From the moment he juked with his right shoulder and ran around helpless right tackle Mike Remmers in the first quarter, it was destined.

When he slipped under a block and stripped the ball from Cam Newton in the fourth quarter, it happened.

The Broncos won Super Bowl 50, their Orange Rush punctuating one of the most impressive defensive seasons in NFL history. As the players performed snow angels in the confetti on the Levi’s Stadium field, the prevailing thought was there would never be another Von or a Denver D like this.

Well …

“(Nik) Bonitto and (Jonathon) Cooper are doing an amazing job. Zach Allen is the catalyst inside. V.J. (Vance Joseph) has been incredible. And it’s not just up front. They are rushing well from all over the place,” Von Miller said at his locker this week as a member of the Washington Commanders. “Rush and coverage go together. Patrick Surtain (II), everybody knows how I feel about him. Riley Moss on the other side. (Brandon Jones) and (Talanoa) Hufanga — their secondary is the reincarnation of the defense we had in 2015.”

The answer required several rewinds and replays to make sure it was heard correctly. Did the centerpiece of the greatest Broncos’ defense suggest that a replica has formed a decade later?

“They have been so good,” Miller said. “They are not hard to pay attention to.”

As the Broncos attempt to secure the top record in the AFC West this weekend, they are wandering closer to their past. They will host the New York Giants with a personality and team strength that gives off 2015 vibes. Through six games, the current Broncos have given up fewer points, yards and red zone touchdowns than their Super Bowl-winning predecessors. And they have four more sacks — 30 to 26.

“It kind of gives a great feel of what we did in Super Bowl 50, right? You have to win the tough ones, you have to win the ugly ones,” said David Bruton Jr., a safety on the 2015 team. “And more times than not, the defense is the one doing it.”

The similarities are striking, especially for ¶¶Òőapountry, a fanbase longing for the franchise’s first playoff victory since Super Bowl 50. That team will be honored at halftime, a few hours after Demaryius Thomas goes into the Ring of Fame.

“They were the standard for a long time,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “I told our defense, ‘Let¶¶Òőap put our best foot forward for these guys.’”

The comparisons are flattering and understandable. But they are not accurate.

What could be better than the 2015 defense? Nothing. Who could possibly top the diary of havoc written in Santa Clara? Not a thing.

At least not yet.

Do not confuse this as a lack of appreciation for what the current defenders have done. Just understand, more is required to be mentioned in the same breath as the 2015 unit.

Two things, specifically. Even if they break the single-season sack total — they are on pace for an NFL-record 85 — the Broncos need a playoff win to make it resonate for decades. And the defense has to do it against better quarterbacks.

It is not the Broncos’ fault they have yet to face a string of All-Pros, but history is not moved by mauling Cam Ward, Jake Browning, Justin Fields and Jalen Hurts, a former Super Bowl MVP who has lost his way this season.

Consider those pop quizzes. The test is coming against Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes, Jordan Love, Jayden Daniels and Justin Herbert, who beat them earlier this season with some late-game magic. Want to be discussed in the same vein as 2015, then you have to ace this exam.

“They are supposed to dominate Ward, Fields, guys like that. They have done a great job and boosted their stats,” said Chris Harris Jr., a former Pro Bowl cornerback on the Super Bowl team. “And they have another game like that this week against the Giants. But eventually, when you look at everything, it matters who you beat.”

The 2015 defense pales to no one. They posted victories against Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers, all first-ballot Hall of Famers. Philip Rivers, who has a case for Canton, and Newton, who won MVP honors that season, were also victims of that defense. What they did to Rodgers remains illegal in most states.

In a matchup of 6-0 teams on Sunday Night Football, the Broncos held him to 77 yards passing and sacked him three times.

“I knew we were really good, but you never know what they can do until you do it. We had so much confidence going in,” defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said earlier this week. “It was a reminder of how great players and great teams get up for big games.”

The edge rushers and secondary made the 2015 defense special, and the current group has no one like linebacker Danny Trevathan until Dre Greenlaw returns from injury completely healthy. Von will be a Hall of Famer. DeMarcus Ware already is. The pressure blended well with sticky man coverage from corners Harris, Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby, and the violent nature of safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart.

“Normally, you only rush one of the edge guys, and the other drops. We could rush them both to cause problems,” Phillips said. “The talent was there. And the togetherness and intelligence made them different. They were as smart a group as I have ever been around.”

They hung out off the field. They ate together. Set up early morning film sessions. The 2025 group shares some of those same traits. They are unselfish. They know if they do their jobs, everyone will eat. Phillips is enjoying the Broncos’ success, following closely as Joseph, a former young assistant under him, continues to dial up eye-opening blitzes and confusing coverages.

“Because of Vance, I watch the games. I see what they are doing. It’s impressive,” Phillips said. “I didn’t know who some of those guys were, like Bonitto and Cooper. But I do now.”

What makes the current defense different is that pressure comes from everywhere. Bonitto leads the league with eight sacks. Cooper boasts 4.5. But inside linebacker Justin Strnad has 3.5. And cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian has two.

This greatness is following a path carved by the 2015 defense, but has yet to add the element of havoc. The elder Broncos did not just steal the souls of opposing quarterbacks. They swiped the ball. Through six games, Denver had 17 takeaways. The current Broncos have four.

It was a testament to the technique of Miller and Ware. And a secondary that realistically believed it could score every game.

“Oh yeah, that was always on our mind,” Harris said. “We turned turnovers into points. And that¶¶Òőap the next step for them to be that on that high level.”

Ten years later, the Broncos have a group worthy of the conversation. They have ground to cover. But it speaks to the fantastic start that they have raised the eyebrows of Miller.

