The Chiefs’ Josh Mauga chases the Broncos’ C.J. Anderson on a run in the second quarter. Anderson rushed for 168 yards and Connor Barth made five field goals in the Broncos’ 29-16 win. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)
KANSAS CITY, MO. — Sand paper couldn’t wipe the smile off Connor Barth’s face. Sunday wasn’t his first NFL game. But it was his first with his new team. Following the Broncos’ worst special teams performance of the season, Barth made a memorable first impression, tying a franchise record with five field goals in Denver’s 29-16 trouncing of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jason Elam last accomplished the feat in October 2002. Barth wears No. 1, in part, because he grew up idolizing the Broncos great.
“It’s awesome. It’s an honor. I hope I did him proud tonight,” Barth said. “I haven’t met him. I hope to someday. But hopefully he’s OK with me representing him. That’s all I am trying to do with his number because he was my role model.”
Barth joins Elam, Rich Karlis (1983) and Gene Mingo (1963) as Broncos with field goals. While he lacked distance on his kickoffs, Barth was straight down the fairway on chipshot drives, converting from 22, 24, 30, 33 and 37 yards.
“He was pretty good tonight and those weren’t easy conditions,” Fox said. “Some people were talking about the lack of touchbacks. I think both kickers struggled in that area.”
