For most NFL fans, Christmas football is a feel-good tradition. But in Denver, this year’s holiday matchup is shaping up to be anything but cozy—especially if one former Bronco gets his wish.
Chris Harris Jr., a Super Bowl champion and cornerstone of the legendary “No Fly Zone” defense, didn’t hold back when discussing the Broncos’ upcoming showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. On the “DNVR Broncos Podcast,” Harris issued a blunt challenge to Sean Payton’s defense—and it was aimed squarely at Patrick Mahomes.
“Keep Mahomes in the pocket,” Harris said. “Don’t let this guy get out running, scrambling like he does late in games. And I dare one of those guys to hit him. Please. Somebody has to send a message in that game.”
A call to revive Denver’s defensive identity
The comments evoked memories of the 2015 Broncos defense that tormented Tom Brady en route to a Super Bowl win. Harris referenced that title run directly, noting how Denver “hit this guy damn near 20 times” in the AFC Championship. His message now? The Broncos need to bring that same edge back—penalties or not.
The rivalry has been anything but even in recent years. Mahomes is 13-1 against Denver, with the Broncos’ lone win coming last year when he didn’t play. That history, and a nationally televised Christmas showdown in Arrowhead, has only raised the stakes.
Whether Payton’s squad takes Harris’s advice remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: Denver’s veterans want the Chiefs—and Mahomes—to feel every second of it.