“Wouldn’t it be something if Surtain and Nik won defensive player of year honors in back-to-back seasons? They are off to an incredible start,” Miller said. “I love seeing it. I still have a beautiful place in my heart for the Denver Broncos. This weekend is going to be special. I wish there was a way I could be there.”

2015 vs. 2025

This year’s Broncos defense is off to an incredible start. But how does it stack up to the defense that led Denver’s last Super Bowl run? Here’s a look at each defense’s statistics through six games.

Source: .

Keeler: Hey, I’d love to see David Wooderson in the flesh at Empower. But let me ask you two things: First, other than that early Jones-to-Watkins connection in Santa Clara (and that was a heck of a throw), what exactly has McMillian done to lose his spot as the No. 1 slot corner? Second, and more to the point, what has Barron done — at camp or over two preseason games — to stake his claim? Yeah, Jahdae has been flying all over the place. He’s got a higher ceiling. And higher expectations. You’ve got to earn that path to the starting 11. It’ll come, but Barron’s not there yet.

Broncos podcast: Breaking down Denver’s toughest roster decisions

Renck: Sean Payton is fond of telling rookies that it doesn't matter how they got to Denver, it is what they do when here. It is a motivational reminder for longshots and late-round picks alike that their resumes will be considered. That is how McMillian worked his way into a starting spot. He represents a heck of a find as an undrafted free agent. McMillian is good, but his mistakes are costly. Barron is better. It is not on display every day. But it is there. Defensive boss Vance Joseph has given Barron reps at nickel and outside, and it should not surprise anyone if he comes on a safety blitz. Joseph raves about his football IQ. Moving Barron around has prevented linear progress on purpose. Joseph wants him to learn from mistakes in camp, not games. But given his length and tackling ability, there's no reason to delay moving him in with the 1s in Week 1.

Keeler: Love the idea of Barron as a defensive joker — a lengthy, fast, stealthy weapon who's just as dangerous crashing the box as he is dropping back. . He doesn't just make you better. Like Evan Engram and Marvin Mims on offense, he allows you to get creative with how you use his skill set. The only limit is your imagination.

Renck: The addition of Barron and progress of Kris Abrams-Draine give the Broncos' their deepest secondary since the 2015 No Fly Zone. The NFL is becoming a position-less league defensively. Barron represents the next wave. He is Bo Nix at quarterback: a terrific athlete with a bloated college resume known for his intelligence. McMillian will get snaps in packages, but Barron's future is now.

Keeler: Fair point, but you also don't have to force it, either. You know who had to wait until Week 2 of his rookie campaign to make his first NFL start? Only the best defensive player in the dang league. Pat Surtain II was "eased in" on nickel/dime packages during his pro debut at MetLife Stadium against the Giants in Week 1 of 2021. PS2 got 16 snaps, according to , as Uncle Vic Fangio doled out most of the cornerback snaps to Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby and Bryce Callahan. We all know what happened next: Darby got hurt in Jersey, PS2 moved up, and the rest is Broncos history. Just because Barron might not start against the Titans doesn't mean he won't become a Front Range fixture. You've got time. Even better, you've got options. Darn good ones.

It is bent but points directly to one of the former linebacker’s favorite NFL memories.

It came during the final plays against Kansas City on Sept. 17, 2015. The Broncos had tied the score with 36 seconds remaining, leaving them prepared for overtime.

For all the importance of Peyton Manning stiff-arming Father Time, of receiver Demaryius Thomas’ eye-widening performance, it was Marshall who made this game memorable with a single punch.

On first-and-10 from the 20-yard line, the Chiefs eschewed taking a knee as quarterback Alex Smith ran a draw play, handing off to Jamaal Charles. The play seemed unnecessary — “I forgot how little time was on the clock. Yeah, that was a really bad decision,” Marshall recalled with a laugh — and provided an opportunity. Safety Darian Stewart bolted at Charles, clubbing him in the shoulder and head, forcing him to fall off balance.

Marshall dived into the running back, his knee roughly two inches above the ground, unlodging the football with his finger. It might as well have been a middle one to the stunned Arrowhead Stadium crowd. Cornerback Bradley Roby scooped up the ball and raced 21 yards for the game-winning score of a 31-24 victory.

Nine years later, Marshall returns to that snapshot with a smile and a grimace.

“I didn’t see Roby running because my body was reacting to my dislocated finger going in the wrong direction,” Marshall said. “I was hurting, then I looked up and saw everyone heading for the end zone. I had no idea what happened. And now I can never forget it.”

¶¶Òőapountry feels the same way. That Thursday night classic represents the last time the Broncos won in Kansas City. As Denver aims to break an eight-game road losing skid against its rival, returning to this moment, talking to players involved, provides comfort and inspiration that perhaps a Chiefs’ win Sunday is not inevitable.

“The streak is inexcusable. The Chiefs have become the bar on what you have to do to win,” right tackle Ryan Harris said. “For one reason or another, the Broncos haven’t gotten it done since we did. It’s disappointing. But this is a new year.”

There are lessons to be gleaned from what unfurled in 2015, centering on aggression, attitude and an opportunistic defense.

Quarterback Bo Nix injects confidence into the current team. And the Broncos defense showed the blueprint to getting into Patrick Mahomes’ head last October.

It will take clean execution (no turnovers), standouts making plays (looking at you Pat Surtain II) and somebody unexpectedly elevating their game, like Marshall.

In fairness, the 2015 Broncos were more like the 2024 Chiefs, winning because of future Hall of Famers and stars as much as anything else.

The list starts with Manning. At age 39, he wandered into a muggy sea of red, tomahawk chop chants alternating with Black Sabbath music to create a cacophony of noise.

“It was the loudest place I ever played,” Marshall said. “It was a championship atmosphere.”

