Broncos, Nix expecting ‘many bags of tricks’ from Chiefs and Spagnuolo

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos quarterback Bo Nix knows Steve Spagnuolo’s defenses well by this point — and part of that is because of the frequency of matchups.

Monday’s game will mark the fifth time that Nix has tested a defense led by the Chiefs’ esteemed defensive coordinator — the most times he’s faced any opposing play-caller since breaking into the NFL.

“I don’t think I’ve played a defense coordinator five times yet really in my life,” Nix said. “So, I feel he’s gonna have many bags of tricks. He’s gonna have a lot thrown at us, but I feel like at least I can see it a little bit. I’ve seen a lot of their structure and I’ve gotten more and more comfortable.”

Added tight end Evan Engram: “They’re just defense that’s going to attack. Spags is still there; he’s had an identity since he’s gotten there of just straight attacking, sending all type of exotic stuff.”

But that isn’t always the case.

Nix also got a feel for how Spagnuolo can vary his tactics from one matchup to the next. Same foe, same quarterback, but an entirely different game plan. He experienced this last Christmas when the Broncos went to Kansas City five-and-a-half weeks after the Broncos walked off the Chiefs.

“Last year we saw a couple different game plans,” Nix said. “The first time, he attacked us; the second time he stayed in a little bit more shell, cover- two and quarters.

“So, we don’t know what we’ll get, but we know he’s got a lengthy call sheet that he could get to a lot of different things.”

The key in response?

“Usually when you play a guy that’s got a lot — that relies on doing a lot — you want to be simple, concise, be easy, and just get to your answers,” Nix said.

BRONCOS’ ADVANTAGE COULD BE DAVIS WEBB

Monday night will represent new Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb’s first foray into regular-season play-calling. He handled it through this preseason and for a preseason game last year.

Since it’s difficult to glean much from preseason, Webb has the advantage of having no known tendencies.

“I think it’s tougher on them for sure because you just don’t know necessarily his style,” Nix said.

“I’ve been around Davis for a few years understanding what he likes, doesn’t like, the kind of style he’s gonna call the game with and and stuff like that, but overall I think it’s gonna be tougher for them to respond and adjust.”

Webb is in Game No. 1. Spagnuolo is set for season No. 17 as either a defensive coordinator or head coach. And yet both sides are expecting the unexpected from the other.

“[Spagnuolo] presents many multiple challenges, that he’ll throw a lot of different things at you and make you respond,” Nix said. ”
So, we’re going to be ready for it, but also have to adjust.”

For more, watch the embedded video.

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