denver Be Working On?
To present an even bigger challenge to Denver, the Chiefs have been averaging 40 points a game. This means the Broncos will have to decide on which scheme is better. Strengthening the secondary in order to stop an almost unstoppable Patrick Mahomes. Or fortifying their shaky offense, which as yet shows no sign of improvement from the last two seasons.
Lesser Turnovers, Penalties, and Some Good Pass Defense
K.C.’s offense is so effective that even with their defense allowing 474 yards per game, they’re still at 3-0. As always Denver needs to avoid those pesky turnovers and penalties (in other words, keep left tackle Garett Bolles in check). A revised pass defense plan will help the Broncos move the ball.
It’s still early in the season, but with a very challenging schedule from now until November, the Broncos need to secure a win against the Chiefs to help them get to the top of the AFC West – and stay there.