The criticism of his offensive line and arm all summer seemed accurate when Manning threw a pick-six in back-to-back games — rookie Marcus Peters jumped the route on Thomas — for the first time in his career. The Broncos trailed 14-0. And yet, they saw no reason to panic.

“We started off terrible. It was so loud. I remember (Chiefs safety) Eric Berry was playing his first home game in his return from cancer. There was just a lot going against us,” running back C.J. Anderson said. “And the second play, I was so lost in the moment I forgot the audible and screwed up. But we knew we would settle down, that Peyton would turn into Peyton.”

It required adjustments. While coach Gary Kubiak’s fatherly discipline was the perfect antidote after John Fox, his offense was not. Manning was not comfortable under center.

Facing a double-figure deficit, Manning reverted to the shotgun to end his 26-drive streak without a touchdown dating to the preseason. He leaned on vertical routes, finding Emmanuel Sanders for a score.

Then cornerback Aqib Talib delivered his latest pivotal interception, baiting Smith on an outside route to Jeremy Maclin. It set up a 1-yard jump pass touchdown to tight end Virgil Green. The Broncos were back in business.

“We felt like we could win every game. We had playmakers on offense and defense,” cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said. “Our mindset on defense was to score. You saw it in our secondary. Or just get it right back to Peyton. He might have struggled, but he was still Peyton.”

Nix was 14 years old when the Broncos last won in Kansas City. His attitude about this game and appreciation for its history are refreshing. He seemed to channel Manning this week when he said playing keep away from Mahomes is not the key.

“We have to score points against a team like this and get a lead because in one-score games they have been known to come back,” said Nix, understanding field goals are not beating the undefeated Chiefs. “That¶¶Òőap what makes them a championship team.”

The 2015 Broncos provided the blueprint. They went 9-3 in one-score games and 5-2 in those decided by a field goal or less. This is where a slow heartbeat matters.

Even while getting clobbered early, the Broncos’ knees never wobbled. The defense remained angry, producing three takeaways in the red zone, matching their 2014 season total.

“It was a special group. They were consistent,” defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. “You have to stay together. You get into a rut in a season, a game and don’t reach your potential because you start pointing fingers at the other side of the ball. We played as a team.”

When the Broncos responded during the 2015 season, many opponents wilted. But the Chiefs were built on motivation and vengeance, exhausted by a six-game losing streak to the Broncos. Against what would be viewed as a historically great defense, the Chiefs drove 61 yards in six plays to take a seven-point lead with 2:27 remaining.

It was a measure of how good the Broncos were that they did not require Manning to be perfect. But with the fire alarms blaring, they needed his finest hour.

“I remember when we took over the ball to begin the fourth quarter and Peyton had such intensity and enthusiasm,” Ryan Harris said. “Those of us in the huddle believed we were going to win the game. You just knew Peyton was going to make plays. And he was so calm on that last drive.”

Manning dissected the Chiefs like a surgeon. He finally capitalized on single-high coverage — the type of recognition triggered by his film study and photographic memory — and connected with Sanders for a 19-yard touchdown. Manning has forever said that clutch drives start with a big completion.

“When we got that first one to D.T. that¶¶Òőap when I felt like we had something going,” Manning said.

The Chiefs are built like those Broncos. They play their best when it matters most. Mahomes has 11 touchdowns with nine interceptions this season. But he boasts six touchdowns and one pick on third and fourth down with a 113.0 passer rating.

“A lot of times he doesn’t improvise until those spots,” Chris Harris said. “You have to put them in tougher positions on third down so you can blitz. He will give you a few chances at turnovers.”

The Broncos understand they can win a rock fight with the Chiefs — a path that was not available against the explosive Ravens. But it will not work without taking risks.

“There are so many things to distract you there at that stadium. No. 1 is the sheer amount of people. No 2 is that you are smelling barbecue everywhere. Those linemen better eat a good meal before they get on the bus or that smell will make you hungry,” Ryan Harris said. “And remember Andy Reid is a great play-caller and one of the best coaches at using homefield advantage. He will use 3-to-4 snap counts and change the pace. That¶¶Òőap hard to deal with. And then you throw in Taylor Swift probably being there.”

It¶¶Òőap a lot, especially for a young team that does not have multiple players headed to Canton or veterans with Super Bowl rings. But the Broncos started to change the conversation when they handled the Chiefs last season. The Broncos manufactured some incentive after seeing Mahomes and Travis Kelce attend a Texas Rangers World Series game, wondering how seriously they were taking them if they had time for side trips before arriving in Denver.

The Broncos played with urgency, taking a 14-3 lead, holding it, and no longer looking outclassed.

But they haven’t done it in this place. In Arrowhead. In the sea of red.

“When the Broncos go there now, the Chiefs don’t respect us at all anymore. They’ve got us in a headlock. But it doesn’t have to stay that way,” Chris Harris said. “It would be huge to get a win. We did it. And all I can say is to shut that whole crowd up, to hear that stadium go silent, there is nothing like it.”

Keeler: Tell ya what: I’ll make you a promise and pinky swear on it to boot. The Broncos will look so much better in Kansas City that you’ll think you must’ve been asleep for the second half of Denver-Baltimore. That you dreamed it. (For much of the third quarter, it looked as if the Broncos had nodded off, too.) Sean Payton has a secret weapon lined up for this one, and I don’t mean another Philly Special. Boredom. As in, the Chiefs’ boredom. Patrick Mahomes and his cohorts are so good, that they can flip a switch after New Year’s and crank it up for the NFL playoffs But in November, my friend, those spinach cans are still sealed.

