The 8-2 Denver Broncos played the 5-4 Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11. It was a defensive battle, with the score 6-6 at halftime. In fact, it was 19-19 with less than a minute left in the game. Here are the key takeaways from the Broncos-Chiefs game.
Bo Nix Establishes It
After a sack on the first play from scrimmage, Nix converts an eight-yard pass for a first down on third and seven to rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant to prevent a three-and-out to start the game. Huge for the team’s confidence as the game starts.
Another huge third-down conversion puts the Broncos in Chiefs’ territory. The Broncos are two for two on third downs on the first drive of the game. Nix converts a 21-yard pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
Chiefs’ defensive tackle Chris Jones sacks Nix on the Broncos’ third, third down in the red zone. The Broncos, meanwhile, call 10 passes compared to three runs on their opening drive. Kicker Will Lutz makes a 29-yard field goal to cap off a 14-play, 54-yard drive that lasts seven minutes and 24 seconds.
The Broncos’ offense starts their second drive in the red zone after a 70-yard punt return by Marvin Mims Jr. and a Kansas City penalty. The Broncos go three and out after a deflection on a third-down pass that otherwise would’ve been a touchdown to Sutton. Lutz, meanwhile, makes another field goal, but Denver has all of the momentum. The Broncos have had the ball for eight minutes and 52 seconds as opposed to a minute and 19 seconds for the Chiefs.
“Offensively, we’ll pick it up here,” head coach Sean Payton said before the second half.
On their first possession of the second half, Nix connects with wide receiver Troy Franklin on third and eight for 35 yards. In Kansas City territory, Nix connects with Sutton for 13 yards on the next play. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin caps off the 11-play, 89-yard drive with the game’s first touchdown. Broncos 13-6 late in the third quarter.
To end the third quarter, Nix connects with Bryant on a 48-yard pass. Broncos ball on the Chiefs’ 23-yard line to start the fourth quarter after a nine-yard pass to tight end Evan Engram. Lutz caps off the eight-play, 60-yard drive with a field goal. Broncos 16-13.
Now 19-19, Nix and Co. take the field with less than three minutes left. Nix, meanwhile, connects with Sutton on a 20-yard pass on the first third down of the drive — third and 15. To set up a game-winning field goal, Nix connects with Franklin for 32 yards to put the Broncos on the Chiefs’ 15-yard line. Lutz, meanwhile, converts a 35-yard field goal. Broncos win 22-19
Nix’s passing stat line: 24-of-37 for 295 yards, eight yards per attempt, and a 89.4 passer rating.
Broncos’ Defense Lights Out
The Broncos’ defense forces a three-and-out on the Chiefs’ first drive. Broncos Country, let’s ride. On the second drive, though, a DPI penalty on Riley Moss puts the Chiefs in the red zone. After that, quarterback Patrick Mahomes takes a hit by edge rusher Nik Bonitto on a three-yard run three plays later. The Broncos’ defense forces a field goal after holding on third and 15. Broncos 6-3.
The Broncos’ defense then holds the Chiefs’ offense to a field goal after a 16-play, 77-yard drive that takes up nine minutes and 32 seconds. Huge morale victory for the Broncos’ defense. It’s 6-6.
The Broncos’ first sack comes at the right time, with less than two minutes in the half. Nix and Co. start the drive on their 27-yard line after a 61-yard punt. The Broncos’ offense declines going for it on fourth and inches on their 35-yard line. Kansas City gets the ball back with 27 seconds left on its 24-yard line. It’s 6-6 going into halftime after a sack by nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian to end the half. The Broncos end the first half with two sacks.
Coming out of the half, the Chiefs’ eight-play, 47-yard drive stalls on the Broncos’ 21-yard line. McMillian intercepts Mahomes to set up the Broncos’ offense on their 11-yard line after a penalty after the turnover.
The Broncos’ defense doesn’t allow a touchdown until late in the third quarter. It’s 13-13 after a two-yard rushing touchdown by running back Kareem Hunt to cap off a six-play, 75-yard drive.
Starting to crack, the Broncos’ defense allows a second touchdown on consecutive drives. Chiefs 19-16 after a blocked extra point. That said, the Broncos force a three-and-out on the next drive. Broncos ball on their 45-yard line after a 24-yard punt return by Mims Jr. with less than seven minutes left in the game.
After the offense ties the game, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph times up a blitz on third and 10 to force a punt. McMillian now has two sacks and an interception. The Broncos’ offense ends the ball with the game. More on this above.
Marvin Mims Jr. Is Back
Mims Jr. accounts for 102 yards on three punt returns that lead to nine points. He accounts for 104 total yards in the game. The Broncos, meanwhile, are 9-2 heading into a bye week.