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After exploding for 245 yards on the ground against the Buffalo Bills behind a suddenly-revamped offensive line in Week 6, you would think that the Kansas City Chiefs would be filled with confidence about facing the Denver Broncos in Colorado this Sunday.
But it’s probably wise to remember that the Bills weren’t particularly strong against the run anyway — they were giving up 4.3 yards per rushing attempt before Kansas City came to town — and in a surprise move before the game, they had benched two starting defensive linemen.
When he met with reporters on Friday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn’t waste words about the offensive line, stating flatly that Kansas City would once again go with Eric Fisher, Nick Allegretti, Daniel Kilgore, Andrew Wylie and Mike Remmers across the front. And he said that against the Broncos, they will have their work cut out for them in the red zone.
“Their defense is pretty stout,” said Reid. “They’re one of the top run teams in the league. As you go further in the red zone, I think they’re very good — in particular against the running game. It looks like there’s a wall there that you’re trying to work through; they do a good job of gap management.
“So it’s important obviously that you execute — everything’s a little faster down there — you’ve got to execute the running game where you can create some seams. In the passing game, you’ve got to try and create some space — if possible. I think they do a nice job.”
Reid said it would be “a good challenge” for the new-look offensive line.
“That’s a good defensive front. 96 (defensive end Shelby Harris) is a heck of a player; every year, he’s gotten better — and right now, he’s playing at a very high level. We know about 55 (linebacker Bradley Chubb) and 59 (Malik Reed) is a new addition, too — I think he’s [an] explosive player. They’ve got good talent there. It’ll be a good challenge for our offensive line. I’ll be curious to see how we do.”
But here still remained the question about who would be running behind that line. It was first-round rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire who got most of the carries (and yards) in Buffalo.
Could Chiefs fans get their first look at newly-signed running back Le’Veon Bell in Denver?
“I’m going to try to visit with him here — I was waiting until after this practice, just to see where we were at with him [and] where his comfort level was with what we’re doing,” said Reid. “But it looks like he’s picking things up well, so I think there’s a chance he could get a couple of snaps in there.”