Renck: Not going to lie. There were moments during the Ravens’ throttling that I thought I saw the name McLovin on the back of the Broncos’ jerseys. They held all the characteristics of a fake ID team. Too young, too anxious to stand eyeball-to-eyeball with an older, legitimate Super Bowl contender. But, there were glimmers of hope. Quarterback Bo Nix met the challenge in many ways, operating as Denver’s best player. That is encouraging because the Broncos’ chance of an upset against the Chiefs hinges on a functional offense because I believe, perhaps naively, that the defense will rebound from its worst outing of the season.

Keeler: VJ’s dudes got Miami diced — although, to be fair, Lamar Jackson can do that to just about anybody once he gets warmed up. The Ravens stiff-armed the Broncos how a high-school sophomore stiff-arms his 10-year-old brother during a pickup game on the driveway. Different weight class. The best path to beating Baltimore is deep shots over the top. That’s the weakest part of Nix’s game right now, and other than Courtland Sutton, there aren’t any targets he can throw rainbows toward that actually scare opposing defensive coordinators. Until the Broncos get more studs on the perimeter, they’ll struggle against defenses with elite front sevens.

Renck: Their challenge remains daunting. The Broncos have dropped eight straight games in Kansas City, last winning on Bradley Roby’s scoop-and-score in 2015 as Peyton Manning refused to go gently into the night. The Chiefs offense doesn’t scare anyone, but as long as Patrick Mahomes remains under center the group will always make clutch plays. The issue for Denver is how Nix and Co. deal with Chiefs defensive wizard Steve Spagnuolo. But remember, even with a loss to K.C., the schedule offers an opportunity to go 5-2 over the final seven games. Denver needs wins over the Falcons, at Raiders, Browns, Colts and a single win in the three-game gauntlet at the Chargers, at the Bengals and home against Kansas City. The key is simple: If the Broncos lose Sunday, can they maintain enough confidence to make a run? While a move at the trade deadline for a tight end would strengthen the argument, my answer, with slight hesitation, is yes.

Keeler: Vegas stinks. The Browns are an enigma. The Colts unearthed Joe Flacco from his sarcophagus and unwrapped him in hopes the old man could replicate his ’23 Cleveland form. On paper, the Broncos have at least five coin-toss games left on the slate, and that’s with five wins already under their belt. , which would be a darn good return with a rookie QB1, regardless. I think the postseason train stops just short of reaching the station … but close enough to put the rest of the AFC on notice.

When: 6:15 p.m. MT, Thursday

Where: Arrowhead Stadium

Radio/TV: 850 AM, 94.1 FM/KMGH-7, Amazon Prime Video

Broncos-Chiefs series: The Broncos are 54-71 in 126 regular-season games dating back to 1960; the Broncos lost 27-24 in the last meeting, on Jan. 1, 2023, and have lost 15 in a row to their division rival.

In the spotlight

Let¶¶Òőap rewind the clock. The last time the Broncos defeated the Chiefs was Sept. 15, 2015. Former quarterback Peyton Manning threw for three touchdowns, while cornerback Bradley Roby scored the go-ahead TD off a fumble recovery in the final seconds of regulation to win, 31-24.

At the time, the Broncos were one of the best teams in football. Shedeur Sanders was 13. Robert Downey Jr. was still Iron Man, Stranger Things had yet to become a worldwide phenomenon and Travis Scott¶¶Òőap album “Rodeo” had just been released.

Since then, a lot has changed in the world and with the Broncos. The franchise has had six straight losing seasons, five different head coaches and 12 players start at quarterback.

Yeah, it¶¶Òőap been bad.

As the Broncos gear up to face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, the new home of the Swifties, they are not dwelling on the past. At 1-4, Denver just wants to win and hopefully salvage its season.

“We’ve got to create a new history,” quarterback Russell Wilson said. “We have to be able to do that with one play at a time, one moment at a time (and) one game at a time. Every game has a history of its own, and we’ve got to be focused on this one and go win.”

The Broncos have lost to the Chiefs by six points or less in each of the last three games. Last season, Denver faced double-digit deficits against Kansas City before making things interesting towards the end. In Week 14, the Broncos trailed 27-0 in the second quarter. The Broncos outscored the Chiefs 28-7 after that but ultimately fell short in the 34-28 loss.

Three weeks later, Denver was down 27-17 in the fourth quarter before losing by three points. Safety Justin Simmons said beating the Chiefs for the first time in his career would be huge but doesn’t let the streak cloud his mind.

“I know a lot of people want to talk about the streak, but the fact of the matter is each year there’s a new team,” he said. “A win would be great (and) it would mean even more (because) of where we are at in the season.”

Who has the edge?

When Broncos run

The Broncos were moving the ball effectively against New York in the first half, rushing for 115 yards. But Denver was held to 24 yards rushing in the second. Kansas City is ranked 11th in the league in rushing yards allowed (97.2) and held the Vikings to 70 on the ground last week. Edge: Chiefs 

When Broncos pass

Courtland Sutton was nonexistent against the Jets last week. The veteran wide receiver had one reception for 13 yards on just three targets. The Broncos’ pass protection has alternated between effective (one sack allowed vs. both Miami and Chicago) and bad (four sacks vs. the Jets, seven vs. Washington) over the past four games. They cannot afford for it to be the latter Thursday night, as Chris Jones is an elite interior pass rusher, recording 4 1⁄2 sacks in four games. Meanwhile, Kansas City cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed have been a solid tandem. Quarterbacks have a 63.3 passer rating against Sneed. Edge: Chiefs

When Chiefs run

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is building off a strong rookie season. He has recorded a rushing touchdown in each of the past three games. Against the Jets in Week 4, he rushed for 115 yards and caught three passes for 43 yards. The Broncos haven’t figured out how to slow down the run since Week 1, as they have allowed 187.6 rushing yards a game. That includes Sunday’s disastrous effort against the Jets that saw them surrender 234 yards on 32 carries (7.3 yards/carry).  Edge: Chiefs

