Let’s take a look at the lessons we learned about the Chiefs after Week 7’s win over the Broncos.
Week 7 saw the return of the snow game. Who could forget last year’s matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos at snowy Arrowhead Stadium, when Patrick Mahomes famously uttered “I think I’m a snow game guy”?
This week, the Chiefs traveled to Denver to battle the Broncos on a snowy field, a sequel of last years battle. The Chiefs thumped the Broncos 43-16, riding the impressive play of their defense and special teams to victory. Here are some lessons we learned about the Chiefs’ victory over the Broncos.
Denver fails to make a statement
The Broncos have suffered a ghastly amount of injuries this year, which has rightfully tampered expectations for their team. With that in mind, I still expected to this game to be hard on the Chiefs. The Broncos wield an impressive defense and a nice collection of skill on offense.
The Chiefs also entered today missing key members of their defensive line, along with the continued absence of wideout Sammy Watkins and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Week 7 was the Broncos’ chance to flash something. It was their chance to at least say, “Hey, K.C. You’ve still got us beat but we’re coming.”
The Broncos didn’t send that message. Where Justin Herbert sent warning to the Chiefs, and the Raiders, of course, actually beat the Chiefs a few weeks ago, the Broncos put on a sputtering, careless performance that said a lot more about them than it did the Chiefs. After all, the Chiefs were able to score north of 40 without an explosive Patrick Mahomes performance.
More than anything, we learned that the Raiders and Chargers are the biggest divisional threats to the Chiefs. The Broncos must solidify the QB position (whatever that looks like) if they want to throw their hat in the divisional fight. For now, it looks like the Raiders and Chargers, not Broncos, will be nipping at the Chiefs in the future.