KC Chiefs Game Day Prediction: Week 2 vs. Denver
By Mike Norris
Aug 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Defense
Although the fourth quarter didn’t go as well as planned, allowing 11 points to the Texans, the Chiefs defense thoroughly impressed in Week 1.
They managed five sacks (four additional QB hits), five tackles for a loss and seven pass deflections. DeAndre Hopkins had a big game through the air (nine catches, 98 yards and two scores), but that was to be expected.
Barring any injuries in practice, the Chiefs defense should be set up to play well tonight, and maybe for the first time, make Manning uncomfortable in the pocket.
Linebacker Derrick Johnson, playing in his first game since Week 1 last year, led the charge with eight total tackles (two for a loss), one pass deflection, one sack and a whole lot of emotion.
Safety Eric Berry played sparingly, but his return from cancer lifted the team even more so than Johnson’s return.
Justin Houston was Justin Houston (good, in case you didn’t know), and Allen Bailey pleasantly surprised with two sacks.
Rookie cornerback Marcus Peters was burned a few times and it showed that he was playing in his first game, but he also recorded the game’s only interception, setting up one of Kelce’s touchdowns. His three pass deflections also have Chiefs fans happy with Dorsey for selecting the former Washington Husky in the first round.
Barring any injuries, the Chiefs defense should be set up to play well tonight, and maybe for the first time, make Manning uncomfortable in the pocket.
The first week is always tricky, because sometimes it is not indicative of the entire season. However, there is no real reason to think the Broncos will come in and put up 35-plus points against KC. The question remains, if the defense plays well, will the offense follow suit?
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