In the fourth quarter, even though they had a three-point lead and possession of the ball, the Denver Broncos forced back-to-back three-and-outs. With two late field goals, they defeated the Chiefs 22-19, likely ending any chance to win their tenth straight AFC West title.
The Kansas City Chiefs lost their fifth one-score game of the season, and at 5-5, they face a challenging path to making the playoffs. The Denver Broncos outperformed the Chiefs in all three phases of the game, raising questions about the Chiefs’ failed game plan on Sunday.
With two weeks to prepare, the Chiefs were content to sit back and let Bo Nix pick the defense apart. Steve Spagnuolo didn’t blitz once on the Broncos’ last two drives of the game. They didn’t learn anything from the game film that showed Nix being ineffective with pressure.
Head Coach Andy Reid called a lackluster game, and it was clear he didn’t do anything to counter the Broncos’ intense pass rush. Josh Simmons returned at left tackle, which seemed to help, but Reid abandoned the running game. A part of the problem was two costly penalties by right tackle Jawaan Taylor. In both cases, they erased big plays that were called back, costing them points.
Patrick Mahomes did his best, but he missed two key first-quarter plays by overthrowing Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton, which cost the Chiefs valuable points. Mahomes’ offensive line let him down on the final drives, and without the ability to run the ball, he didn’t stand a chance with the pressure mounting.
To their credit, the Broncos have the best defense in the NFL, and this was not a game where they could afford to miss opportunities. Mahomes had another red zone interception that could have resulted in at least a field goal. Those three missed points made the difference in the game.
I think when you analyze this game logically, the Chiefs struggle to handle the crucial moments of this season’s games. Reid is the head coach, and it’s obvious he’s not calling the right plays, relying too much on Mahomes. He’s earned respect, but I can’t keep listening to post-game comments about him needing to do a better coaching job.
At some point, he needs to do it this season if he wants to prevent this team from missing the playoffs entirely.
I know this is harsh, and I should talk more about the X’s and O’s of this game, and how close Kansas City came to avoiding having to win out their remaining seven games, but I can’t make that leap.
The Broncos are a solid team, but their offense is held together with duct tape and a head coach who makes the most of what Bo Nix can do with time in the pocket. He clearly exploited Spags’ defensive strategy, and in the fourth quarter, they made all the plays that resulted in three field goals.
Some of this loss can be blamed on luck and a poorly officiated game on both sides. Denver got unfair calls, but the Chiefs did too. In the fourth quarter, Mahomes was hit in the neck, and no penalty was called.
Listen, I usually don’t take losses, but this one hurt. The Chiefs are a .500 football team with a roster that I viewed as one of the best in the Reid era. Tells you what I know!
I can’t tell you what will happen over the final seven games, but I know losing back-to-back road games at Buffalo and Denver, where mistakes cost them wins, is very telling. This team doesn’t have an identity.
Again, we’ve been spoiled since Mahomes arrived in Kansas City, and this is a tough pill for the fans and players to swallow, as they will regret their missed opportunities this season.
With the Indianapolis Colts coming to Arrowhead on Sunday and a short road game at Dallas on Thanksgiving, the Chiefs’ playoff chances could dwindle to near zero with two more losses.
Still, if you want a silver lining, if anyone can bail out his team, Mahomes can save the day. Time will tell!
