In every football game, there are advantages to be had on both sides of the ball by either team. For the Denver Broncos, one area of weakness on the defensive side of the ball that the Kansas City Chiefs could take advantage of, and there are few, is the linebacker unit.
Alex Singleton enters his age-33 season, and despite being in Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's system for a while now, Singleton is not near the athlete he once was. Next to him is Justin Strand, another player on the wrong side of 30. The Chiefs need to go into their season opener in Arrowhead Stadium with a clear and focused game plan that takes advantage of the middle of the field in the second level.
Establishing the run game with Kenneth Walker III and setting the tone early would take pressure off Patrick Mahomes, as he returns for the first time off a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. While Josh Simmons remains sidelined at left tackle, KC's interior offensive line is still one of the best in the league and can move bodies. Running the ball should come somewhat easily, but the passing game is another question.
Kansas City's offensive game plan must take advantage of Broncos' older linebackers
Aside from Walker and rookie Emmett Johnson toting the ball on the ground, the Chiefs need to get the ball in the hands of their two semi-star receivers, who are both expecting to take a career jump. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice. Reid needs to do a much better job than he's done in the past of manufacturing easy throws and plays for Mahomes to get the ball out quickly to the speedy Worthy and let him do the work, rather than relying on the former Texas Longhorn to beat defenders 30 yards down the field.
The same can be said for Rice, as his greatest strength as a player is racking up yards after the catch. While it's not known how healthy he actually is heading into Monday night, he'll be on the field, so he will be expected to produce.
Of course, we cannot forget about Travis Kelce, who has had more bouts playing against the Denver Broncos than anybody on the roster. Even nearing the end, Kelce remains a force in the middle of the field and, in my mind, should be able to get open easily against Singleton and Strnad.
Denver led the NFL last year in sacks (68) and was second and third in yards and points allowed per game, at 278.2 and 18.3, respectively. The Chiefs aren't the only ones privy to the knowledge that Mahomes may not be as mobile early on as normal. Denver will expect KC to establish the run early and attack with quick throws.
It'll be the first coaching chess match of many for Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy this season to overcome. And also an attempt for the Chiefs to reclaim superiority within the division and remind the league exactly who they are.
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