DENVER, CO — The Denver Broncos snapped the Kansas City Chiefs previous 16-game winning streak on Sunday behind a dominating defensive performance and Russell Wilson’s three touchdown passes.
Denver Broncos snap the Chiefs win streak
Despite the cold elements on Sunday afternoon, the Denver Broncos came out against Kansas City in the first half on fire. Led by Javonte Williams on the team’s first drive, the Broncos marched downfield against the Chiefs and punched it in to go up 7-0 early on.
Denver’s defense held the Chiefs offense to a field goal on their second offense drive of the game to make it 7-3. However, the Broncos’ defense came to play early on, maintaining good coverage and communication and rallying to tackle.
Patrick Mahomes connected with Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the second quarter, but Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell came in to force a fumble, recovered by Justin Simmons.
Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense capitalized, connecting with Jerry Jeudy twice, one reception for 39 yards, and an 11-yard touchdown reception to give them a 14-3 lead.
Mahomes and the Chiefs offense looked to respond on their ensuing possession, but Broncos nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian jumped a pass intended for Travis Kelce, securing Denver’s second takeaway of the game.
Denver’s offense was unable to capitalize on the takeaway, failing to pick up a conversion on 4th and 2 at midfield, giving the Chiefs the ball back, and eventually forcing them to settle for a field goal..
In a back-and-forth in the first half, Kansas City drove into the red zone, but Denver would get the ball back after Baron Browning came off the right side and strip-sacked Patrick Mahomes.
Two plays later, George Karlaftis strip-sacked Wilson, helping set up a 60-yard field goal from Harrison Butker to cut Denver’s lead to 14-9 at halftime.
Broncos capitalize on Chiefs key mistake in second half
The second half of the Broncos win on Sunday was a rollercoaster of momentum and swing plays. In the fourth quarter, with the score sitting at 14-9, the Broncos offense punted it away yet again after Russell Wilson was sacked for the fifth time on the afternoon.
Chiefs returner Mecole Hardman was back to return but muffed the punt, which was recovered by rookie inside linebacker Drew Sanders at the 10-yard line. This momentum gave Denver the ball in the red zone with a chance to extend their lead.
Two plays later, Russell Wilson did just that, finding Courtland Sutton for a wide-open touchdown, extending the Broncos’ lead to 21-9 with 10:33 left in the game.
Denver’s defense, which had played strongly all afternoon, was back on deck. With the Chiefs driving and already converting on one fourth down attempt, Mahomes threw a corner route to Sky Moore on 4th and 2, but it went through his arms, leading to a turnover on downs.
This gave the Broncos the ball back with a 21-9 lead and 7:35 left in the game, running three consecutive plays that forced Kansas City to use all of their remaining timeouts. Kansas City regained possession with no timeouts and 6:33 remaining.
Denver’s defense made Mahomes life miserable, flustering him in the pocket. Zach Allen and Jonathon Cooper combined for a sack on Mahomes on second down. On the very next play, Baron Browning sacked Mahomes for his second of the afternoon, forcing the Chiefs into a fourth-and-long situation.
Justin Simmons would call game on 4th down, intercepting Mahomes to seal the deal.
After 16 straight games and various years of torment, the Chiefs winning streak over the Broncos is officially over. Now, the Broncos head into the bye week with all the momentum necessary.