When Chiefs pass

Patrick Mahomes has put up modest numbers to his standards so far this season. The biggest issue is that the Chiefs don’t have a reliable pass catcher outside of tight end Travis Kelce, who has a team-best 222 receiving yards. However, the Broncos have struggled mightily as a pass defense, allowing the fourth-most passing yards in the league. Could this be the game where young receivers Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice break out? Edge: Chiefs

Special teams

The Broncos are fifth in the league in kick return yards (176). But rookie Marvin Mims Jr. has had ball control issues in the past two games, fumbling on a kick and punt return. Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker has been lights out this season, going 10 for 10 on field goal attempts and 14 for 14 on extra point attempts. The Chiefs have allowed the seventh-fewest punt return yards (35) on five attempts. Denver is 11th in that category. Edge: Even 

Coaching

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has led the franchise to two Super Bowl victories in four years. And at 4-1, Kansas City is expected to make another run at the Super Bowl despite the lack of pass-catching threats. Even with Sean Payton’s coaching resume, the Broncos have remained mediocre and regressed badly on defense under coordinator Vance Joseph. To Payton’s credit, Russell Wilson and the offense have drastically improved from last season. The rest of the team still has work to do. Edge: Chiefs

Tale of the tape

*Stats through Week 5

By the numbers

2,959: Passing yards Patrick Mahomes has in 11 career games against the Broncos.

96.6: Career passer rating for Mahomes against the Broncos.

8: Targets Sutton has had in the past two games for Denver.

5.9: Rushing yards per carry the Broncos have allowed this season.

75.4: Opposing quarterbacks’ passer rating against Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II.

Bet on it

Line: Chiefs -10.5

Unless defensive coordinator Vance Joseph can wave a magic wand to fix Denver’s poor tackling and run defense, it¶¶Òőap hard to imagine the Broncos pulling off an upset. Pacheco might put up career numbers on Thursday night.

Prop bet: Over/under 47.5

The Broncos are playing the Chiefs. Hammer the over.

Post predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Chiefs 37, Broncos 24

Patrick Mahomes and company haven’t had the otherworldly offense so far in 2023 that¶¶Òőap been a staple of his time there, but this week they play against, statistically, one of the worst defenses in the NFL’s modern era. That should be plenty to make the Arrowhead Stadium crowd happy in primetime. Russell Wilson played well against KC twice last year, but even a good outing this week isn’t likely to be enough.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Chiefs 35, Broncos 21

Wilson is going to put up some decent numbers against Kansas City. But decent is not enough, especially when the defense is allowing nearly 40 points a game. The Broncos will fall deeper into the black abyss, as this game might be over at halftime.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Chiefs 41, Broncos 20

Coach Sean Payton insists Denver isn’t looking to move any players, but the team is fielding calls about trades. Does receiver Courtland Sutton have the cellphone number of general manager George Paton? Because if Sutton doesn’t get more touches, he might be tempted to ask for a trade at halftime.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Chiefs 31, Broncos 17

If the Dolphins could stack 10 touchdowns on this defense, good gravy, what could an enchanted Patrick Mahomes put up on the holy ground at Arrowhead? Seven? Eight? Call it what you want, but this one feels like a story we already know all too well, especially as the Broncos’ front seven is getting gashed with holes bigger than the whole sky. Only 11 more weeks to go ’til New Year’s Day.

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Why do fans always seem to believe that highly touted draft prospects are a better choice than proven veterans (especially at quarterback position)? Do they not learn from history? To remind everyone that Teddy Bridgewater is not such a bad deal, can you please type the names: Ryan Leaf, Jamarcus Russell, Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Josh Rosen, Johnny Manziel (feel free to add a few more)?

— Alan, Belize

I don’t care about past quarterback history.

For every one of those busts, I mention Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Andrew Luck and Cam Newton — solid top-10 picks. I have no problem with the Bridgewater trade and I would have really liked it if he would have served as a bridge to Justin Fields.

Among the quarterbacks Alan mentioned, Leaf (Chargers), Russell (Raiders) and Smith (Bengals) joined dysfunctional organizations. Couch was on an expansion team. Manziel was an off-the-field circus. And Rosen was a victim of a new coaching staff having the top overall pick (Kyler Murray).

I’ll compliment the Broncos: Their infrastructure would have been set up well for Fields. Should-be-very-good defense. Could-be-very-good rookie running back (Javonte Williams). Should-be good skill-position crew. And Bridgewater to hold down the fort until Fields is ready.

What was the point of the Broncos’ free agency period and signing all those defensive backs if they then decide to draft Pat Surtain II? The pick should have been Justin Fields. All day, every day.

— JD Daniels, Lone Tree

It was a conversation some of us in the Broncos’ media corps had late Thursday night when reviewing the first round. It seems like the Broncos were transfixed on Surtain starting in early February and they didn’t pivot off that even when they signed Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller.

But from the Broncos’ angle, they looked at Surtain as a decade-long, shut-down corner, and they know Fuller/Bryce Callahan are in the final year of their contracts.

When they decided Fields wasn’t the The Guy at No. 9, the Broncos didn’t overthink the Surtain selection.

How much of not picking Justin Fields is because John Elway still has a lot of influence on the draft? He takes a chance on Paxton Lynch and Justin Fields falls into their lap and they pass?

— Mark, Thornton

I don’t believe Elway influenced the decision at all. I was amused about why it was a big deal that Paton included Elway in the evaluation process. Well, why not take advantage of his nearly four decades of NFL experience as a player and executive?

Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula might have had their opinion heard more because they went to Fields’ pro day, grinded away on his tape, and presented their reports to Paton.

I know ¶¶Òőapountry was let down that general manager George Paton didn’t select a quarterback. However, isn’t it more likely that any trade for Rodgers wouldn’t involve a draft pick from 2021 considering any trade for him would occur post June 1? This would allow the Packers to spread the cap hit over this season and next. Shouldn’t ¶¶Òőapountry stay patient and hope that Paton has a deal in principle that will materialize after the draft?

— Brandon Brown, Rogers, Minn.

Once the Rodgers bombshell landed a few hours before last Thursday’s first round, I never thought he would be traded that night. The Packers dug in and basically said, “Just because you want to be traded tonight doesn’t mean we have to do it.”

One theory being kicked around was the Broncos would trade down from No. 9 to stack up trade assets to a) make a deal Friday morning so the Packers could use some of those picks or b) make a trade to get a 2022 first and more that they could use for a future Rodgers trade.

Here’s the math on the Packers trading Rodgers per Over The Cap: A pre-June 1 trade would cost $38.356 million in cap space (untenable), but that drops to $21.152 million if the deal is done on June 1 and beyond.

How realistic is it to expect Aaron Rodgers to come to Denver? It¶¶Òőap absolutely an instant upgrade over our current situation. But do we have the talent to win the Super Bowl? We still need more help at inside linebacker and right tackle.

— Eric, Aurora

I won’t use “realistic” to discuss this scenario so let¶¶Òőap go with “doable.” And yes, it would be an absolute upgrade for the entire offense and the Broncos have the talent to surround Rodgers to allow him to get to the playoffs.

If you’re Rodgers, you should like the Broncos’ situation at left tackle (Garett Bolles), running back (rookie Javonte Williams), receiver (Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and Tim Patrick) and tight end (Noah Fant). If the Packers want only draft picks in return, that group would return intact.

On your point about inside linebacker and right tackle, it was a good weekend for Justin Strnad (linebacker) and Calvin Anderson (backup tackle). Third-round pick Baron Browning will get a chance to work at inside linebacker.

Were you surprised George Paton didn’t draft a single quarterback, especially with Justin Fields falling in his lap at No. 9? Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater don’t exactly scream “playoff-bound” in my book.

— Tyler Dunn, Fort Collins

I was surprised the Broncos passed over Fields, but after that, I wasn’t surprised they didn’t take a quarterback in rounds 2-7.

The Broncos’ plan (save for a Rodgers trade) crystallized over the weekend: They want to win with defense and an opportunistic offense.

Hey Ryan, love your coverage. Who do you think will make the biggest impact from this draft this next year? Pat Surtain II seems like he’s walking into a Bradley Roby-type situation where he can give the Broncos a luxury behind Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller. My money’s on Javonte Williams.

— Carlos, Northglenn

Surtain may be the Broncos’ best cornerback by Week 4, creating the intriguing situation of which cornerback sees his playing time cut?

Williams is a good chance because the Broncos traded up in the second round to get him and teams don’t do that to take a role player. He will get every chance to be the main back when the season opens.

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason. Submit questions to Ryan here.

Here’s how things shook out for the Broncos’ previous four first-round CBs:

* All stats limited to time with Broncos

“I definitely don’t think no one better came after us… The argument would be for (Seattle’s) ‘Legion of Boom’ and other (units) that came before us. But we got picks, we scored touchdowns, we got big hits. We were number one for a while and we still stand on that.”

Talib spoke to media by Zoom on Tuesday to promote the latest episode of his “Call To The Booth” podcast. The show is billed as a five-year anniversary of the “No Fly Zone,” which was the NFL’s top-ranked pass defense in 2015 and 2016. The roundtable podcast, co-hosted by Talib and Harrison Sanford, features fellow “No Fly Zone” members Chris Harris, T.J. Ward, Darian Stewart and Bradley Roby. It will one week ahead of Super Bowl LIV as the Chiefs face the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7 in Tampa Bay.

The way we did it, was just a little bit sexier!

Next Sunday on YouTube & podcast feed
⁣
NO FLY Zone 5-Year Anniversary show with ⁣ & myself

— AqibTalib21 (@AqibTalib21)

The era of the “No Fly Zone” — a moniker — officially ended last offseason when Harris signed a two-year deal with the Chargers, though its zenith was several years prior to that. Harris was the final remaining member of the unit after Ward was released in training camp in 2017, Talib was traded to the Rams in 2018, and in 2019 when Stewart was released and Roby signed with the Texans.

Harris’ signature pass break-up celebration became a trademark of the “No Fly Zone,” while “baby No Fly Zone” members Justin Simmons and Will Parks added to the unit’s depth when they were drafted in 2016. The secondary thrived under the detail-oriented approach of defensive backs coach Joe Woods, now the defensive coordinator for the Browns. But following the trade of Talib, the unit wasn’t quite the same.

“Joe was the Master Splinter of the DB’s, and he was the brains of it,” Talib said. “He had us playing a different technique, and as the year went on, we bought into that technique and it made our coverage a lot better, especially with me and Roby on the outside.”

What began as a nickname also emerged as a full-fledged brand. There were T-shirts and hats, custom leggings worn at practice, and even a youth camp. And Talib argues the legacy of the “No Fly Zone” extends to this day.

“Any secondary that says they’re the best, we can line up the stats, the (championships), the Pro Bowls,” Talib said. “We were the best, and that was a super special group.”

Talib retired last September and has turned his focus to broadcasting. In addition to his bi-weekly podcast, the 34-year-old made his NFL broadcasting debut in Week 10, providing color commentary on FOX for the Washington-Detroit game.

