Three Keys for the Denver Broncos Versus the Kansas City Chiefs

Nov 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster (36) tackles Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos got off to a solid start in week one, and now open division play versus the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs come into Denver after a disappointing performance versus the Tennessee Titans in their home opener.

When the schedule was released back in April, this game was suppose to be the second of a brutal four game stretch to open the season for the Broncos. While it’s never a good idea to take a divisional opponent for granted, the Broncos should cruise to 2-0.

The Chiefs surprised the NFL last season by doing two things very well; they played great defense for most of the year and ran the football as well as anyone. That was the formula for success this season as well but injuries are taking their toll.

The Chiefs are missing linebacker Derrick Johnson and defensive lineman Mike DeVito who were lost for the season with injuries. They are two of their better players and overcoming their absence will be extremely difficult. Throw in some key offseason losses via free agency and this is not the same team that starter 9-0 in 2013.

The first key for the Broncos will be protecting Peyton Manning, which is a key every week. The Chiefs one strength on defense remains their ability to get to the quarterback with Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. They rely on pressure to cover up for a below average secondary. If Manning gets time on Sunday, he will shred the Chiefs.

The bad news for the Chiefs is in two games last season, they weren’t able to get any consistent pressure on Manning and that was without left tackle Ryan Clady. That leads us to the secondary of the Chiefs which is in for a long day versus the Broncos. Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas had a disappointing opening game and will be looking to redeem himself versus the Chiefs; he will get that redemption in a big way.

The second key for the Broncos is the running game and this is less about the Chiefs and more about getting it going for the rest of the season. The Broncos need to a better job on the early downs when running the ball and also must prove they can run when everyone knows what’s coming.

The Indianapolis Colts were able to get back into the game last week, in part, because the Broncos could not run the ball enough to kill the clock. They are likely to have a big lead in the second half versus the Chiefs, giving the Broncos ample opportunity to run the football. Montee Ball ran hard versus the Colts and did a good job of breaking tackles and getting positive yards, but more consistency is needed. The Broncos won’t need the running game to beat the Chiefs but they will need it later if they want to accomplish all of their goals.

Defensively, there’s really only one goal. Take advantage of a Chiefs offensive line that is extremely young and beat up. The Broncos did not take advantage of a suspect Colts offensive line in week one but some of that was due to the greatness of Andrew Luck. Alex Smith is efficient for the Chiefs but he’s not Luck and the Broncos need to harass him all day.

There’s no secret as to what the Chiefs want to do on offense and that’s ride running back Jamaal Charles. For some reason they got away from Charles in their week one loss, he finished with only 11 touches. That will change on Sunday; Charles may get the ball on the first 11 plays for the Chiefs.

The Broncos must take away the running game of the Chiefs and force Smith to beat them through the air. If that happens, then it’s on Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware to wreak havoc on that Chiefs offensive line.

The Broncos offense can help take Charles out of the game by jumping out to an early lead. It’s going to be hard for the Chiefs to stay with the running game if they are down by double digits in the second quarter.

The only way this game is close going to the fourth quarter is if the Broncos come out flat, turn the ball over or make multiple mistakes. There won’t be many breathers for the Broncos in 2014 and they need to take advantage of the ones they do have.

Broncos roll: 38-13.