The Denver Broncos are heading into a very important Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on the road at Arrowhead Stadium. It is going to be a very difficult to pull off a win against a team playing with extreme confidence that has improved in a big way from last season.
Peyton Manning and the offense are hoping to get back on track after barely pulling off a win against a tough Baltimore Ravens’ defense. They are going up against another defense more than capable of making big plays and putting pressure on Manning, which is going to be something to watch very closely. If Manning can’t get things going in Week 2, there could be major concerns moving forward for the Broncos.
That being said, it is a key division game early on in the season and both teams will be looking to make a point.
Denver has been the favorite for the past few years since Manning came on board, but Kansas City is a much improved team this year that is capable of pulling off big wins against quality football teams. Thursday night’s game is going to be very entertaining and neither team is going to blow the other out if they play up to their full potential.
It will be interesting to see what the final score ends up being, but what five keys are there for the Broncos in order to win the game?
1. Peyton Manning Must Get Things Going
After seeing him struggle in Week 1 against Baltimore, there are many concerns surrounding whether or not Manning is beginning to see age take over his career. He has already admitted that he can’t feel his fingertips following the neck surgery that he had, but that could be something that doesn’t have too much weight on his Week 1 struggles. Manning needs to get things going against the Chiefs and come through with a big performance.
2. Denver’s Ground Game Must Pick Up After Disappointing Week 1
One of the other disappointing things that the Broncos struggled with in Week 1 was establishing the ground game. C.J. Anderson didn’t put up very good numbers after being hyped up as one of the best running backs in the NFL throughout the course of the season. Establishing the ground game needs to be a big point for the Broncos’ game plan heading into Week 2’s game against Kansas City.
3. The Offensive Line Must Come Together and Improve
As mentioned before, the offensive line was absolutely atrocious to say the very least. They have to figure out how to come together as a unit and protect Manning while also making room for Anderson or the other running backs to get through the line. If they are unable to do those two things, Denver will be heading home with a 1-1 record and a tough division loss.
4. Denver Must Put Pressure on Chiefs’ QB Alex Smith
Alex Smith came through with a monstrous performance in Week 1 and the Broncos must find a way to put pressure on him. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware have to get to him and force him to make quick decisions. If they are able to make Smith uncomfortable, there is a good chance that the Broncos’ defense can force a key turnover or two.
5. Finish the Game Calm and Strong
Heading into a hostile atmosphere like Kansas City has at Arrowhead Stadium is never easy, but the Broncos have to remain calm and strong in the fourth quarter. They cannot allow themselves to get rattled no matter what happens and must stick to their game plan. If they are able to do that, they should be put in a very solid position to come away with a victory.
