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

The Super Bowl and NFL MVP is going to be good for a long time; Broncos will need to have an answer for him.

Denver Broncos v Kansas City Chiefs Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

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

What the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win means to us - Arrowhead Pride
The founders of AP return to give their thoughts on the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl title in 50 years.

Kyle Shanahan talks TO strategy, late play calls in loss - NFL.com
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan again left a Super Bowl with a disappointing loss and a late blown lead. Shanahan explained some of his more questionable decisions following his team's loss to the Chiefs in SB LIV.

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.

Andy Reid wins SB title, says 'absolutely' worth wait - NFL.com
In his 21st season as a head coach in the NFL, Andy Reid had more wins in the regular season and playoffs without a Super Bowl victory than any coach before. But that was before Sunday's triumph.

Chiefs comeback from ten-point deficit to defeat 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV - Niners Nation
The Niners had every opportunity to win this one.

Eight winners and two losers from Super Bowl LIV - Arrowhead Pride
The Chiefs get their second Super Bowl win, erasing 50 years of postseason futility.

Patrick Mahomes named MVP of Super Bowl LIV after leading Chiefs' comeback
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was named MVP of Super Bowl LIV after leading the Chiefs on three touchdown drives in the fourth quarter en route to a comeback win over the 49ers.

Chiefs comeback from ten-point deficit to defeat 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV - Niners Nation
The Niners had every opportunity to win this one

Eight winners and two losers from Super Bowl LIV - Arrowhead Pride
The Chiefs get their second Super Bowl win, erasing 50 years of postseason futility.

Patrick Mahomes named MVP of Super Bowl LIV after leading Chiefs' comeback
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was named MVP of Super Bowl LIV after leading the Chiefs on three touchdown drives in the fourth quarter en route to a comeback win over the 49ers.

Horse Tracks

Years after meeting, Steve Atwater and Troy Polamalu cross paths again as newest Hall of Famers
“It’s a dream come true honestly,” said Polamalu of going into the Hall of Fame with Atwater.

Chris Harris, Jr. Reveals Whether he'd Accept an Early Offer From Broncos if the Price was Right
Chris Harris, Jr. is poised to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career. If he leaves, the Broncos don't have much by way of proven talent at the cornerback position.

NFL Hall of Fame: Peyton Manning won’t choose between Colts, Broncos
When Peyton Manning is voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he will represent the Colts and the Broncos, not choose between them.

Kiszla: Denver, we have a problem. Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes is face that will haunt Broncos’ nightmares for next decade. – The Denver Post
Denver, we have a problem. His name is Patrick Mahomes, the face of the NFL's future. This young Chiefs quarterback is the biggest thing to hit Kansas City since Arthur Bryant, or at least Len Dawson.

Chargers have emerged as option for QB Tom Brady
The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to pursue quarterback Tom Brady this offseason.

What the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win means to us - Arrowhead Pride
The founders of AP return to give their thoughts on the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl title in 50 years.

Kyle Shanahan talks TO strategy, late play calls in loss - NFL.com
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan again left a Super Bowl with a disappointing loss and a late blown lead. Shanahan explained some of his more questionable decisions following his team's loss to the Chiefs in SB LIV.

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.