Chiefs grades: Instant classic on Sunday night

Defense: B-

The defense as a whole played extremely well for the entire first half. Then in the third quarter they were just out there too much. Everyone gets tired and the Broncos figured out how to contain Justin Houston. They put in Donald Stephenson who really played better than the previous right tackle by getting out of his stance quicker.

After he got out of his stance however he wrapped his arms around Houston and let go just in time to make it not so noticeable to the referee. Everyone else in the stadium saw the holding on nearly every pass play but Pete Morelli must have only been looking at Trevor Siemian. I’m sure it doesn’t help that apparently no one has told Pete Morelli that he died some time ago. It is hard to see holding calls when you’ve been dead for six months.

As for the secondary, they played the slant so well that the deep crosser suddenly became inevitable. The Chiefs play with one high safety a lot and if there is any confusion on routes at all then it can go very badly. With two high safeties teams can at times confuse routes and still maintain the integrity of the defense.

The Chiefs without Steven Nelson don’t have a corner that can keep up with slot receivers. Gaines showed his value on passes within ten yards but if the offensive line holds the pass rush to allow deep routes then he gets toasted. If Dee Ford can work his way back this week and Tamba Hali give the effort he gave Sunday Night then good luck Matt Ryan.