The Kansas City Chiefs faced the Denver Broncos in a showdown on Oct. 17, 2019, in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season.
In a highly-anticipated AFC West divisional matchup, the Kansas City Chiefs rolled into Denver to take on the Broncos. The Chiefs were able to produce a 30-6 win over the Broncos to give Andy Reid his 200th win, but the victory did come at a price. Patrick Mahomes suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of the game and was later ruled out for the rest of the game.
For fans and critics anticipating the matchup between the Broncos’ offense and the Chiefs’ defense, the game was either a disappointment or a surprise. The Chiefs were able to sack Flacco nine times, which is the most they’ve had against the Broncos since John Elway’s rookie season. Up against a Chiefs defense that has been struggling to find itself all season, the Broncos weren’t able to take advantage and establish a running game or protect Flacco. Chiefs fans will be wondering where this defense has been all season and Broncos fans will be wondering why their offense collapsed.
Recap and Highlights
The game started off with a touchdown for the Broncos and the extra point was good, but a penalty on the Chiefs resulted in the Broncos accepting it and attempting a two-point conversion. They didn’t convert, but they led 6-0. Kansas City responded with a touchdown on a 21-yard pass from Mahomes to Mecole Hardman, and with Harrison Butker getting the point after, it was 7-6 Chiefs. Another shot at the endzone near the end of the first quarter came up short for the Chiefs, but they were able to get the field goal.
In the second quarter, the Broncos attempted a fake punt but were unsuccessful. Then everything came to a standstill as Mahomes was injured with about 10 minutes left until halftime. From that point on, the Chiefs set out to prove they could win without Mahomes. They were able to grab three on a field goal, and then the defense came up big for them, getting a sack on Flacco and stripping the ball. The result was a touchdown for Reggie Ragland to make it 20-6 in favor of the Chiefs.
While certainly not the reigning MVP, quarterback Matt Moore was able to take the Chiefs offense and connect with Tyreek Hill in the third quarter for a 57-yard touchdown. It was the most interesting play of the quarter for either team as both offenses traded possession of the ball back and forth like a game of hot potato.
The fourth quarter was no different with several changes in possession. The Chiefs were able to grab a field goal to make it 30-6 over the Broncos to give fans something to celebrate.
Takeaways
Despite fans wondering who he was, Matt Moore ended up completing 10 of 19 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. Not too bad for someone who probably thought he would never have to play. The Chiefs’ defense decided to step up in a big way, running roughshod over a Broncos offense that seemed disorganized at times.
The Broncos had 10 possessions after Mahomes was injured, and came up with only 47 plays for 145 yards. It’s hard to believe this is the same Broncos offense that went on a 75-yard touchdown drive in 10 plays to open the game. Their defense did keep the Chiefs from taking the ball down the field and scoring, but who knows how many points the Chiefs might have racked up had Mahomes still been in the game.
Up Next
Both teams will have 10 days before they face their next opponent on Sunday, Oct. 27. The Chiefs will get to host the Green Bay Packers at Arrowhead Stadium in an evening game, while the Broncos will travel to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for an afternoon game against the Colts.
