Patrick Mahomes acknowledges that the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense is still a work in progress. This was evident in their struggles on third downs against Denver on Thursday night, difficulties in short-yardage situations, and a recurring inability to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
“Fortunately,” Mahomes commented, “our defense is performing exceptionally well.”
Indeed, the Chiefs’ defense was the star of the night. Mahomes managed just one touchdown pass, and Harrison Butker’s four field goals secured a 19-8 victory over the Broncos. The Broncos’ offense, led by a shaky Russell Wilson, could only muster 197 yards.
“Our defense has players who would be starters on other teams, and when they step onto the field, they deliver,” Mahomes praised the Kansas City defense. “They’re playing with confidence.”
Mahomes threw for 306 yards and had one interception, with a significant portion of his production going to Travis Kelce, who had nine receptions for 124 yards. Taylor Swift was once again seen cheering Kelce on from a suite at Arrowhead Stadium.
Despite the Chiefs’ inability to score touchdowns, they managed to secure the win. Butker’s first three field goals provided a 16-0 lead. Still, Wilson’s touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton, initially ruled incomplete but overturned upon review, gave the Broncos a glimmer of hope. Javonte Williams’ 2-point conversion narrowed the gap, turning it into a one-possession game.
However, the Broncos’ defense was unable to stop the Chiefs. Mahomes connected with Rashee Rice on a critical third-and-2 play, setting up Butker for a 52-yard field goal with 1:55 left, sealing the game.
“Our defense was exceptional tonight, as it has been,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid remarked. “But we need to be more efficient in the red zone. We gained a lot of yards, but stalling in the red zone is not ideal.”
The Broncos haven’t beaten the Chiefs since September 17, 2015, a year when Peyton Manning led Denver to the Super Bowl. This streak remains unbroken, with Sean Payton leading the Broncos on Thursday night. Despite offensive struggles, the Broncos managed to stay in the game until the fourth quarter.
As problematic as the Broncos’ defense has been this season, it was their offense, led by Russell Wilson, that hampered them. Wilson had just 37 passing yards in the first half, and their only drive that crossed midfield ended on fourth down.
The Chiefs didn’t fare much better, particularly in the red zone. Their first three trips into the red zone resulted in only three points. Butker’s 60-yard field goal at the end of the first half made it 13-0.
The Chiefs continued to struggle in the red zone in the second half, relying on Butker’s field goals. The defense’s performance was crucial for the Chiefs.
“I believe we did many positive things, but we need to execute better in the red zone and on third downs,” Mahomes said. “Nonetheless, there are many positives we can take from this.”
Taylor Swift, in attendance for the third time, watched Kelce and the Chiefs. Their relationship began a few weeks ago when Kelce invited Swift to a Chiefs game after missing the opportunity to meet her during her Eras Tour.
Sack Situation: Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones recorded a sack in his eighth consecutive regular-season game, second only to his own 11-game streak in 2018, setting a franchise record. Jones also broke the club record for the most sacks to start a season, previously held by Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas.
Injuries:
- Broncos: TE Greg Dulcich left the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury, the same injury that had put him on injured reserve after Week 1.
- Chiefs: S Justin Reid briefly left in the second half, and WR Justin Watson departed in the fourth quarter with an elbow injury while attempting a diving catch.
