In a vacuum, scheduling the
But zoom out, and zoom back to May: The schedule-makers were banking on answers yet undelivered. The Chiefs' quarterback, two-time MVP (David Eulitt via Getty Images)
So as two teams whom
"But you don't wanna get burned the hard way when they're healthier than you think. " Accelerating rehabilitation timelines leaves some defensive opponents wary of underestimating players' physical resilience. Others cite the psychological element of rehabilitation for athletes disciplined enough to thrive professionally. That "innate competitor" trait that helped them reach these professional heights can't be understated, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde said. Cowboys defensive pass game coordinator Derrick Ansley broke down his tactical expectation for Mahomes and Nix. "Most of these guys are going to play on-platform anyway," said Ansley, who also coaches Cowboys defensive backs. "Pat's always been quicker than fast, so he's still going to have that instinct. Same thing with Bo. There's no real advantage. … "My opinion: Just scout it straight up and start with what they do well from past film. "The cases for, against defenses trying to capitalize on QB injury
Broncos veteran edge rusher
(Perry Knotts via Getty Images)
Defenders and coaches cited movement as a key cue they'd look for in facing Mahomes or Nix in Week 1. Is the quarterback moving more fluidly to his left or the right? If one looks weaker, try to force them in that direction. Does the quarterback move outside the pocket by choice? Some surveyed voted to sit back and test the quarterback's appetite for movement, while others advocated instead for pushing the pocket early. "Different people give off different keys, so you just want to read your keys," Seahawks edge rusher
Defensive backs surveyed were eager to join their front-seven teammates in creating pressure on a quarterback.
"And then once they get the jitters, it could be wraps. " "If you can have that little extra waiting that he hasn't seen, I think that's important for guys like that," said
In between those early tests and the later ones, each defense must heed not only the opposing quarterback's health but also the shifting pieces around him. The Broncos enter this season with a remarkably consistent roster from last year but change in two key offensive areas: play-caller and receiver.
"He'll throw a lot of different things at you and make you respond. We're going to be ready for it but also have to adjust. "What tells will Broncos, Chiefs look for in their chess match?
Expect each defense to test quarterbacks early in the game. But just because a test hasn't come by, say, halftime, doesn't mean it won't come later.
