CRAZY PLAY OF THE DAY
Who’s got it?
The fumble by Chiefs running back Larry Johnson created confusion for the officials. Courtney Brown picked up the ball at about the Kansas City 12-yard line and ran in for what looked like a touchdown. It took several minutes for officials to realize Denver had the ball. Officials finally ruled the Broncos had possession at the 12.
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BESTS
Invesco Field rocks
Noise: Some observers thought Invesco Field at Mile High was at its noisiest Monday night. Beginning with a hokey “Monday Night Football” promo, featuring wrestling star “The Rock” on the field, the house was rocking hard. The press box even shook – old Mile High-style – at times.
Break: On third down, on their first series of the game, the Broncos survived yet another red-zone folly when No. 3 receiver Charlie Adams fumbled out of bounds on third-and-11 from the Chiefs’ 14-yard line. The ball bounced out of bounds before a Kansas City player had a chance to jump on it.
Defender: Courtney Brown was
terrific. He has been healthy for two games and dominant in two games.
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TURNING POINT
Forcing the fumble
The Broncos’ recent penchant for creating turnovers was evident in the first quarter when linebacker Ian Gold clubbed Kansas City running back Larry Johnson, causing him to fumble. The ball was recovered by defensive end Courtney Brown at the Chiefs’ 12-yard line. On the next play, Denver quarterback Jake Plummer hit receiver Rod Smith for a touchdown to make the score 17-0.
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HIT OF THE DAY
Big hits on one play
The Broncos made a double hit in the second quarter. Safety John Lynch clobbered Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, who completed a pass to tight end Kris Wilson. Wilson then was rammed out of bounds by safety Sam Brandon, who was playing in nickel situations. The Broncos got the most out of their shoulder pads on that play.
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WORSTS
A drop in the bucket
Drop: On Kansas City’s first series, a wide-open Samie Parker, above, dropped a pass from Trent Green in Denver territory.
Start: Kansas City’s offense was flustered by the noise and the Broncos’ aggressive attack. Green often used the shotgun to try to kick-start the offense. It didn’t work.
Welcome: Chiefs receiver Eddie Kennison still is not a popular guy in Denver. Every time he touched the ball, he was booed. Kennison quit the Broncos in 2001, saying he was retired – only to resurface with the Chiefs a short time later.
