The Broncos are walking into a familiar matchup in Week 1, but it won’t feel like the same old test. Patrick Mahomes is still Patrick Mahomes, yet Denver is preparing for a version of him that brings a different look after a serious knee injury and a long layoff.
Sean Payton was asked yesterday whether he’d rather see Mahomes sooner or later in that recovery timeline, and he didn’t lean one way or the other, according to Sam Jane of the Denver Post.
“Earlier or later, I don’t know…. I don’t know,” Payton said.
“I think you have to be ready and prepare for what you know is his best, and that’s in the pocket, that’s the extended plays, that’s him running. You don’t give a lot of thought to it because you can’t control it.”
Even if Payton downplayed the timing, Denver has clearly done its homework. The Chiefs are expected to feature Mahomes under center more this season, and the Broncos staff has gone back over Kansas City’s preseason tape to get a read on the younger players they’ll be seeing around him.
The “Rehab Bowl” label has already been attached to Mahomes and Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, though Nix has looked like himself in his limited preseason work. Mahomes, meanwhile, hasn’t played yet, which has only added to the curiosity around how sharp he’ll be when the games count.
That uncertainty doesn’t make the job any easier for Denver’s defense. Defensive tackle Zach Allen made that much clear after practice yesterday.
“(Stopping Mahomes) is as big of a challenge as there is in the league,” Allen said after practice yesterday. “Doing it in primetime is really cool. And the history between the two organizations just amps it up even more.”
There is at least one encouraging note for Denver. Under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, the Broncos have had success against Mahomes, per Jane.
In four games, he has completed 67 percent of his passes, thrown three touchdowns and four interceptions, averaged 272 yards per game, and posted an 81.2 passer rating. Kansas City scored fewer than 16 points per game in those four meetings.
Still, this Chiefs offense has changed, with Kenneth Walker III now part of the plan out of the backfield. How well Denver handles him figures to be one of the big storylines, alongside another major wrinkle: the regular-season debut of new offensive coordinator Davis Webb calling plays.
In Other News...
Broncos May Catch Chiefs At The Perfect Time In Week 1
The Broncos open the season with a chance to test a Chiefs team that has spent much of camp managing health as much as game planning. Kansas City has had several key players on the injury report through training camp and the preseason, including defensive tackle Chris Jones, who missed practice while recovering from a back issue, and coach Andy Reid has said he is hopeful some of those players will be ready by Week 1.
Still, the list of concerns has been long enough to make Denver pay attention. Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Mansoor Delane, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Kenneth Walker III have all dealt with injuries at different points, leaving the Chiefs with more uncertainty than usual heading into the opener. For a Broncos team trying to make an early statement in the division, that kind of opening can matter, even if Kansas City still has time to get right before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Settle Backup QB Battle With A Notable Roster Decision
Sean Payton has settled the Broncos backup quarterback picture, and it gives Denver a clearer sense of how the offense will be structured heading into the regular season. Jarrett Stidham will open as the No. 2 behind Bo Nix, with Sam Ehlinger holding the third spot, a notable roster choice after a summer of competition and preseason work.
For a team trying to stabilize its quarterback room behind a rookie starter, keeping three passers on the active roster is not a small decision. It leaves Denver with experience, insurance and some flexibility if the early part of the season brings more questions than answers, even if the pecking order is now set for the moment. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Backfield Battle Suddenly Feels Bigger Than Fans Expected
The Broncos went into the offseason wanting more stability behind their running game, and the addition of Jonah Coleman has quickly made that conversation more interesting. Drafted in the fourth round, Coleman is already expected to matter this season, not just as a developmental piece but as someone who can help shape the offense if Denver needs him to.
J.K. Dobbins is still projected to open the year as the starter after re-signing with the team, but his injury history keeps the backfield picture from feeling settled. Denver reportedly likes Colemans pass protection and efficiency enough to view him as a real contender for the primary backup job, with the possibility that he could move ahead of RJ Harvey on the depth chart if the Broncos need a reliable option in a larger role. [Read more 🡒]