Three takeaways from the Chiefs’ lackluster win over Broncos on ‘TNF’

Regardless of bettering to 5-1, there is likely to be extra questions than solutions in regards to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs after they struggled to knock off the Denver Broncos on “Thursday Night time Soccer,” 19-8. 

Listed here are three takeaways from the Chiefs’ lackluster victory: 

Chiefs offense continues to lack explosiveness: 

Dealing with off in opposition to a Broncos group permitting the best points-per-game common (36.2) and most yards per recreation (450.6) within the NFL, the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs had issue placing collectively productive drives on Thursday. 

The Chiefs managed solely 389 yards of complete offense, ending 4-of-13 on third down and 1-of-5 within the crimson zone. Moreover, they appeared disinterested in attacking the Broncos’ abysmal rush protection. Denver allowed a league-worst 938 yards on the bottom (5.9 per carry) coming into Thursday, but the Chiefs averaged solely 3.6 yards off 27 makes an attempt. 

Proper now, the Chiefs offense seems like dying by a thousand cuts somewhat than the high-flying, game-breaking unit we have grow to be accustomed to. As an alternative of breathtaking performs for vital positive factors, Ok.C. made a number of head-scratching calls in opposition to the Broncos, together with a pretend subject aim “tush push,” which failed miserably. There’s nonetheless loads of time to proper the ship, however posting 16 factors in opposition to a traditionally unhealthy protection is not the most effective look. 

Is the Chiefs protection good?

Who would’ve thought that after six video games, we might be questioning which facet of the ball is healthier for the Chiefs? Nicely, right here we’re. 

Even in opposition to a bland Broncos offense, the Chiefs have been spectacular and doubtlessly stole the sport. Whereas the Chiefs offense let the Broncos cling round, their protection prevented catastrophe, holding Denver to 197 yards of complete offense and solely eight factors whereas recording 4 sacks and three takeaways. 

The unit’s sturdy efficiency is not a mirage, both. The Chiefs have shut out groups in 12 quarters this season, probably the most of any protection within the NFL. Additionally, they’ve held three of six opponents to 10 factors or fewer. That begs the query, is it time to crown the Chiefs D nearly as good? Perhaps. 

Broncos proceed to search out new methods to lose

If it isn’t the offense, it is the protection. Regardless, the Broncos maintain discovering new methods to lose. Every week after giving up 31 factors to QB Zach Wilson and the New York Jets, the protection one way or the other slowed down Mahomes and firm, solely to see their offense put up an all-time awful efficiency. 

Russell Wilson was virtually nonexistent, ending 13-of-22 for less than 95 yards with a basement-dwelling 46.6 passer score. Working again Javonte Williams was Denver’s main rusher, carrying the soccer 10 instances for 52 yards (5.2), whereas Courtland Sutton led the receivers with 4 catches for 46 yards (11.5) and a landing. 

The Broncos offense as an entire averaged 4.0 yards per play and reached the crimson zone solely as soon as on Thursday. 

Falling to 1-5, the Broncos are off to their worst begin since 1994 (additionally 1-5), and the duty forward does not get any simpler earlier than their bye in two weeks. In Week 7, the Broncos will host a well-rested Inexperienced Bay Packers group coming off their bye earlier than one other matchup with the Chiefs in Week 8.