What we learned about the Chiefs (and their defense) in a 19-8 win vs. Denver Broncos
Here’s a statement perhaps no one was expecting to say about the Kansas City Chiefs after six games: Their defense — to this point at least — has been every bit as good as their offense.
That startling reality was only reinforced on a gusty Thursday Night Football outing at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs pulled down two interceptions, recovered a fumble and bottled up quarterback Russell Wilson in a 19-8 victory against the Denver Broncos.
KC’s defense swarmed up front, keeping constant pressure led by Chris Jones and helped by exotic blitzes from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Linebacker Nick Bolton leaped for an interception in his first game back after sitting the last three with an ankle injury. Willie Gay later tipped another pass on an edge rush, deflecting it in the air for safety Justin Reid, who came down with his first career pick as a Chiefs player.
Then, on the Broncos’ final drive, cornerback Trent McDuffie jolted Denver’s Samaje Perine to create a fumble that Gay recovered.
KC had four sacks and multiple passes batted down. Wilson had just 37 passing yards in the first half and 57 through three quarters.
The Chiefs even came within minutes of shutting out coach Sean Payton for the first time in his 16-year NFL head-coaching career. Denver finally broke through with 6:06 left in the fourth quarter, as Wilson found Courtland Sutton in the corner of the end zone for an 11-yard score.
On offense, the Chiefs failed to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities but were still good enough, helped by a continued ESP-type connection between quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
When Denver went zone, Kelce always seemed to find an opening to give Mahomes an outlet. The two linked up seven times for 109 yards ... in the first half alone. And all that after Kelce was “questionable” on the final injury report after suffering an ankle sprain four days earlier against Minnesota.
Megastar singer Taylor Swift was in attendance to watch Kelce, marking the third time in four games she flew in to observe his game from a suite.
Mahomes finished 30-for-40 passing for 306 yards with a touchdown and interception. Kelce, meanwhile, had nine catches for 124 yards.
The Chiefs (5-1) will play their next game at home against the Los Angeles Chargers at 3:25 p.m. Central on Sunday, Oct. 22.
