The Broncos know this might not be the easiest week to rectify the problems that ailed their run defense in the final weeks before their bye.
Not with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones — who have combined for 1,289 yards rushing – heading to Invesco Field at Mile High on Sunday.
The Chiefs are averaging more rushing yards per game (179.6) than passing (168.9), a significant challenge for a Broncos defense that has allowed more than 120 rushing yards in each of the past five games.
“It’s going to be like going to a Friday night high school game where you’re seeing the Wing T,” Broncos defensive coordinator Don Martindale said. “Its run the ball, run the ball, run the ball, and that’s what makes them a good team.”
The Broncos are especially wary of Charles, who ran for 259 yards and two touchdowns in the 2009 season finale at Invesco, even pulling himself from the game as a gesture of sportsmanship late in the Chiefs’ 44-24 victory.
Still, Jones is the Chiefs’ starter and receives more carries.
“I would play him every snap,” Martindale said of Charles. “But then it’s not too bad when they go with Jones either. They have two quality backs, so I’m not going to try to coach their team. But he’s playing really well.”
Footnotes. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said he expects all of his players except for outside linebacker Robert Ayers and cornerback Andre Goodman to be available for Sunday’s game. That includes rookie cornerback Perrish Cox, who is fully recovered from a concussion, and special teams standouts Darcel McBath and Wesley Woodyard.
Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com
