Broncos Fail To Take Down Undefeated Chiefs

Broncos Fail To Take Down Undefeated Chiefs

Showtime Patrick Mahomes and company came into Denver on Monday night and stole a 27-23 win from the Broncos. The Denver defense was able to hold the Kansas City offense to their closest game of the season, keeping it within 4 points. The Broncos held a 23-13 lead coming into the 4th quarter, but lost it with 1:39 to go.

Game Altering Moment

With 2:53 left in the 4th, the Broncos had the lead 23-20, with a promising look at a win after two straight penalties backed the Chiefs into a 2nd and 30. A stop would have created a unimaginable 3rd and 30, but Mahomes showed the world what he can do. The rookie scrambled to his right before finding Demarcus Robinson for 23 yards. This set up a Chiefs 3rd and 7, and at this point the Broncos defense started spiraling down. Mahomes was able to find Demetrius Harris for a wide-open 35 yard pass for the third down conversion. The drive ultimately resulted in the game winning touchdown from Kareem Hunt.

Case Keenum couldn’t complete the last minute comeback as he lead Denver into Chiefs territory, but ultimately overthrew Demaryius Thomas at the goal line. After that, the Broncos turned the ball over on downs, Kansas City secured the win.

The Broncos Defense Kept Them In The Game

Denver’s defense was able to keep Mahomes in check, getting to him more than any other team this season with 3 sacks and 9 hits. He went 28/45 with only one passing TD, the lowest for Mahomes in a game this season. Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Woods kept the blitzes coming on LT Eric Fisher, forcing Mahomes to roll out to the right. This created a unusual stat line for Von Miller, who only managed one tackle.

The Broncos are still struggling trying to cover tight ends. Travis Kelce was blanked in the first half, then caught seven balls with a TD in the second half. Sadly the coverage faded as the game went on and Kelce ran all over Denver.

Top Players

The rookie tandem Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay kept their tremendous seasons going, combining for 136 yards with two touchdowns on total 20 carries. Freeman is now tied for the lead with Giants rookie Saquon Barkley for the most rookie rushing TDs. The top performer on the defensive side was safety Justin Simmons, who led the team with 8 tackles.

Denver’s defense was able to keep Mahomes in check, getting to him more than any other team this season