Film Study: Looking back at Patrick Mahomes’ debut vs. Denver Broncos
By Grant Tuttle
3:39 3rd Quarter, 2nd&6. (Watch)
This was the biggest turning point of the game. After a four yard run, the Broncos decide to throw the football. As Lynch drops back to throw, Chris Jones shows great power up the middle, sacking the quarterback. In the process, he forces a fumble. The ball is ultimately scooped up by linebacker Ramik Wilson and ran in for a touchdown. 24-10 Chiefs
1:41 3rd Quarter, 3rd&6 (Watch)
After a quick first down, the Chiefs defense holds again. This time Tanoh Kpassagnon comes through with a big sack on 3rd and 6. Kpassagnon was a better pass-rusher LAST YEAR than Breeland Speaks is today.
The Chiefs get the ball back on a punt. Despite a big play from Albert Wilson, the offense stalls near midfield which makes ultimately ends in a punt.
7:27 4th Quarter, 4th&15 (Watch)
Paxton Lynch and the Broncos looked as though they were going to march down the field and score. However, the Chiefs hold the Broncos out of the end zone. On fourth and 15, Terrance Mitchell picks off Paxton Lynch and returns it out to the 40 yard line.
7:02 4th Quarter, 1st&10 (Watch)
Immediately after the defense’s big play. The offense squanders the opportunity. Tyler Bray enters the game and immediately mishandles a hand-off. The broncos return it for a touchdown. Oof, that was just as ugly as I remembered. 24-17 Chiefs.
Despite the fumble, the Chiefs leave Bray in the game and the offense, to no surprise, goes three and out.
2:58 4th Quarter, 4th&4 (Watch)
The Broncos get the ball back and put up another impressive drive, set up by several long throws from Lynch. Despite this, the Chiefs defense holds Denver to a 4th down. On 4th Down, Paxton Lynch throws the ball up to a wide open Demaryius Thomas in the back of the end zone. 24-24 Tie.
1:44 4th Quarter, 1st&10 (Watch)
Because Bray played so poorly, Mahomes was brought back in for a chance at the game-winning drive. On this play, I was sold on his ability. Mahomes makes a throw that few quarterbacks could make. So impressive, that Chris Harris (Who has been talking a lot of smack on the Chiefs lately) throws up his hands as if to say, “how in the world do I stop that?” Mahomes rolls out to his right and delivers a pass with pinpoint accuracy in a tight window against the zone. What makes this more impressive is his release right before getting hit and throwing off-balance. Typical Patrick “Showtime” Mahomes.
0:03 4th Quarter, 2nd&6 (Watch)
After a few short runs from Sherman, the Chiefs set up Butker for the game-winning field goal.
FINAL:
Chiefs: 27, Broncos: 24