The Broncos opened the game by running the same play, with different formations, on the first two downs. Tailback Selvin Young gained 6 yards on the first play, 50 on the next, which gave the Broncos the ball at the Chiefs’ 21-yard line. Two plays later, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler connected with Brandon Stokley for a 21-yard touchdown pass.
The Play: The Shanahan Script went right at Chiefs DE Jared Allen, who entered the game leading the NFL with 11 1/2 sacks. On the first play, the Broncos attacked with fullback Cecil Sapp as the lead blocker. On the second play, the Broncos still had Sapp leading, but also shifted tight end Daniel Graham in from the left.
Point/counterpoint: Young cut inside between left tackle Matt Lepsis and left guard Chris Kuper on the first play. On the second play, Young bounced outside left as Allen shot into the gap. Graham warded off a linebacker, Kuper went out to get another defender and Young’s speed did the rest.
Future prospects: Speed might be Young’s greatest asset, but he’s more than a one-trick back. “The biggest thing with him is every time he touches the ball, he wants to break one,” Lepsis said. “He’s just got a drive to him. I think that has to do with where he was drafted. When a young guy is undrafted, when he comes in he has a point to prove.”
