The NFL flexed the Week 12 matchup between the Broncos and Chiefs into primetime because it pitted a pair of 7-3 division rivals fighting for a playoff spot. They probably didn’t expect a first half that had nearly as many punts (10) as first downs (12). Offense, for both teams, was virtually nowhere to be found and nine of the 12 points in the half were scored by the Kansas City defense and special teams.
For a league battling the perception that its game is becoming unwatchable, this one hasn’t helped. And the media is already pouncing on just how poor the NFL’s marquee Week 12 matchup has played out.
The Broncos accounted for just 38 yards of offense in the first quarter. They ended the half with 124.
The two teams failed to generate 100 yards on offense combined in the first quarter. Kansas City ran 25 total plays for just 49 yards in the half.
The teams punted five times in the first quarter and on eight consecutive drives to start the game.
It’s only fitting that the first score of the game was a safety. And it was a sign of just how poorly the Denver offense was executing. A Jordan Norwood muffed punt gave the Broncos the ball inside their own 10-yard line and Justin Houston turned his third sack of the night into two points for the Chiefs.
Denver’s special teams failed them again on the ensuing free kick when Tyreek Hill took Riley Dixon‘s effort 86 yards for a score to give Kansas City a 9-0 lead.
Trevor Siemian and the Broncos responded with a 10-play, 60-yard field goal drive to bring the game within a score. Denver’s success on offense came mostly due to the fact that Houston was on the sidelines receiving medical attention. He would go into the locker room for evaluation on a shoulder injury, but returned before the half ended.
Von Miller ended the half with a pair of sacks to force another Kansas City punt and give Denver the ball, but, to no surprise, Denver had to punt it away again. Kansas City mercifully took a knee to take a 9-3 lead into the locker room.
There was little positive to say about the offenses in the first half. Here’s a few of the barbs that were flying during the first half from the team at Mile High Sports and some of our favorite follows on Twitter.
ON THE DENVER OFFENSE…
Broncos go three-and-out to start. Feel like I've tweeted that before. #4Broncos
— Michael Spencer (@MichaelCBS4) November 28, 2016
2 weeks to get the offense right… And they have 2 3&outs. #4Broncos
— Mark Haas (@markhaastv) November 28, 2016
#Broncos employing the "1 yard and a cloud of dust" offensive strategy.
— Darren Copeland (@Darren_Copeland) November 28, 2016
Fact: the tryptophan in your Thanksgiving turkey does not make you tired.
Fact: Watching this #Broncos offense could put you to sleep
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 28, 2016
Emmanuel Sanders gives the Broncos their first (non-penalty) first down of the game.
— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) November 28, 2016
3rd & 2 and the entire #Broncos O-Line gets pushed back and the run is stuffed. Hard to see that getting better this game.
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) November 28, 2016
The Broncos have converted just 8 of 14 3rd-down situations when running w/ 1 or 2 yards to gain (57%). NFL average through Thu. was 69%.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 28, 2016
The most deceiving stat of the 1st quarter…#Broncos Siemian has completed 100% of his passes with a QB rating of 98.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 28, 2016
One Colorado team already got shut out today. But at least the Rapids crossed midfield. Broncos still trying.
— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) November 28, 2016
I believe the @broncos are close to using up their quota of skinny slants for this game. Need to pull out some fat slants. #broncos
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 28, 2016
A hold on Sambrailo, a sack by Reyes working underneath garcia, and it's 2nd-and-Arvada for the offense.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 28, 2016
I propose the #Broncos change offense to the single wing.
— Darren Copeland (@Darren_Copeland) November 28, 2016
Can confirm the Broncos offense did practice this week
— Paul Klee (@bypaulklee) November 28, 2016
ON THE KANSAS CITY OFFENSE…
I would rather watch a snake (try to) strum a guitar than watch Alex Smith play QB. Chiefs fans, I feel for ya. #broncos #chiefs
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 28, 2016
Midway through the first quarter, the Chiefs lead the Broncos 2-0. In first downs. Which is apparently how this game will need to be scored.
— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) November 28, 2016
Almost 12 minutes gone in this @broncos @chiefs game and a total of 59 yds accumulated on O. That's from both teams combined. #broncos
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 28, 2016
The route trees in the @chiefs playbook must look more like route bushes. With really short limbs. And a crappy QB. #broncos #chiefs
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) November 28, 2016
Denver offensive strategy: Throw it short of the sticks.
KC offensive strategy: Throw it short of the line of scrimmage.— Casey Light (@lightonhisfeet) November 28, 2016
Smith threw 2 yards on 3rd&16. Even Siemian throws 8 yards in that situation. #4Broncos
— Mark Haas (@markhaastv) November 28, 2016
