Broncos 24, Chiefs 9: The Good, Bad & Ugly
When the NFL rolled out this year's schedule, somewhere in the Kansas City Chiefs' locker room, you could bet those matchups against the Denver Broncos had been pre-shaded with a bright, confident red. After all, with 16 straight wins under their belt, who'd blame the Chiefs for viewing the Broncos as a guaranteed 'W' on the schedule?
But Sunday saw a Denver team that seemed to echo Lance Armstrong, who famously said, "There comes the point in every person's life when they have to say, 'Enough is enough.'"
The Broncos didn't just want a win; they wanted redemption. It was a hard-fought win, but Denver dominated.
As we continue to sift through the aftermath of the Broncos' relieving win, let's break down the good, bad, and ugly from Week 8.
The Good
The Defense
The Broncos' defense was the airport marshal of Sunday's game, holding a flag of defiance as it directed the team plane to an airport gate and ensured Kansas City pulled up short. In a phoenix-like rise from the ashes of Denver's putrid early-season performances, Vance Joseph's play calls showed skill and a deep insight into Chiefs head coach Andy Reid's thinking.
The chief victim? Patrick Mahomes.
Held to 241 yards with two interceptions and a measly passer rating of 59.2%, Mahomes looked... ordinary. Broncos defenders like DL Zach Allen, OLBs Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper, and Nik Bonitto ensured that Mahomes was always on his toes, quite literally.
Run-Dominant Offense
On the offensive end, Russell Wilson's connection with Courtland Sutton and Jerry Juedy kept fans on edge, and the bulldozing prowess of the Broncos' O-line, combined with Javonte Williams' relentless running, painted quite the sight, wreaking havoc against the Chiefs.
The Bad
Pass Game
Sean Payton's paradox is an offense that shines but somehow seems chained. Wilson, while clocking three touchdowns, registered only 114 yards passing.
Williams' run average settled at a lukewarm 3.1 yards per carry. For the Broncos to be taken seriously, Payton must unleash the hounds by calling more plays designed for speed demons like Marvin Mims Jr. and Jaleel McLaughlin. Mims has been ghosted on offense since his two-fumble performance in Week 5.
Eight weeks in, it's time for someone on the Broncos' offensive coaching staff to take a stand and pound the table for a consistent game-altering speed component to the offense.
The Ugly
Ghosts of the Past
For all of Sunday's glory, the ghosts of past losses still haunt the Broncos. Narrow misses against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Washington Commanders hang like an albatross around their necks.
Had those narrow losses been victories, the Broncos would've entered the bye week at 5-3, knocking on the playoff doors. But looking ahead, it's crucial to note the newfound enthusiasm in the Broncos' organization.
This game was more than just a win; it was a statement. The second half of the season now looks much more promising.
With the tenacity and taste of a hard-fought victory against a respected but detested rival, the Broncos are primed to gallop full speed ahead. Broncos Country, hold onto your hats; this ride will get wild.
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