Offense — C
It took until the 12th game to eclipse 50% work on third down (7-of-13) and Melvin Gordon used a 65-yard first-half carry to finish with a season-high 131 yards. What we didn’t understand was Phillip Lindsay getting 14 carries compared to 15 for Gordon. Lindsay found the sledding nearly impossible, managing only 26 yards on his attempts. This really was the Broncos’ first chance to ride the hot hand, but for whatever reason, the workload was a near even split. Drew Lock overcame a first-possession interception to throw two touchdowns to receiver Tim Patrick. The offensive line lost Graham Glasgow to a toe injury in the first half. Lock wasn’t sacked. Receiver KJ Hamler’s third-and-3 drop with six minutes remaining (a tough, but makeable catch) was the Broncos’ last hope.
Defense — B
The Chiefs rolled up 447 yards, had eight plays of at least 20 yards and didn’t turn it over. So why did it seem like the Broncos kind of had Kansas City on its heels? Red zone work, period. The Chiefs were 0-of-4 in the red zone as the Broncos did their best work once their backs were against the goal line. The Chiefs were 3-of-10 on third down, but averaged 6.1 yards per rush and 7.1 yards per play. What was the difference? The defense didn’t make a big play in the fourth quarter. Safety Kareem Jackson had 10 tackles, but the pass rush had just one sack (by outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu). Mahomes with more time to survey the field is inviting disaster. But one touchdown against this Star Wars offense? A high mark for the defense.
Special teams — B
Tyrie Cleveland, filling in for Diontae Spencer, averaged 25.7 yards on three kick returns and continues to show a good ability finding openings, but also grinding away for tough yards. Punter Sam Martin averaged 36.7 yards on three attempts. Kicker Brandon McManus missed a 57-yard field goal late in the first half, but was good from 53 yards to start the scoring and had four touchbacks. Duke Dawson’s stupid personal foul call after a Chiefs punt forced the Broncos to start at their 8-yard line in the fourth quarter (eventual punt).
Coaching — B
If there was a Red Zone Coach of the Week, Vic Fangio would win it in a landslide and he also won a challenge to overturn a completion to Chiefs receiver Sammy Watkins. We were first-guessing his decision to send McManus out for the long field goal late in the first half and it probably cost the Broncos three points as opposed to pinning the Chiefs deep in their territory. Two other decisions by Fangio — going for two points in the third quarter (a little early to chase the extra point) and punting on fourth-and-3 from midfield (hindsight said to go for it) were questionable. It will be interesting what the Broncos see on tape regarding tight end Noah Fant (big first half, not-so-big second half) and receiver Jerry Jeudy (one catch for five yards).
