Peyton Manning’s imminent return to Indianapolis will get all the attention this week, but the Broncos’ two AFC West matchups with the Chiefs next month are starting to look like the truly intriguing dates on Denver’s calendar.
That’s because this Kansas City defense is the real deal, folks.
The Chiefs are 6-0 after Sunday’s 24-7 strangulation of the Raiders in a game that didn’t even feel that close, considering Kansas City sacked Terrelle Pryor a staggering 10 times while recording three interceptions.
If there’s any defense that seems capable of slowing down Manning and the rampaging Denver offense, it’s Kansas City’s.
Ex-Jets defensive coordinator Bob Sutton has brought an attacking style to Kansas City, and as a result, the Chiefs have more sacks in six games this season (31) than they managed all of last year (27) while finishing 2-14.
Kansas City’s front seven has been truly dominant, with Dontari Poe, Tamba Hali and Justin Houston emerging (or continuing to emerge) as pass-rushing demons. Hali was the star Sunday, sacking Pryor 3 1/2 times to raise his total to 7 1/2 sacks on the young season.
Considering pressure — especially up the middle — has been about the only thing that rattles Manning in the regular season, the Chiefs appear to be perfectly suited to play the role of foil for the four-time NFL MVP.
As a result, it’s already time to circle the Chiefs-Broncos matchups — Nov. 17 in Denver and Dec. 1 in Kansas City — on the calendar. Both showdowns look like a case of unstoppable force meeting immovable object.