The Kansas City Chiefs Have Defeated The Denver Broncos 15 Consecutive Times
The Chiefs win keeps their hopes for the number one seed in the AFC alive.
For the 15 time in a row the Chiefs walked off the field against the Broncos. Its third longest streak in NFL history. The win came with a lot of imperfections. The Chiefs committed their fair share of errors that kept the game close.
Patrick Mahomes threw an interception in the red zone while attempting to hit Justin Watson in the left back corner of the end zone. Broncos defensive back Justin Simmons jumped the route and snagged his sixth interception of the year.
Mahomes now has 12 interceptions on the year. The Denver Broncos are responsible for 33% of his interceptions. Mahomes did break the 5,000 yard mark and has now tossed 40 touchdowns on the year.
Jerick McKinnon is responsible for two of Mahomes’ three passing touchdowns in this one. He extends his consecutive receiving touchdown streak to five games. He leads all running backs in the NFL with receiving touchdowns. This is in spite of the fact McKinnon is not the number one back in the offense.
Andy Reid attributes McKinnon’s red zone success to his past in playing quarterback in college.
“He’s so patient,” Reid said. “He’s a quarterback, a legitimate quarterback in college so he kinda knows how to game works as a whole and he’s patient with that. I think that helps him in the run game knowing how gaps are set up, knowing how secondary’s fill for the run and again he can catch the ball on top all that.”
Patrick Mahomes simplified why McKinnon is having success by simply saying he just does his job.
The Chiefs special team woes showed its ugly face at Arrowhead. Despite a great game receiving, Kadarius Toney was responsible for a fumble on a punt return that would lead to a Broncos score. Andy Reid said it’s an opportunity for Toney to improve and learn from his mistakes.
“It’s a good lesson for Toney, who does not have a lot of experience in doing this,” Reid said. “You keep the ball in the other hand. Keep it on the outside. It’s great for him to learn that.”
The kicking game showed its flaws. Harrison Butker missed another field goal and holder Tommy Townsend fumbled the hold on a PAT. The missed field goal appeared to be blocked by the Broncos. The PAT will continue to bring controversy on the Chiefs and specifically Tommy Townsend.
This part of the special teams did not cost the Chiefs the game today. However, with the playoffs around the corner, the Chiefs need to clean it up. Points come at the premium in the playoffs and kicking game mistakes can get you bounced out of a chance to compete for a championship.
The Kelce and Mahomes connection sealed yet another win for Kansas City.
“Those two are on the same page,” Reid said. “That last play was a play they both wanted. They have a certain connection.”
Part of the reason the game came down to needing a game winning play was that the Chiefs offense sputtered in the second half. The Chiefs went three and out on three consecutive drives.
Mahomes put some of that on himself saying that he lost his mechanics in the second half. He specifically called out his poor footwork that caused him to miss deep throws down the field.
The Chiefs sustained two notable injuries during the game. Wide receiver Skyy Moore got a laceration on his hand and Joe Thuney re-injured his ankle that caused him to miss time earlier in the year. Both of these injuries will have to wait and see what the timeline is later in the week.
The Chiefs will play their final game of the regular season in Las Vegas against the Raiders. The NFL announced the game will be played Saturday afternoon.
