To kick or not to kick? That’s the question Denver will be asking themselves for the rest of the week.
With 1:08 remaining in overtime, the Denver Broncos had a fourth and 10 on the Kansas City 44, and Gary Kubiak was faced with a decision: attempt the game-winning 62-yard field goal or punt and play for the tie.
He chose to go for the win.
Brandon McManus, one of the league’s most-powerful kickers, walked out onto the field and unloaded with everything he had.
It went wide left.
The Chiefs would take over on the Broncos’ 48, and less than a minute later, it would be game over, as Cairo Santos hit a 34-yard field goal off the uprights to win.
Broncos Country, though, was still behind the call to go for the win.
Even if Kansas City wins this game, I am glad that Kubiak went for the field-goal. Why? Because John Fox Would have punted.
— Zach Fogg (@zachfoggsports) November 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/JoshPennock/status/803107516288827393
Will never, ever criticize aggression from Kubes. Such a refreshing change of pace.
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) November 28, 2016
I still like the decision. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) November 28, 2016
I like it regardless. ..
— Benny Bash🎧 (@TheBennyBash) November 28, 2016
It’s stupid, but I’d rather lose than tie …
— Michael Jaycox (@MilkyMike) November 28, 2016
At 7-4, the Denver Broncos are currently out of the playoffs, as the Miami Dolphins hold the tiebreaker in the Wild Card race.
The Broncos are far from out of it, though. With five games remaining, Denver will have the opportunity to face off against the three top teams in the AFC: Patriots, Raiders and Chiefs. Win out, and they’re in.
While it was a gut-punching loss, there are plenty of positives to take away from Sunday night’s game, starting with Trevor Siemian’s play in the second half and overtime. If they can build on that, this team’s ceiling is still incredibly high.