Around the AFC West, Week 9: Chiefs complete sweep of Broncos

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos traveled to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday for the second time this season. This was a make or break game for the Broncos as they would have been at .500 with a win. However, the Chiefs proved to be the better team handing the Broncos their fifth loss of the season in a 30-23 loss. The Broncos were hamstrung by untimely penalties, a missed field goal, and poor quarterback play. Despite a good rushing day, the Broncos could not overcome those mistakes. They were flagged 10 times for 83 yards in accepted penalties, many of which wiped out large gains.

Case Keenum proved, yet again, that he is not the answer at quarterback for the Broncos as he fumbled the ball twice – only one was recovered by the Chiefs and threw an incredibly untimely interception. The Broncos defense did a good job defending Tyreek Hill but failed to account for Sammy Watkins. Overall, the Broncos did what they could, but unless they were going to present a near-perfect game, they were not going to win against the nearly impossible to stop Chiefs’ offense.

Given the loss, it would seem that the Broncos are slowly slipping away from any realistic attempt at grabbing a wild card spot in the playoffs and definitely out of contention for a shot at the AFC West crown. They made that even more clear when it was announced just before the trade deadline that star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was traded to the Houston Texans. In return, the Broncos received a 4th round pick and swapped 7th round picks with the Texans. The Broncos exited Arrowhead with no new injuries though they are still dealing with Royce Freeman, Jared Veldheer, and Darian Stewart‘s injuries.

Next week, the Broncos return home to face the Houston Texans and their former receiver Demaryius Thomas. Thomas will return to Denver for the first time since…Tuesday? What a fun story-line. The Texans are picking up steam as they have won their last five games. Deshaun Watson looks like he is back to his 2017 form and Deandre Hopkins is proving that he is one of the best receivers in the game. Will Denver’s defense be able to slow down this offense? Probably not. In addition, unless Keenum and the offensive line learns to stop pressure, J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney will likely have a field day. Game time is 3:05 p.m.