Soon after, Bridgewater attempted an intermediate pass to Jeudy - but didn’t account for safety Juan Thornhill lurking over the middle of the field. However, they couldn’t follow that up with another first down - and finished with a field goal to make the score 13-3.įrom their own 20-yard line, the Broncos got into Chiefs’ territory with a mix of chunk runs and passes. The Chiefs got into scoring position on the ensuing drive with a 38-yard reception by Darrel Williams. The Broncos couldn’t take advantage of the turnover, quickly going three-and-out and punting the ball back to Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones forced a fumble while defending the run to set up third-and-6. A third-down conversion strengthened the unit’s momentum - but then a pass went off Hill’s hands into the those of a Denver defender for an interception. Denver couldn’t score in the two plays they got, making the score 10-3 at halftime.Ĭoming out of halftime, the Chiefs got Edwards-Helaire going effectively, getting into Broncos’ territory quickly.
With 1:12 remaining in the second quarter, the Chiefs opted to run out the clock, wasting nearly a minute before punting it away. A third-and-2 couldn’t be converted thanks to pressure by defensive end Frank Clark - and a rushing attempt on fourth down was stuffed by Gay and Ingram. The churned out a handful of chunk plays on the ground, combining with some third and fourth-down conversions to get into the red zone. After three failed pass plays, Kansas City punted it away.ĭenver took over deep in their own territory, establishing the run early to dig out of that hole. Up 10-3, the Chiefs failed to get anything going after a 12-yard run by Darrel Williams to open the drive. A few penalties later, the Broncos were forced to settle for a field goal. Deep into Chiefs’ territory, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater scrambled for a first down in the red zone on third-and-8. Towards the end of the first quarter, the Broncos quickly got going on a drive with a 36-yard pass to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Kansas City settled for a field goal to extend their lead to 10-0. A 14-yard pass to wide receiver Byron Pringle got them closer to the end zone, but another attempted screen pass was blown up. After a four-yard run, they designed a screen pass for him that resulted in 29 yards. Mahomes scored on the next play, scrambling to the right pylon for another opening-drive touchdown.ĭown 7-0, Denver failed to respond - going three-and-out with two incomplete passes the defensive drive was highlighted by a near interception from Gay and an impressive run-defense play by linebacker Anthony Hitchens.įrom their own 21-yard line, the Chiefs began to march again by getting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire involved. From there, wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught his second pass of the drive to get to the 10-yard line. On their opening drive, the Chiefs had little resistance driving the field - only seeing one third down before entering the red zone. From their own 25-yard line, a nine-yard run by running back Javonte Williams got them into second-and-short - but two plays by defensive end Melvin Ingram in run defense and as a pass rusher forced a fourth-down punt linebacker Willie Gay Jr. The Broncos won the coin toss, electing to receive the opening kickoff. Defensively, the performance was highlighted by two interceptions from the secondary. Running back Darrel Williams’ 60 receiving yards led the team.
His lone pick came off the hands of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who only had two catches for 22 yards. The Chiefs’ offense was led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, completing 15/29 passes for 184 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. They also have four losses, which is tied for the lowest amount among AFC teams. Kansas City is now alone in first place in the AFC West. Imperfect offense was complemented by opportunistic defense - which led to a 22-9 pounding on Sunday Night Football. From the very beginning, the Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) exercised strong-armed control of the game, quickly getting out to a 10-0 lead and never allowing the Denver Broncos (6-6) within less than seven points the rest of the game.