The 5-2 Broncos are hosting the 5-1 Chiefs, a team that looked for a minute like it might roll right through the division, the conference and the league on its way to the bye week of the playoffs.
Until last week when the Seahawks published the blueprint on taking care of the Chiefs — pressure Mahomes, stop the run and also RUN.
Although the Broncos couldn’t do any of those in their first meeting at Arrowhead on Monday Night Football, the offense has started to find some good rhythm, Bo Nix is looking
like theQB we need, and the defense has gotten its act together.
And even though it will take all that and maybe a little extra from the crowd, a huge chunk of Broncos Countrysees a check in the W column by tonight.
But even if Broncos Country is ahead of itself, the Broncos are treating this game like any other game — just gotta win it.
“It’s the next one,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said Wednesday. “It’s the most important one because it’s the next one. … Everyone understands that the divisional games weigh a little bit heavier in terms of the overall standings when we get to the end of it. But it’s the next one.”
Keeping Bo Nix upright and not running for his life will be a big part of the formula, and Mike McGlinchey understands that the O-line’s role today is a big one.
“All that matters is what happens right in front of your face, not the great story of the playoff picture or anything that everybody [externally] want to draw up,” tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “We’ve just got to focus on what we can control and go out and put our best foot forward this week.”
Most importantly, Nix seems mentally and physically ready for this second go-round with the Chiefs.
“We know it’s a big one. That goes without being said,” he said. “After falling to them already this year, this one is important to us. I expect a good game.”
