Chiefs aware of 'anything' vs. Broncos in wake of Hackett firing

The Denver Broncos’ tumultuous and disappointing season continued Monday with the firing of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett.

The move brings some unknown, especially scheme-wise, just six days before the Chiefs welcome the Broncos to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

But the Chiefs will be prepared for whatever comes their way.

“The fact that there could be some changes that take place offensively, defensively, special teams — I’m not sure who they put in that position to determine what goes on or not go on — but there’s always that chance,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “There’s a sudden change that’s going to take place here, so you just got to be aware of anything and everything.”

This isn’t the season the Broncos envisioned after the team loaded up during the offseason to close the gap in the AFC West.

Two of Denver’s biggest moves were the hiring of Hackett away from the Green Bay Packers and acquiring quarterback Russell Wilson in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The results, however, have been a disaster, as the Broncos enter Week 17 with a 4-11 record.

Still, there is talent on the Broncos’ roster on both sides of the football.

Wilson and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who scored three touchdowns against the Chiefs in Week 14, anchor the offense, while the defense boasts a pair of star defensive backs in safety Justin Simmons and cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

And despite Denver now having an interim head coach, the Chiefs are fully aware of the challenges the Broncos present because of the recent matchup.

In that Week 14 meeting, the Chiefs jumped out to a 27-0 lead before the Broncos mounted a comeback attempt with 21 straight points. The Chiefs held on to win 34-28, marking a 14th straight win over their AFC West divisional foe.

“Listen, they played well against us last time, a few weeks ago,” Reid said. “The quarterback had some big runs and Jeudy some big catches, and then their defense played well against us after we had taken the 27-0 lead. We had the interceptions, and their pass defense was tremendous, which it’s been all year. And it just kind of tightened up on us at that time.

“So we’ve got to make sure we’re on our ‘A’ game. They already have our attention from our last game. Whatever they did with Hackett or didn’t do with Hackett, I mean, they had our attention. We know we’ve got to be ready, so that’s there.”