“I started knowing that I can do (broadcasting) when I played for the Rams, and I was going to the NFL Network and going on Total Access on Tuesdays, on our day off,” Talib said. “I got in the routine with it and I was cool with it, and I could see myself getting paid to do it… That’s when I started feeling it a little bit. This last year has been cool and a smooth transition, because I honestly didn’t want to play anymore. I can’t play with those young boys no more.”

The Broncos haven’t made the playoffs in the five seasons since the “No Fly Zone” reigned supreme. And that fact doesn’t surprise Talib given Denver’s quarterback shuffling following Peyton Manning’s retirement following Super Bowl 50.

“It¶¶Òőap a quarterback-driven league, we know that, and The Sheriff left the building,” Talib said. “It doesn’t surprise me, because they haven’t had (another Sheriff) come into the building yet, so that’s why they haven’t been to the playoffs since.”

Not outside linebacker . Not defensive end Jurrell Casey. Not safety . Not cornerbacks A.J. Bouye and Bryce Callahan.

Additionally, five other starters/rotational players will be free agents.

Only outside linebacker and safety (assuming he signs a long-term deal) have guaranteed money on the 2021 books.

Translation: Once the Broncos address their top two offensive needs — receiver and center — this could be a defense-heavy draft for general manager and coach/defensive play-caller .

The Broncos absolutely need to score more points and surround quarterback Drew Lock with the right talent. But they also need to have one eye on the ’21 defense and getting the reinforcements trained and coached up this year.

Starting with the No. 15 pick, the Broncos have 10 selections, including five in the first three rounds.

“When you’re picking, you just hope you have a player there that¶¶Òőap at the top of the board or near the top,” Fangio said last month. “We’d like to add players in a lot of different areas to make us better.”

Draft and develop

In Fangio’s first year running the Broncos’ defense, he inherited Miller, cornerback and defensive end , but had to piecemeal the game plan with additions like nose tackle Mike Purcell, inside linebacker Alexander Johnson and cornerbacks De’Vante Bausby, Isaac Yiadom and Duke Dawson.

The goal for the Broncos in this draft is to select players who can become foundational pieces. Right now, Chubb and Simmons count as the only defenders in that category.

In charge of the Broncos’ draft since 2011, Elway has shown a willingness to draft defensive players knowing they would not be immediate starters.

Simmons, outside linebacker , cornerbacks and Isaac Yiadom and defensive ends , DeMarcus Walker and Dre’Mont Jones combined to start only seven games as rookies and only Roby played more than 31% of the snaps (75%).

Simmons was franchise tagged last month and is in the Broncos’ long-term plans. Ray, Roby and Gotsis became starters but walked after their rookie contracts expired. Walker hasn’t distinguished himself and Jones is viewed as more of a pass rusher than every-down player through one season.

The Broncos’ objectives should be drafting an inside linebacker to replace Davis or Johnson, a safety who can be groomed to replace Jackson, a run-stopping nose tackle to rotate with Purcell and a cornerback who can start in Week 1.

At inside linebacker, Fangio said: “We could use an upgrade.”

At defensive back, he said: “If we could find more DBs, we could play more six-DB (personnel) in passing situations at times.”

At cornerback, Elway said in February: “We have to get better there.”

The most immediate need on defense is cornerback. And Elway is correct — the Broncos must be better there.

What kind of corner?

As the cornerback class has taken shape over the last three months, what kind of corner Fangio prefers has been examined. How short is too short? How tall is too tall? Is there a speed requirement? Is around-the-football production the same kind of non-negotiable for Fangio as tackling?

“Guys that cover,” Fangio said at the combine when asked about preferable cornerback traits. “Sure, we would all like a 6-foot, 6-foot-2 corner, but they don’t grow them very often. If you limit yourself to corners only over 6-foot, you’re going to bypass a lot of good, 5-9, 5-10, 5-11 corners. And there’s a reason there aren’t many 6-2 corners — they have a hard time staying with (receivers) on breaks.”

This is Fangio’s 21st draft as a defensive coordinator (19) or coach (two). Examining the draft record of his teams revealed a tepid focus on adding cornerbacks in the top three rounds.

Carolina (1995-98): The expansion Panthers used their second first-round pick in ’95 on 5-foot-8 Tyrone Poole and he started for Fangio in Carolina and Indianapolis.

Indianapolis (1999-2001): In 2000, the Colts used a third-round pick on 5-foot-9 David Macklin. He was a sub-package player and became a starter in ’01.

Houston (2002-05): In ’04, the Texans drafted 5-foot-10 Dunta Robinson 10th overall and he started 128 games.

San Francisco (2011-14): In ’11, the 49ers used a third-round pick on 6-foot Chris Culliver (20 starts in three years).

Chicago (2015-18) and Broncos (2019): None.

That Fangio has been comfortable playing shorter corners (under 6-foot) opens up the whole cornerback draft board, including TCU’s Jeff Gladney (5-foot-10), LSU’s Kristian Fulton (5-11), Ohio State’s Damon Arnette (5-11), Auburn’s Noah Igbinoghene (5-10) and Michigan State’s Josiah Scott (5-9). Most are expected to be available in the second round.

“If you limit yourself to only a certain style of corner, you’re always going to have corner problems,” Fangio said.

The Broncos have a cornerback problem.

Callahan missed all of last year with a foot injury and the expected lack of an offseason program will prevent him from testing his injury during on-field drills.

“Until he gets out there and runs around and feels comfortable with his foot 
 hopefully, he gets into a position to where he’s comfortable to play,” Elway said. “We’re hoping Bryce can come back, play this year and play the way we think he’s capable of.”

Elway’s answer illustrates the unknown surrounding Callahan and rightly so — he’s had two foot operations since his last game. It¶¶Òőap not a reach to suggest that anything he provides the Broncos this year is a bonus.

