3 Critical Stats Reveal Broncos' Path to Snapping Chiefs' Win Streak
The Denver Broncos' losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs goes back under the microscope this week. It has been 16 straight losses for the Broncos dating back to before Patrick Mahomes was drafted.
This ignominious streak is an embarrassment to this once-great franchise, and it needs to end. Are the Broncos up to the task?
If the Broncos take these three numbers to heart and bring them to fruition on the field, it can be done. Let's dive in.
4 Explosive Plays
The Broncos’ wide receivers and running backs need to combine for four explosive plays of 15 yards or more. The Chiefs have only lost one game and have only been tested in two others.
In games that Kansas City either lost or won by seven points or less, the opposing offense had at least four explosive plays (the Los Angeles Chargers had four, but two came in garbage time). This indicates that the Broncos can't play conservatively and must attack the Chiefs and give their playmakers a chance to impact the game.
It starts with Marvin Mims, Jr., easily the Broncos' most explosive player. Sean Payton needs to change his ways and play the kid.
Get Mims as many snaps as possible and get the ball in his hands. Even with limited opportunities, the rookie has scored a touchdown and owns a 24.6 yards-per-reception average.
Mims is explosive and needs more targets. Furthermore, rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin needs to get the ball in space. Get him some opportunities where he can use his quickness, speed, and vision to create something. The offense must play to win.
7 QB Knockdowns
Lucky number seven is a key to victory. The Broncos' defense needs to batter Mahomes as often as possible. It's more than applying pressure.
The Broncos' defense needs to knock him down as much as possible. In the three aforementioned games of close victories or outright losses, the Chiefs' opposing defenses had at least seven quarterback knockdowns.
The pressure rate doesn’t matter because Mahomes beats pressure consistently. However, the Broncos need to hit (legally) him as much as they can because those hits can take a toll.
The Broncos need rush linebacker Baron Browning to play often and get after the quarterback. He's the team’s most explosive and consistent pass rusher when healthy. Browning has to make an impact in this game if the team has any chance at ending the streak.
8 Yards Per Target
It's no secret that the Broncos' defense has trouble containing tight end Travis Kelce. That must change on Sunday. The Detroit Lions beat the Chiefs without Kelce on the field, and in the other two games where the opposing team had a chance at victory, the All-Pro averaged under eight yards per target.
In all but one of Kansas City's easy wins, Kelce averaged more than eight yards per target, topping 13 YPT twice. The Broncos' defense cannot allow him to have a good game. In their last meeting, Kelce gouged the Broncos for 124 yards on nine receptions.
Denver's starting inside linebackers are not built for coverage, but they must keep Kelce contained. If the Broncos can hold him to an average of eight yards per catch or less, they can keep this game close to perhaps luck out a victory in the final minutes.
Vance Joseph’s scheme has historically been bad at keeping tight ends in check. That must change in this upcoming contest.
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