Denver Broncos (7-9) – Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) : 24-28
The Chiefs have come a long way. Led almost the entire match, they owe their salvation to a brilliant defensive action in the 4th quarter which allowed them to regain control of a meeting which seemed to have escaped them. In great difficulty once morest the opposing ground game, it was however on a Broncos race that Andy Reid’s men tipped the game.
Denver concedes a 13th straight loss once morest rival Missouri, and ends a fifth season with a negative record. For what might be Vic Fangio’s last game in charge, the Broncos would certainly have deserved another outcome. Applied on both sides of the ball, the game plan used deeply embarrassed their opponents but they gave in when taking the final advantage.
Drew Lock in Legs
Despite an initial touchdown from Travis Kelce, well found by Patrick Mahomes (27/44, 270 yards, 2 touchdowns), the Broncos got their hands on the start of the game. Thanks to a diligent defense and a well-established running game, Fangio’s men posed many problems for their rivals on both sides of the ball. Failing to be effective in the air, only 27 yards in the first half, Drew Lock knows how to use his legs. Twice, the quarterback finds good manners on the ground.
.@DrewLock23 gives the @Broncos the lead with a TOUGH run! #BroncosCountry
????: #KCvsDEN on ESPN/ABC
????: https://t.co/wJgbGtMl5R pic.twitter.com/EqNPyxOKAE— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2022
Injured in the heel during the warm-up, Tyreek Hill was largely spared. Without their number one receiver and with an almost non-existent ground game, the Kansas City offense is out of solution and only moves forward in fits and starts. And when Jerick McKinnon finally finds the fault to restore the advantage to the Chiefs, Denver immediately responds with Gordon. The running back pierces the entire defense to register a touchdown from 47 yards. (21-17)
The Chiefs turn things around
Lock plays simple and avoids mistakes. After a long and good drive which carries them within 10 opposing yards, Denver has the opportunity to make a break which might be decisive. But Gordon, imperial until then, is brutally picked up by Melvin Ingram and loses the leather. Rookie Nick Bolton recovers and goes all over the field. Mahomes even adds 2 points on the conversion that follows.
Terrible blow of fate for the Broncos author until then of an almost perfect match. Despite a new drive where Lock connects magnificently with Patrick and Jeudy, they have to settle for a field goal, thus returning the ball to the Chiefs. Mahomes runs the clock and secures a far from obvious victory. The Chiefs must now wait for the outcome of the match between Titans and Texans to find out if they will be entitled to a week off before starting their playoff campaign.
OH. MY. GOD.@_nickbolton2 with an 86 yard scoop and score! #ChiefsKingdom
????: #KCvsDEN on ESPN/ABC
????: https://t.co/wJgbGtMl5R pic.twitter.com/P8xrSpPogY— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2022
