The Kansas City Chiefs lead the Denver Broncos 27-14 heading into halftime. It’d be a rout for the Chiefs if not for a pair of costly turnovers from star QB Patrick Mahomes. The Broncos get the ball to start the second half, so the defense will need a good plan if they’re to go on to win the game.
Buy Chiefs TicketsHere are a few quick takeaways from the first half of play:
Third down defense must improve
It was highlighted during our five things to watch preview — the Chiefs have not been great on defense on third down this season. They’re allowing 40.5% of third downs to be converted against them this season. In the opening defensive series, the Chiefs surrendered two third-and-long conversions. Denver didn’t even average three yards per play on the drive. The Broncos also happen to be one of the worst teams on third down in the league. They’ve improved here as the game has gone on, but you’d like to see more against a team as bad as Denver on third down.
Feed Jerick McKinnon
Jerick McKinnon is having a very good day in Denver. He was targeted six times in the first half, recording four receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn’t had a single carry yet, as the team has left those to Isiah Pacheco, who is averaging 5.6 yards per carry right now. That said, McKinnon is carving up the Broncos in the passing game. The Chiefs would be wise to continue feeding McKinnon in the second half with some manufactured touches. Just get the ball into his hands in space and let him feast.
Turnover troubles continue for Kansas City
The Chiefs are now on their eighth consecutive week with a turnover. To say that it’s a problem would probably be an understatement. They were leading 27-0 late into the second quarter, but two interceptions from Patrick Mahomes allowed the Broncos back into this game with touchdowns on each interception. The discussion could have been, “Do we start Chad Henne in the second half?” Instead, there’s a possibility that it’s a one-score game after Denver’s opening possession in the second half. Mahomes needs to play a bit sharper down the stretch in this one.
