Kansas City vs. Denver, one out and one trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. This is the final game of the 2011 regular season. Both of these teams in this division have had their ups and downs. The Broncos 8-7 on the season are starting the 2nd year quarterback Tim Tebow, the Chiefs 6-9 are fielding former Bronco Kyle Orton. Tebow beat out Orton in Broncos training camp for the starting position for Denver.
Denver's option offense led by Tebow has confounded many of the division teams this year, including Kansas City who in the last contest was bested by Denver, 17-10. Most option offenses are played at the college level not in the NFL, emphasized Romeo Crennel head coach of the Chiefs. He went on to say, the potential for the loss of a starting quarterback is too great for most teams to implement such a strategy. Even though their season will be over after this next game, Crennel said, I don't think that any player goes into the game to lose the game, every player wants to win! The coach further commented, the guys we have been playing with are going to give us the best chance to win. After the heartbreaking overtime loss to Oakland last week, have the Chiefs already called it a season? In the last contest between these two Denver came away with victory. They are still feeling the sting in Kansas City where they failed to stop the option which has become the preferred offensive strategy for Tebow and the Denver Broncos.
The Chiefs defense against the run has had a significant negative impact on their season. Ranking 24th they don't appear to have personnel in the right positions to overcome the deficit. Defense against the pass has been considerably better as demonstrated with their 9 ranking in the polls. After the firing of the previous head coach Todd Haley, the Chiefs under the leadership of Romeo Crennel have had a better defensive showing.
The front office of the Broncos including John Elway, Executive Vice President of Football Operations believes in the option offense. Denver has had good games coming out of the 2nd quarter, only to suffer turnovers to their opponents. In one of his trademark nonchalant comments, John Fox, Denver's head coach, when asked about any explanation as to why the 2nd half turnovers said, No not really! One reporter asked if there was anything different that Tebow was doing to cause these last turnovers, Fox chuckled, No, I think the other team had a little bit to do with that too! During his post game conference coach Fox also commented on the condition of Ryan Dawkins, Anytime you replace a guy like him with that much experience; that is tough. He went on to say, if he is available we will have him out there, if not then we will have next man up. Fox stated to the press corps, in my mind it's much like a playoff game already, for all intents and purposes we need to win this game. And it will determine our fate! Reporters at the conference ask Fox who he thought would win the game. In typical head coach fashion replied, Who ever shows up and executes better on offense is going to win!
All in all this match-up is going to be exciting to say the least. Can the Chiefs knock Denver out of the playoffs? Can the Broncos defeat Kansas City on their home turf? These questions will be, answered this Sunday on the Sports Authority Field at Mile High.