25 Missed Tackles in Opener Define Broncos' Pre-Game Focus

The Denver Broncos recorded 25 missed tackles during their 31-10 season-opening loss at Arrowhead Stadium, a performance that defensive coordinator Vance Joseph described as "tough to watch." According to Sportradar, the 27.2% missed-tackle rate was the fourth worst among all teams in the past five seasons. The result left the Broncos with a 5-2 record heading into their Week 8 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The initial encounter in September saw Kansas City running back Kenneth Walker III rush for 173 yards. Joseph stated that the Chiefs played "more desperate" than Denver, noting that the Broncos were "a little rusty" for the opener. Walker currently leads the NFL with 701 yards on 120 attempts for a 5.8-yard average, a total that Joseph attributed partly to the Broncos' inability to get the ball carrier down.

Since that loss, the Broncos have won three consecutive games, allowing only 15.7 points per game. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who returned to full practice this week after missing time with an ankle injury, said the team learned from the "self-criticisms" of the first loss. He characterized the early stumble as a necessary lesson in how the squad bounces back.

The coaching staff studied the Seattle Seahawks' 20-3 victory over Kansas City on Sunday, where the defense limited Walker to 36 yards rushing. Joseph said the Seahawks' success relied on effort and physicality rather than complex schematics, forcing the Chiefs into a one-dimensional game. The Broncos aim to replicate that physical approach against Walker.

Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has returned from a knee injury to throw for 1,474 yards and nine touchdowns while intercepting four passes. Surtain emphasized that Mahomes maintains a "never-quit mindset" and remains capable of making plays in all four quarters. The Broncos must manage both the running game and the passing attack to secure the division lead.

Head coach Sean Payton noted that while much of the season remains, winning Sunday's game would make retaining the AFC West title easier. The Broncos have several players managing injuries, including safety Talanoa Hufanga, who did not practice Thursday. Receiver Jaylen Waddle, running back RJ Harvey, left tackle Garett Bolles, and defensive lineman Zach Allen were limited in practice.

The game is scheduled for Sunday in Denver. The Broncos have allowed 15.7 points per game over their last three outings, a defensive improvement that follows the poor tackling performance of the season opener. Kansas City enters the matchup with a 5-1 record.