Winners and Losers from the Broncos 16-14 loss to the Chiefs

I give you the winners and losers from the Denver Broncos 16-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

What a devastating and heartbreaking loss for the Denver Broncos. This should be an exciting write-up where we talk about moving to 6-4 and winning two straight games vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, a blocked game-winning field goal attempt ruined all that and has me in a shitty mood.

The Broncos fall to 5-5 and sit at .500 after 10 weeks in the season while the Chiefs remain undefeated. This is a game the Broncos should have won but some errors and second half issues on offense ended up costing them in the end.

With all that said, here are the winners and losers from the Broncos 16-14 loss to the Chiefs.

Winner – Broncos Defense

The Broncos defense played out of their mind today after struggling against the Ravens a week ago. They constantly pressured and hit Mahomes and held the Chiefs to just 16 points and one touchdown in this game. Their one touchdown was a ref-assisted one that took away a sack that would have forced a fourth down and knocked the Chiefs out of field goal range. Somehow, they were flagged for illegal contact and extended the drive which ended in a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce.

Outside of that, the Broncos’ defense played well on the road against a tough Chiefs offense. It was a good bounce-back game for them and hopefully, they can continue this next Sunday vs. the Falcons.

Winner – Bo Nix

He started the game hot and had two touchdowns in the first half. He and the offense did not do much in the second half, but he did lead a final drive into field goal range for the eventual game-winning kick attempt.

It was a good game overall for Nix but the inconsistencies on offense continue to bite them in these games. All things considered it was a good game for Nix who proved he can go toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes.

Loser – Alex Forsyth/Special teams blocking

He had one job. All he had to do was block the Chiefs in front of him and allow Wil Lutz to kick the game-winning field goal. Unfortunately, he was knocked on his ass and allowed a Chiefs defender to block the field goal attempt and win the game.

Unacceptable. Frustrating.

Loser – Courtland Sutton

Sutton had a good game and if they won, he would be a winner. He had a touchdown reception and a key third-down reception that allowed the Broncos to milk the clock in the final minutes. However, his miscues loom large in defeat.

Sutton had a costly drop late in the second quarter as the Broncos were driving for a field goal. If caught, Lutz would be in range for an easy field goal but Sutton dropped it. He would then get flagged for illegal formation and setting the Broncos back 5 yards. Lutz would go on to miss the 60-yard field goal and Sutton’s errors stand out as the Broncos ultimately lost the game by two points.

Winner – Audric Estime

It was a long time coming, but it appears the rookie has taken over the Broncos backfield. He had 14 carries for 53 yards and showed some promise moving forward. He was trusted in the final drive of the game and carried the ball to milk the clock. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams only had 1 carry in this game and moved into the Perine role as a pass blocker only.

The Broncos will need Estime to play well moving forward and hope he can bring some life to the Broncos offense.

Loser – Second half offense and play-calling

The Broncos scored 14 points in the first half and then had nothing for the rest of the game. Penalties and poor play-calling ended up biting the Broncos in the second half of this game when they had chances to put it away,

Sean Payton got cute with his play-calling in key moments and it always ended in nothing or a loss of yards. These plays would put the breaks on the Broncos drive and end with a punt.

They also had no answer for the Chiefs all out blitz’s on third down. Mahomes and the Chiefs had answers for the Broncos blitz’s but Nix simply ran backwards and was sacked for a big loss.

Need some more consistency from the Broncos on offense and less of this cute play-calling (especially when it doesn’t work).

Other Winners and Losers

Wil Lutz – Loser: He missed two field goals in a two score loss. One a 60-yarder and another one was blocked. It sucks, but hard to give him a pass on this. I am also grumpy about the loss still.

Marvin Mims – Winner: His production isn’t wonderful but he was used a lot more on offense today. He had some carries and quick throws in space. An uptick in playing time and targets is a positive for Mims.

Devaughn Vele – Winner: He caught his first career touchdown pass early in the game and played well in this one. He needs to play more moving forward.

Broncos playoff hopes – Winner: Both the Bengals and Colts lost this week which will keep the Broncos as the 7th seed. Sure, a loss sucks but they’re on the opposite end of their tough two-game road stretch and still are currently in the playoffs. Gotta find the silver linings.