The Kansas City Chiefs gave another lock down defensive performance on Sunday Night to beat the Denver Broncos and solidify their place among the AFC’s best teams. The win was Kansas City’s fifth in a row and they continue to be right in the mix for home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
KC’s D suddenly one of league’s best
It was far from a perfect game, especially on the offensive side of the ball. But over the last five games the Chiefs defense has been nearly perfect. In their last nine quarters the Kansas City defense has allowed just one touchdown and it was a consolation one for the Broncos late in the fourth quarter when the game was already out of hand.
The defense held Denver to a three-and-out on the opening possession of the game, and Patrick Mahomes led his side on a 12 play, 72 yard touchdown drive. The Chiefs didn’t look back from that point on.
Broncos empty handed after 20 play drive
Both teams then exchanged field goals, and things looked like they could get tight in the second quarter when Teddy Bridgewater and the Broncos constructed an 88 yard, 20 play drive that eventually ended in a turnover on downs. Vic Fangio came into the game with that kind of game plan. He wanted to keep Mahomes off the field and have control of the time of possession battle.
The drive ended when Javonte Williams was stopped on fourth and short right before the halftime break. The turnover on downs seemed to deflate the boys form the Mile High City.
The Broncos started the third quarter with a three-and-out, and Bridgewater threw an interception on the next possession. While the Broncos were able to hold Mahomes and the Chiefs after the pick, the ensuing punt was muffed by Diontae Spencer and recovered by Kansas City.
Butker perfect with three FG’s of three
Neither the offense nor the special teams did the defense any favors, especially in the second half. The Chiefs were limited to a field goal, one of Harrison Butker’s three in as many tries, to take a 16-3 lead.
The Kansas City offense didn’t overwhelm, but they were fortunate to be put in such great positions because of their defense’s stranglehold on the Broncos offense. Mahomes passed for just 184 yards, and the run game went for a combined total of 89 yards.
Kansas City’s defense put the game on ice early in the fourth quarter when Daniel Sorenson returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown with under 10 to go in the fourth quarter.
Homefield a very good possibility in Chiefs future
The Broncos go a cheap touchdown once the Chiefs had take their foot off the pedal, but it was never going to be enough to make Andy Reid and Kansas City sweat.
The Chiefs now move to 8-4 on the year, and are riding a five game win streak straight to the top of the AFC standings. They trail just the New England Patriots who have the tie breaker edge on them. The Broncos meanwhile, drop to 6-6 on the year, but are still very much in the play off picture.