Offense: F
The Broncos started poorly with two three-and-outs … and then things got really bad. Drew Lock played like a quarterback making his ninth career start (indecisive and inaccurate). The running game left at halftime when Phillip Lindsay was injured (concussion). Lock was 24-of-40 passing for 254 yards, but everything looked difficult. The Broncos tried to force things to tight end Noah Fant early instead of working more to receiver Tim Patrick (three catches) and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (seven catches). Lindsay was lights out (nine rushes-79 yards) in his half of work, but Melvin Gordon lost another fumble and his longest carry was 11 yards (out of 17 attempts). The offense just looks more energetic with Lindsay on the field.
Defense: C
Kansas City didn’t convert a third down and scored only one offensive touchdown in the first three quarters. Translation: This loss can’t be hung totally on the Broncos’ defense. They created a first-quarter turnover. They forced the poor work on third down. And they had four sacks. A good sign was the continued return-to-form of outside linebacker Bradley Chubb. All of the Chiefs’ star players were mostly held in check — Mahomes had only one completion of longer than 22 yards. What’s left for the Broncos’ defense? Scoring on their takeaways, like a pick-six or scoop-and-score, because that’s the only way they can truly help the offense.
Special teams: F
An all-around debacle. Kicker Brandon McManus missed an extra-point attempt that prevented the Broncos from reaching a 7-7 tie. Byron Pringle’s 102-yard kick return touchdown blew the game open, making it 24-9 with 5:35 left in the first half. Pringle didn’t appear to be touched as the Chiefs’ blockers funneled the Broncos’ coverage players outside. Later, rookie receiver KJ Hamler muffed a fair catch attempt that was recovered by teammate Essang Bassey. On the next punt, cornerback Bryce Callahan was back for a fair catch. The Broncos failed to recover an onside kick in garbage time.
Coaching: F
A coaching staff that has been preparing for Kansas City the entire offseason and gets blown out by 27 points probably deserves a grade lower than F. Vic Fangio the defensive play-caller didn’t have a bad game, but Vic Fangio the head coach has some explaining to do about how the Chiefs can still be so far ahead of the Broncos. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur tried a flea flicker early in the second half, but Melvin Gordon’s flip back to Lock was errant. One nitpick for Shurmur: Trailing 27-9, the game was over, but hear us out. On third-and-5, the Broncos passed. On fourth-and-5, Hamler caught a three-yard pass. Why not run on third down knowing you have two plays? And on fourth down, Lock can’t throw short of the first-down marker.
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