The Broncos have FINALLY beat the Chiefs! After 8 long years, the Broncos have finally beat their divisional rivals. Here are my takeaways:
DEFENSE!!!!:
The Broncos defense was stout today! They forced 5 turnovers, had 3 sacks, and held the Chiefs to 3/10 on 3rd down. They did not allow a single touchdown and had the clamps on in the red zone. It was very impressive, especially considering this was the very same defense that gave up 70 this season. Now all of a sudden that feels like a distant memory and Vance Joseph deserves a lot of credit. He had this unit ready to play from the get-go as the Broncos forced a 3 and out on the opening possession. After getting rid of Frank Clark and Randy Gregory, the defense has turned to their youth to make plays and it has paid dividends. Baron Browning, Jonathan Cooper, and Ja'Quan Mcmillian all made huge plays in this game. This defense looks younger and faster than they did a month ago. Justin Simmons also continues his success vs Mahomes as he picked him off for the 5th time which is more than any other player vs Mahomes. Incredible game by this unit!
Ground and Pound:
Javont Williams finished the game with 30 touches, 98 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. The numbers are not super eye-popping but he made some vintage tackle-breaking runs and kept the offense on schedule for the most part and the offensive line deserves a lot of credit. Lloyd Cushenberry has been playing great as of late and erased Chris Jones from this game. I don't remember hearing his name once all game. The guards Ben Powers and Quinn Meinerz also played very well creating holes for the backs. Sean Payton was committed to the run and the team as a whole finished with 153 yards on the ground and this is the formula the Broncos need to follow for the rest of the season. Control time of possession which then allows your rested defense to fly all over the field. The Broncos possessed the ball for 33:47 while the Chiefs had it for 26:13.
Russ Still Concerning:
Russell Wilson played a very smart game as none of his passes were thrown in harm's way and he did toss 3 TDs but finished the game with 114 yards and was sacked 6 times and most of the time it was a result of him holding on to the ball too long. He still looks very hesitant at times and had another fumble this game because he held on to the ball and he was strip-sacked. So it is a bit concerning but hopefully, he and Sean Payton can figure some things out this bye week.
The Broncos did not play a perfect game and still won by double digits which is the most impressive part about it. Could this be the game that turns around the Broncos season? Only time will tell but they get 2 weeks to enjoy this one before their Monday Night showdown in Buffalo vs the Bills. It's a great day in Broncos Country!
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