Mahomes is why Broncos’ D can’t waste time filling holes

Good morning, Broncos Country!

If you decided to suffer the Super Bowl last night, you know two things:

The Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl was actually a very entertaining game (but shhh...don’t ever tell them that)

Patrick Mahomes is good. Like “I can come back from any deficit in a you-lose-you-go-home game” good - aka John Elway good.

Mahomes’ ability to extend a play, Mahomes’ ability to throw downfield (even while running), and Mahomes’ ability to impose his will on an opponent is nothing compared to Mahomes’ ability to lead a comeback on the biggest stage in pro football.

And having to face this young QB twice every season for the next decade-plus means the Broncos had better get their act together - and soon.

As Andrew Mason put it, this “is how the rest of the AFC West felt during the Elway years.”

It’s poetic justice then for the Chiefs that the Broncos GM feeling the wrath of Mahomes is none other than John Elway. The MVP quarterback is 5-0 against the Broncos, and his Chiefs team hasn’t lost a game by more than 7 points since Mahomes became the QB.

That’s why it’s more crucial than ever this offseason that Elway fortify the defense - particularly at cornerback and interior d-lineman (preferably an inside pass-rusher...or two).

Because the only way to stop the Chiefs is to stop Mahomes.

And that means a solid defense top to bottom. Although the offense clearly needs a lineman and probably another speedy receiver, it’s time for Elway to focus again on the D this offseason.

Jeffrey Essary recently pointed out the imbalance in Elway’s drafts since 2017 - 16 of 24 picks have been for the offense.

Although some weapons for Drew Lock are probably a great idea, it’s the defense that is going to need the most attention.

Pressure on Mahomes is effective - but only if he doesn’t have an open Tyreek Hill or Travis Kelce to bail him out.

The Broncos are going to have to be strong across the board and have some solid depth if they are going to “hang with Mahomie” for the next decade. So if Von Miller and Bradley Chubb are going to be able to do their thing, a more menacing interior pass rush and corners that can cover are a must.

Congrats to the Chiefs for capitalizing on all their weapons and strengths for an exciting Super Bowl win.

Now let’s get some defense and kick their asses “to infinity and beyond.”

Horse Tracks - Super Bowl

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Jimmy Garoppolo rues missed chances in 4th quarter - NFL.com
Through three quarters, San Francisco hadn't attempted a single punt. But an hour later, the 49ers had lost the Super Bowl. "We just didn't make the plays when we had opportunities to," Jimmy Garoppolo said.