KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Broncos gained only 12 yards on six plays in their opening possession. The Chiefs responded with seven plays and 77 yards, ending with a 10-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Alex Smith. It was the seventh touchdown allowed this season by Denver’s defense on its opponents’ first possession, tied for the second-most in the NFL.
The Chiefs later scored on a 70-yard run by Tyreek Hill and an 80-yard reception by tight end Travis Kelce, the long run and pass plays allowed by Denver this season. All told, in the first quarter Kansas City amassed 243 yards and three touchdowns, compared to Denver’s 57 yards and one touchdown (1-yard run by Justin Forsett after an interception by Denver’s Justin Simmons was returned to Kansas City’s 6) to jump to a quick 21-7 lead.
Denver has a minus-61 first-quarter scoring differential, second worst in the NFL.
Injuries. Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster suffered a concussion after taking a hard hit to his helmet on kickoff coverage. Webster was down on the field for a few minutes with players on both sides retreating to a knee. He was able to get to his feet before being carted off.
Defensive end Derek Wolfe re-injured his neck, which caused him to miss practice all week, and did not return.
Kicker games. Brandon McManus’ 52-yard field goal in the second quarter was his third 50-yarder this season and the eighth of his career. He ranks third on the team’s all-time list, behind Jason Elam (37) and Matt Prater (21).
McManus also ran 6 yards on a failed fake field-goal attempt late in the quarter, which was only the second recorded run by a place-kicker in Broncos history. Elam was the first, with a 2-yard run against Seattle in 2006 that earned a first down.
Inactives. The Broncos were missing four key contributors because of injuries. Safety T.J. Ward and tight ends A.J. Derby and Virgil Green, all in the concussion protocol, and linebacker Brandon Marshall (hamstring) were among the Broncos’ seven inactives. Inside linebacker Quentin Gause, offensive lineman Connor McGovern and outside linebacker Vontarrius Dora filled out the list as healthy scratches.
Footnotes. Von Miller, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris were game day captains for the Broncos. … Sunday was Demaryius Thomas’ 29th birthday. Monday is Trevor Siemian’s 25th birthday.
