Sean Payton has had his share of unique offensive weapons during his time as an NFL head coach. That was obvious during the early part of his tenure in New Orleans. Now in Denver, the Broncos have built a well-rounded group under Payton's vision.
Specifically at wide receiver, there is a clear distinction among most of those pass catchers. The potential size mismatches allow Denver to frustrate opposing defensive backs. There is a clear amount of power and physicality that those Broncos wide receivers offer both before and after the catch. And when they do get the ball in their hands, those weapons act as running backs who are challenging to bring down in the open field.
Add that in with the play design and play sequencing that Payton is known for, and defenses often have their hands full trying to corral the Denver wide receivers. How does that affect the Kansas City Chiefs and their potential game plan this Sunday? The Chiefs will need to answer the bell in terms of toughness to gain any advantage against the Broncos’ offense.
K.C.'s mixed bag from defensive backs inside of aggressive defense
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is obviously known for playing an aggressive style of defense. Heavy amounts of man coverage, along with some simulated pressure, can be expected. Of course, Spagnuolo will not hesitate to bring extra blitzers from the second or third level when necessary.
To this point in the season, it has been a mixed bag for Kansas City defensive backs. In some weeks, their anticipation and reads are evident. This allows them to make quick plays on the football as a result. But in other instances, the Chiefs’ defensive backs have been lost in the sauce. Fakes in the play-action pass game and misdirection have each affected their eye discipline. It is safe to say that Payton and the Broncos will throw in some of those same elements Sunday, given Kansas City’s results against it.
At cornerback, Jaylen Watson is the most experienced against physical, bigger wide receivers on the outside. Trent McDuffie does not possess the same length that Watson does, though McDuffie makes up for it with an instinctive approach and well-timed tenacity. Those two will be forced to be in the correct landmarks and execute proper body positioning on Sunday. Additionally, seeing how often they can consistently tackle in space is likely to be tested against the Denver offense.
In other spots, rookie Nohl Williams has flashed at times this season. But with a lack of heavy reps each week, how much can Chiefs fans expect to see him in this matchup? Williams has displayed good timing and ball tracking when throws have come his way. His ability to press would come in handy against this Denver cast of weapons.
Chamarri Conner and Bryan Cook have endured different campaigns to this point in the season. Finding the correct role and usage for Conner is still a work in progress. Given how things are currently constructed, Conner could see a heavy dose of quick passes come his way this week. Cook, on the other hand, has played well in a contract year. His ability to be a routine tackler will be something to monitor in this specific matchup against the Broncos.
Chiefs facing receivers who are comfortable in traffic
Denver has the unique advantage of jump balls being more than 50-50 opportunities for someone like Courtland Sutton. Bo Nix has been up and down as a passer down the field. When throwing Sutton’s way, however, he usually appears his most accurate. Sutton is sneaky after the catch due to his long strides and subtle adjustments in the open field. His size is just as dangerous to go along with that.
Rookie Pat Bryant may not blow anyone away with his stats, but as the season has progressed, Bryant has become more comfortable when working down the field. He is dependable when asked to make tight catches in traffic. Bryant becomes a handful to bring down in the open field as well.
Troy Franklin may not have the size of others in the Broncos’ wide receiver room, though Franklin makes up for it with silky separation skills and excellent long speed. It seems like there are a few plays each week where he is just running free in the open field.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey was brought in this week. As a depth option in the wide receiver room, Denver can rely on his vertical stretch ability and the chance that he can win in jump-ball situations.
With Kansas City, the goal is likely going to be to press at the line of scrimmage and hope to force Nix to work more on the perimeters. Nix’s numbers against pressure are evident. He still has happy feet and hurried throws when things do not open up immediately. The Chiefs have to get home first. But if the coverage holds up in a physical matchup, the pressure could lead to Nix having an erratic day.