On Sunday, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs face the Denver Broncos. We welcome Ian St. Clair of Mile Excessive Report — our sister SB Nation website masking the Broncos — for 5 Questions with the Enemy.
1. Whereas the Broncos’ season has been an sudden success, how disheartening was it to overlook possibilities to lock up a playoff spot the final two weeks?
There’s little question the losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals have been disheartening. However given the actual fact nothing was anticipated of the Broncos coming into the season (and the way unhealthy the group has been since Tremendous Bowl 50), it’s onerous to really feel too disheartened. Plus, Denver nonetheless has an opportunity to make the AFC playoffs with a win on Sunday. What’s a extremely powerful capsule to swallow is the seeding. Had the Broncos received each of these video games, they’d have probably completed with the fifth seed — going to play the Houston Texans versus the Buffalo Payments.
2. What is going to Bo Nix have to work on this offseason to construct upon a fantastic rookie 12 months?
As with every younger quarterback, it comes right down to consistency. Meaning making the entire throws, taking what the protection offers, recognizing what the protection is doing and getting the offense into the fitting name — even when meaning an audible. He wants to enhance his footwork a little bit. Nix additionally must belief his offensive line a bit extra. During the last two video games, he’s seen ghosts and gotten out of the pocket when he doesn’t want to take action. But even with that, Nix has had a extremely good rookie season. If the Broncos are capable of get him some higher weapons at receiver and working again, that may solely assist him enhance.
3. If you happen to may choose one group within the AFC playoff discipline for the Broncos to probably face Wild Card Weekend, who would it not be and why?
This goes again to my preliminary response the place I discussed the Texans. It’s not that C.J. Stroud and his teammates are a pushover, however that Denver may have gone to a dome versus the monstrosity that’s Buffalo climate in January if it had they received the final two video games. Now, if the Broncos win on Sunday, they may face Josh Allen, the No. 2 seed Payments and the Buffalo climate.
4. Who’re some unsung stars who’ve helped to Broncos surpass expectations in 2024?
There have been a number of gamers on each side of the ball. On offense, rookie receiver Devaughn Vele has been constant and good this season. He’s additionally developed a pleasant rapport with Nix — particularly in key conditions. His continued improvement might be enjoyable to look at. Rookie working again Audric Estime has actually come on because the season winds down. His bodily working capacity has sparked the Broncos offense, and most followers need him to get extra carries.
On protection, Riley Moss was the participant to come back out of nowhere. The second-year cornerback crashed again to Earth towards the Bengals when he was torched by Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins. However it was one recreation, so we’ll see how he responds. If he can return to what he was previous to his harm, that may make the Denver protection even higher. The opposite participant to come back out of nowhere is Dondrea Tillman. The surface linebacker has 5 sacks and 10 tackles. That’s helped the Broncos change into extremely deep and versatile on the move rush.
5. With the Chiefs possible resting key gamers, how do you see this one understanding?
The third time’s the attraction for the Broncos. After arising quick the final two video games to earn a playoff spot, Nix and Denver get it carried out on Sunday. Sean Payton will get his group in the fitting mind set to not assume this might be a cakewalk they usually’ll be capable to stroll into the playoffs. The Broncos will care for enterprise and snap the eight-year playoff drought.
Remember to try the solutions I gave to their questions by clicking right here.
