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Kansas City Chiefs: Ranking the 5 toughest defenses on the Chiefs’ 2021 schedule

By Jacob Milham

Aug 14, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) stands at the line against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) stands at the line against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is tackled by Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) and linebacker Malik Reed (59) as inside linebacker Josey Jewell (47) defends in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is tackled by Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) and linebacker Malik Reed (59) as inside linebacker Josey Jewell (47) defends in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Although the Denver Broncos may not compete in 2021, their defense looks to be impressive. Can the defense overcome their offense’s shortfalls?

Look, it is no secret that the Broncos have not been great since winning the Super Bowl. Their Super Bowl hangover has been rough, having only one winning season since 2015. The offense in that span has been dreadful, landing in the bottom half of the league for points and yards every year since 2015.

While the offense continued sliding, the defense held their own until 2020. Injuries and the inability to stay off the field hurt the Broncos, where they allowed 27.9 points per game and 385.6 yards per game. It was hardly a banner year, but Denver saw those weaknesses and made sure to address them.

Analyst Mike Clay considers himself a prognosticator, a person who foretells or prophesies a future event.

Make sure to see which team has the highest defensive grade in his chart below.

You read that right.

Clay projects the Broncos to have the best defense in the league.

The Broncos start 2021 with arguably the best four cornerback tandem in the league, highlighted by Bryce Callahan and draft selection Patrick Surtain II. In addition, star safety Justin Simmons is under a new contract that keeps him a Bronco for four more years.

For the foreseeable future, there are no glaring weaknesses in the Denver secondary.

While the linebacking corps can leave something to be desired, that is made up by the prospects of having Von Miller and Bradley Chubb playing together in 2021. The two pass rushers have only played four games together since 2019. A full season of those two playing together will certainly cause problems for opposing offensive lines.

Never discount a Vic Fangio defense.

If the offense can even be average, that will help the defensive unit stand out. Just don’t stand out against the Chiefs okay?

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