The Kansas City Chiefs faced the Denver Broncos on October 12 in Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season. Here are takeaways and highlights from the game.
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Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs 19, Denver Broncos 8
The Chiefs won their 16th straight victory over the Broncos. This game is the fifth win in a row for the Chiefs after dropping their season opener to the Detroit Lions. It was a resounding 19-8 victory on a Thursday night primetime game for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Kansas City dominated the game, leading by 13 points by halftime. It was not Denver’s worst performance of the season, but it certainly was not their best. The Chiefs were not playing at their best and still managed to come away with the win. At halftime, Russell Wilson had 37 yards passing, and the Broncos overall had 97. Compare that with Travis Kelce, who had 109 yards by halftime.
While Denver’s woes can be partially blamed on the poor play of Wilson, the game-calling was not that great either. Running the ball against the Chiefs early on in the game seemed to be working. However, as the game progressed, they got away from that. Also, there did not seem to be much play-action on Denver’s part as well. The defense for the Broncos appeared to have a little more to give, being able to keep the Chiefs only at 19 points. However, it could be said that Kansas City was their own worst enemy on offense.
Mahomes was 30 of 40 for 306 yards through the air with a touchdown and one interception, while Wilson was 13 of 22 for 95 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Highlights
Justin Reid shut it down real quick ❌ @justinqreid#DENvsKC on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/U9rA3YdBnZ pic.twitter.com/8vfGYAf8x8— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2023
One-handed. Jump ball. Just an insane TD catch from Courtland Sutton. @SuttonCourtland#DENvsKC on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/U9rA3YdBnZ pic.twitter.com/Gh5dOrmShS— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2023
JOKAAA 😈 pic.twitter.com/l8NHMsXkR7
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 13, 2023
BOLT REINS IT IN ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/PmM9Rgpbs2
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 13, 2023
Looking Forward
The Chiefs scored their lowest number of points for the season. They have yet to find a good rhythm besides the Mahomes-Kelce connection. Are their other offensive weapons simply not that great, or do they still need time? Perhaps they are missing the influence of Eric Bieniemy more than we think they are. Whatever the issue is, they need to work it out soon. There are only so many times that the defense will bail them out or play well enough to keep their opponent off the board. Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Justin Reid. They are some of the best defensive players the Chiefs have. They’ve done their part; the offense must get their act together. Kansas City will face the Los Angeles Chargers next on October 22—another important division matchup.
Will the downward spiral for the Broncos continue? With the perfect trifecta of issues on offense, defense, and coaching, will they be able to overcome what has been a disastrous season? Only time will tell. Right now, the future does not look good for Denver; they are hemorrhaging players, and who knows when that will end. Sean Payton is a good coach, Wilson is a good quarterback, and they have a plethora of good players. They must all get on the same page if they want to salvage the season. They will be hosting the Green Back Packers on October 22, so they have a little bit of time to sit down and work things out.
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