Well, hell finally froze over! The Denver Broncos have snapped their 16-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, and they did so in incredible fashion, without allowing a Chiefs touchdown. We look back at the studs and duds from this thriller.
Stud: Defense
In a game where the Chiefs offense did not seem to be hitting on all cylinders, the defense stepped up in a massive way. The defense forced two Patrick Mahomes interceptions, and three turnovers overall in the first half. The defense and special teams finished with five turnovers, its biggest output of the season. The defense kept Mahomes on the run all day, sacking him three times for 23 yards.
Neither stud or dud: Special teams
The Broncos special teams unit had a mixed bag Sunday. Kicker Wil Lutz had a kick blocked, but he made all his extra points and a field goal at the end of the game to boot. One of the biggest plays of the game came when the Chiefs’ Mecole Hardman muffed a punt, and Denver recovered on the 10-yard line.
Stud: Offense
The offense had its most complete game of the season, scoring 24 points in a game where they took the lead on the opening drive and never relinquished that advantage. Quarterback Russell Wilson was effective, going 12-of-19 for 114 yards and throwing three touchdowns to three different receivers.
Dud: Wilson holding onto the ball too long
At times on Sunday, Wilson could feel pressure, but not throw the ball away. He scrambled, trying to play hero ball instead, fumbling twice, losing one. This has been a persistent problem for the veteran as a member of the Broncos, an issue which could continue to impact the second half of the season
Stud: DC Vance Joseph
The most improved member of the Broncos has not been a player: it has been former head coach and current defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. In the past two games against Kansas City, Denver has allowed 19 and nine points, respectively. After giving up 70 points against the Miami Dolphins, the defense has turned things around in a big way. This win is a massive credit to the offense, defense and special teams.
It has been since the Peyton Manning years when the Broncos last beat the Chiefs. Gary Kubiak, Vance Joseph, Vic Fangio and Nathaniel Hackett were all unsuccessful in beating Kansas City from 2015-2023. This is a huge win going into the bye, and a morale booster for the Rocky Mountain region before facing the second half schedule. Now, the Broncos head into the bye at 3-5 before facing the Buffalo Bills in 14 days.
