Harris, Jr. Done Talking Keenan Allen Shade & Titans: 'I'm Ready For Tyreek Hill'
The Denver Broncos are coming off a dominant defensive performance. Sacking the Tennessee Titans quarterbacks seven times, taking the ball away thrice and holding them to 39 yards rushing as a team, it's no wonder the Broncos managed to shut out their Week 6 opponent 16-0.
One of the big reasons why the Broncos were so smothering defensively was the collective performance of the secondary in coverage. Ninth-year veteran cornerback Chris Harris, Jr. had a lot to do with that.
On the same afternoon in which his mentor — Champ Bailey — was enshrined in the Broncos' Ring of Fame and presented with his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring, Harris had his best game of the season. Harris totaled four tackles (three solo), two passes defensed and notched the 20th interception of his career vs. the Titans.
“I had in my mind to put on a show for those guys, especially Champ," Harris said after the game. "I told him I’d give him my football. I think I had my 20th pick, so I told him I’d get him that football.”
The Titans were held two just 165 yards passing (with two different QBs). It was exhilarating to see Harris and company play at such a high level.
But instead of basking in the afterglow of a dominant victory, or rehashing the individual rivalry he has with Chargers WR Keenan Allen in the press, Chris Harris, Jr. has shifted his focus to this week's opponent — the 4-2 Kansas City Chiefs. Allen can talk all the trash he wants but Harris knows the score.
“I’ve locked him up numerous times," Harris said. "I don’t even know how many times I’ve shut him down. There’s nothing to really talk about with him. I’m ready for [Chiefs WR] Tyreek Hill.”
Harris and company did about as well as a secondary can to limit Tyreek Hill in two games last year. In two games vs. Harris and the Broncos in 2018, Hill totaled just 124 combined receiving yards on 12 receptions (17 targets) with zero touchdowns.
Anyone familiar with the type of production Hill is able to crank out with Patrick Mahomes as his triggerman can recognize those numbers represent two below-average performances from Hill. It was a moral victory of sorts, not allowing Hill to gash the secondary, but the 2019 Broncos are done hanging their hats on such concessions. It's about winning or nothing at all.
As a team, while the Broncos are trending upward on a two-game winning streak, the Chiefs are on a two-game slide, heading the other direction. Something will have to give on Thursday night as the two bitter AFC West rivals throw down on a short week.
“I’m hyped up. I can’t wait," Harris said. "You all don’t have to ask me about the Titans anymore, I’m ready for the Chiefs. It’s something that I’ve been looking forward to every year.”
The Broncos haven't beaten the Chiefs since Week 2 of the 2015 season. In two contests last year, the Broncos fell short by a single score in each loss. Mahomes is a perfect 3-0 in vs. Denver.
If the Broncos can find a way to confound Mahomes and company at home in front of the Orange and Blue faithful, this season will take on an entirely different complexion. The Broncos' 0-4 start dug a deep hole but games like the one coming vs. the Chiefs can be a watershed moment that can slingshot a team out of the doldrums and into the stratosphere, providing the confidence needed to beat anyone, anywhere.
The Broncos can't use the short turnaround as any excuse. This team has to beat the Chiefs at home this year.
“Nah, I’m ready. I already know what the Chiefs do," Harris said. "Me, I’m already prepared. They run the same offense they’ve been running since I got into the league.”
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.
