Chiefs @ Broncos Preview – Around the Web

Taking a look around the Internet, on what the experts, beat writers, soothsayers, and your grandpa are saying about the upcoming game. We’ll give you a snippet, then you can jump through the links provided and read everything they had to say.

“The Chiefs got another solid effort from running back Kolby Smith, who ran for 83 yards against the Chargers in his second career start while filling in for the injured Larry Johnson. With Johnson expected to be sidelined again this week, Smith and the Chiefs will look to exploit a Denver defense that has struggled against the run all season. The Raiders absolutely wore down the Broncos (41 rushes for 175 yards) in last week’s loss. The Chiefs must look to follow Oakland’s lead and pound the ball against Denver’s undersized front seven, particularly because the strength of Kansas City’s offensive line lies in the middle. The Chiefs must be patient with the ground game and give Smith 25-to-30 carries, with the majority of them coming between the tackles.” [The War Room – Sporting News]

“In the first meeting between the teams, the Broncos forced turnovers, got pressure on the quarterback and limited Kansas City’s playmakers. TE Tony Gonzalez was especially quiet, with three catches for 29 yards. The Chiefs will make adjustments, but the Broncos have to perform well in the same areas to win again.” [Inside Slant – USA Today]

“Kansas City’s stumbling offense is a big reason for its struggles. The Chiefs are third-worst in both total offense (280.7 yards per game) and scoring offense (14.3 points per game), and have scored just 17 points after halftime over their last three games. They have not scored in the fourth quarter in four straight games.” [Fox Sports (AP)]

“Last week in Oakland was an unmitigated disaster for the Bronco offense. Four turnovers, all of which led to Raider points, all but ended their playoffs hopes for this season. There’s still a brief flicker and if Denver wants to turn it into a flame they’ll need to rediscover their running game. The Chiefs were strafed by LaDainian Tomlinson on Sunday and the Broncos hope to do the same thing with Travis Henry and Selvin Young. Problem is, the middle of the line has been abysmal since Tom Nalen got hurt and the zone blocking scheme isn’t creating the holes of years past. Still, Denver must commit to the run because if they become a throwing team they play right into the hands of the K.C. defense. Their pass rush is hellish so the run needs to slow their upfield progress and give Jay Cutler time to pick up his targets.” [AOL Fanhouse]

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