Columnist Mark Kiszla answered questions about Denver sports in a Lunch Special live chat on Monday. Here are the highlights:
Hey Mark, how are you man? It’s good to talk to you again. What do you think of today’s game against the Chiefs? Do you see any way the Broncos get away with the win?
Kiszla: I am good. Thanks for asking. Don’t know if I’m flying to Chicago or Milwaukee after the Broncos game tonight … but I hope I’m hanging around for Game 1 of the NLDS at on Thursday, after Rockies win in Los Angeles. What do I think of Broncos game against the Chiefs? Well, there are 99 reasons to expect KC to win … But I picked the Broncos. 24-23. Crazy, huh? My main — and probably only — reason to go with Denver is the desperation factor. If the Broncos don’t win this one, looks like it could be a very long season ahead for , and the gang. Win or lose, this will be a statement game by Denver. Let’s hope it’s a positive statement.
Why does it feel like the Broncos are 2-1 going on 3-8 soon?
Kiszla: Lose this game to Chiefs, and it would not be a shocker to see the bottom fall out of the Broncos’ season very quickly. So that’s why I’m picking Denver to win vs. KC. The Broncos have no other choice but to win. Lose … and it’s probably going to get ugly fast.
What about ? He seems to be very discreet at the start of the season, do you think he’s going to evolve this year?
Kiszla: Bradley Chubb has been solid, but not spectacular. He’s a talented football player. He’s also learning a new position. Nobody would describe what Chubb played in college as outside linebacker. When the Broncos picked him No. 5, I applauded the choice, but warned the transition would be harder than advertised. So far, I think Chubb has done fine job of making a difficult position switch. But it might not be until 2019 until he’s up to speed.
What does Case Keenum need to do to better protect the ball?
Kiszla: Too often, Case Keenum looks like a quarterback trying to justify an $18 million annual salary, rather than just be himself. What is Keenum? A smart, tough, game manager, with good leadership skills and average NFL physical tools. What Keenum can do to better protect the ball is not try to do so much. That’s on Keenum first, on offensive coordinator second and, in a distant third, the outsized expectations for this quarterback by apountry.
Hope the Broncos can find some way to stop the Chiefs offense, but I’m covering my eyes. Praying for a Rockies win!
Kiszla: Here are the key issues today for Denver teams, in a nutshell.
Can Rockies find a way to generate offense against the Dodgers?
And can the Broncos find a way to slow down Kansas City with defense?
Do we think has a better game plan than he did last week? Seems like itap our only chance considering this high octane offense, and the poor coverages called consistently last week.
Kiszla: Here’s what I don’t get. Vance Joseph said after the Raiders game that he thought the Denver secondary played too soft at the corners. And Joseph said essentially the same thing a week later, after Denver played Baltimore. Do Joseph and defensive coordinator Joe Woods talk? And, if so, does Woods listen. (Pardon the snark … but it seems as if this coaching staff needs to get on the same page.)
Any chance Case Keenum and Vance Joseph are still here next year week one?
Kiszla: If Broncos find a way to get nine victories this season, both Vance Joseph and Case Keenum will be back in 2019. That’s the optimistic view.
Got a Rockies question … or comment? Fire away. I’m here for ya.
Kiszla: Aside from the chance to win the first division title in club history, here’s why today’s game against the Dodgers is so critical for Colorado. Lose … and there it will be three high-pressure games in three days from Denver to LA to Milwaukee or Chicago for the Rockies. That would be one weary Colorado ballclub facing an elimination game on Tuesday.
I know LeBron played for the other side, but I found myself rooting for him. Amazing talent, but also a great person.
Kiszla: LeBron James is the king. For good reason. Amazing talent. Good dude. But during the ESPN telecast of Nuggets vs Lakers, I couldn’t help but feel the pain of Nuggets fans. I like the broadcasters that did the game. But, for much of the broadcast, they barely acknowledged the Nuggets’ existence in the game. I know, I know. This night was all about LeBron’s first game in a Lakers uni.
Really want Matt Holliday to get in the game today.
Kiszla: A two-run, pinch-hit homer in the seventh inning by Matt Holliday would be nice. And there would be no question Holliday touched em all, including home plate.
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