Entering this season, there are plenty of reasons to believe the Broncos will be improved defensively, chiefly because of the additions of Bouye and Casey and the return of Chubb from an ACL injury. Play the draft board right and by late Saturday night, the Broncos should also feel confident about the future of the defense.

Oh, they’ll pay attention to who their team selects, but it won’t be appointment television. It should be this week for several Broncos.

General manager enters Draft Week with 10 picks, including five in the opening three rounds. And even with an active month of March, there are needs to be addressed.

These players could see their roles change during the draft:

Garett Bolles. If the Broncos trade up or stay at No. 15 to take a left tackle, it may not equal an instant demotion for the embattled and maligned Bolles 
 but it should be, right? If Elway drafts a first-round left tackle, he should name him the starter immediately and quickly decide if Bolles can handle being a backup. If not, cut ties with him.

/Juwann Winfree. Taking a receiver in the first two rounds makes too much sense. The Broncos need to find a reliable option to play opposite . Hamilton and Winfree would be the most directly impacted — Hamilton would move down a peg on the depth chart and Winfree’s roster status would be in doubt entering camp.

. Would the Broncos move on from their leading tackler in three of the last four years? If they draft an athletic inside linebacker in the first three rounds, it may end Davis’ time as an every-down player. The rookie could play on third down and other sub-package situations while being groomed for full-time duty in 2021.

Every backup cornerback. A.J. Bouye is the No. 1 and Bryce Callahan (foot health permitting) is the No. 2. The Broncos would be smart to add a can-play-right-away cornerback. That wouldn’t be good news for Isaac Yiadom, De’Vante Bausby, Duke Dawson and Davontae Harris, two of whom may not make the team.

Delayed offseason program

The Broncos were scheduled to open their voluntary offseason program Monday, but they have tentatively pushed that back to April 27 and it will be a virtual operation through May 15.

Per an agreement between the league and players union, teams can hold a three-week program that includes classroom instruction, guided workouts and non-football educational programs. It remains voluntary for players.

Teams are prohibited from conducting any business from their headquarters so long as government regulations do not allow it.

Draft nuggets

The Broncos’ media relations department sent out a 21-page draft preview and it was filled with a ton of useful information. Five quick-hitters:

1. In the last eight drafts, since Elway joined the front office, the Broncos have went defense with five first-round picks (including in 2011) and three on offense (including Noah Fant last year).

2. The Broncos are scheduled to draft No. 15 for the fifth time: The previous 15th overall picks were guard Tom Glassic (1976, 111 regular season/playoff games), safety Dennis Smith (1981, 196 games), linebacker John Mobley (1996, 114 games) and cornerback Deltha O’Neal (2000, 62 games).

3. Florida leads the way with 19 of its players drafted by the Broncos, but none since in 2015. Georgia and Colorado are tied for second at 15. The Broncos have drafted only five Alabama players (only first-round running back Bobby Humphrey was selected before the fourth round) and they haven’t selected a Nick Saban-coached Crimson Tide player.

4. If the Broncos make 10 draft picks, it will be tied with 2000, ’03-04, ’09 and ’18 as their most since drafting 12 in 1999. The fewest they’ve had in a draft is three in 1997.

5. The Broncos haven’t taken a cornerback in the top two rounds since 2014 ( at No. 31) and he’s the only first-round corner since 2005.

Odds-makers speak

BetOnline has posted the line for every NFL game. The Broncos’ breakdown 


Home favorite (four): Las Vegas (minus-3 1/2), L.A. Chargers (minus-2 1/ 2), Tennessee (minus-1) and Miami (minus-5). I was a little surprised to see the Broncos as a home favorite against the Titans, who reached the AFC title game last year.

Home underdog (three): Kansas City (plus-5 1/2), New Orleans (plus-3) and Tampa Bay (plus-1). The Broncos a home dog to , and ? Expected.

Road favorite (one): Carolina (minus 1 1/2). The Panthers are favored in only one game (home against Detroit).

Road underdog (six): Atlanta (plus-2 1/2), Kansas City (plus-11 1/2), Las Vegas (plus-3 1/2), L.A. Chargers (plus-2 1/2), New England (plus-5) and Pittsburgh (plus-5 1/2). If home-field is worth three points, the odds-makers see the Broncos as better than the Falcons and Chargers.

Pick’em (two): at and vs. Buffalo.

Baltimore is favored and Jacksonville is the underdog in each of their 16 games, respectively.

Around the league

Waiting on receiver. If the Broncos wait until round 2 to address receiver, the names listed by ESPN’s Mel Kiper during his conference call included Notre Dame’s Chase Claypool, TCU’s Jalen Reagor, USC’s Michael Pittman and Penn State’s KJ Hamler as possibilities with the 46th pick.

“Claypool has to be more consistent catching the ball,” Kiper said. “He has a ton of talent, but he’s had too many drops and that¶¶Òőap the reason why he’s a second-round pick and not a first-round pick.”

Belichick on quarterbacks. New England, which has 12 picks, should be in the market for a quarterback even if it¶¶Òőap not in the first round.

“Interesting group and probably one that has decent depth to it,” Patriots coach told reporters. “There are always a variety of things you have to try to put together and look at, but certainly there’s a lot of interesting players and guys who have really good arms, can really throw the ball and some very athletic players.”

Jaguars’ huge draft. Jacksonville also has 12 picks, led by Nos. 9 and 20 overall. General manager Dave Caldwell was matter of fact during a Thursday media call. “We need to hit on all 12 and that¶¶Òőap our philosophy and our thought process,” he said. “We want to make every one of them count. If we can use one of those to trade up and get a guy that we want in a selected round, we’ll do that, too.”