KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ups and downs from the Broncos’ loss against the Chiefs on Sunday.
UP: First-half start. The Chiefs entered Sunday with scoring drives on their first series of every game this season (four touchdowns and three field goals). But that streak ended against Denver. The Broncos held Kansas City to a three-and-out and led 7-0 midway through the first quarter after a rushing score.
DOWN: Second-half start. Kansas City marched 83 yards over nine plays with quarterback Patrick Mahomes hitting wide receiver Sammy Watkins on a touchdown strike. Denver’s response? A short drive and punt. The Chiefs needed only four plays on their next possession to extend the lead further with a running back Kareem Hunt touchdown.
UP: Being wide open. Quarterback Case Keenum connected on a pair of deep completions to wide receivers in the first half aided by little or zero coverage by the Chiefs’ secondary — 49 yards to and 24 yards to (touchdown).
DOWN: Secondary play. Give Denver credit for limiting Hunt to fewer than 100 yards rushing. Too bad Mahomes utilized his arm to shred the Broncos’ defensive backs. He completed 24-of-34 passes for 303 yards, four touchdowns and one interception (). Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins led the way with eight catches for 107 yards and one score.
UP: Phillip Lindsay. The Broncos went without running back (knee) allowing Lindsay his first start for Denver. He didn’t disappoint. Lindsay had 18 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown.
DOWN: Pass protection. Keenum was sacked five times the Chiefs. Feel free to pass the blame around between poor pass blocking and Keenum holding the ball for far too long.
UP: Punt coverage. The Broncos effectively limited speedster Tyreek Hill in the punt return game. He fielded three returns for just 15 total yards gained.
DOWN: Video boards. The Chiefs tout Arrowhead as “The Loudest Stadium in the World” (142.2 db), but K.C. should add this disclaimer — with the world’s smallest video boards. The two football-shaped screens above the north and south end zone are small enough to make you squint. Most college programs have better optics. Time for an upgrade, Clark Hunt.
