In keeping with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ defensive sort out Mike Pennel, linebacker Leo Chenal knew precisely what was going to occur on the final play of Sunday afternoon’s 16-14 victory over the Denver Broncos. So we will add two extra abilities to Chenal’s resume: blocking last-second area objectives and predicting the long run.
The remainder of us have been shocked to see a walk-off area purpose change into a walk-off blocked kick.
Earlier than that, the Chiefs had loads of struggles — particularly in opposition to the Broncos’ protection.
Listed below are a number of gamers who stood out.
Winners
Photograph by David Eulitt/Getty Photos
Tight finish Travis Kelce: The person who now has extra landing receptions than every other participant in franchise historical past, Kelce was as soon as once more the protection valve Mahomes wanted. One other seven catches for 58 yards — and his 76th profession landing — have been ok to get the job completed in opposition to a tricky protection.
The whole Chiefs particular groups unit: The first purpose this crew is now 9-0 is that Dave Toub’s crew blew up the Bronco’s potential game-winning area purpose. Pennel and Chenal — together with Jack Cochrane, Mike Danna and George Karlaftis — destroyed Denver’s blocking unit. It appears like Chenal will get credit score for the block, but it surely might have been any of these guys. Was this a particular play Toub referred to as in the appropriate second, or it was a “Varsity Blues” second when the large man cleared the best way for the athletic man to make a play? We don’t know. However nevertheless it occurred, it was a heart-stopping ending to a sport Kansas Metropolis in all probability ought to have misplaced. It wasn’t simply this play, both. On the finish of the primary half, Mecole Hardman practically returned a missed area purpose for a landing.
Operating again Kareem Hunt: On this sport, dashing yards have been onerous to come back by. Hunt had one 10-yard run. His different 13 carries went for 25 yards whole. However he did step up within the passing sport, main all Chiefs with 65 receiving yards on seven catches. He continues to be a priceless chain-mover for Kansas Metropolis — and confirmed a substantial amount of toughness on Sunday, preventing via ache to inflict much more.
Linebacker Nick Bolton: In one of many greatest moments from early within the sport, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo referred to as Bolton’s quantity — and the Missouri alumnus delivered. He exploded into the backfield, chasing quarterback Bo Nix straight again for a 16-yard loss to knock the Broncos out of area purpose vary. In a detailed sport, that mattered rather a lot. Bolton and the remainder of the linebackers have been large in Sunday’s win.
Losers
Photograph by David Eulitt/Getty Photos
The entire offensive line. Backup left sort out Kingsley Suamataia had zero likelihood to decelerate Nik Bonitto as he gave up a sack and three quarterback hits. He was the obvious situation when Wayna Morris was out — however not the one one. Mahomes was sacked 4 occasions (and hit 9 occasions) after being sacked 4 occasions in Week 9. Jawaan Taylor, Trey Smith, the working backs… everybody had a chunk of the issue. It’s easy: for this offense to achieve its potential, the move safety must be higher. And we want for Mahomes to make it to the playoffs, too.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie: The All-Professional had an extended afternoon in opposition to Courtland Sutton and the Broncos’ offense. The Denver wideout gained with quickness and physicality as he logged six catches for 70 yards and a landing. It’s uncommon to see anybody discover area in opposition to McDuffie, so we’ll contemplate this efficiency a fluke.
Broad receiver Xavier Worthy: We’ll maintain predicting the rookie’s breakout, however the connection isn’t occurring simply but. Worthy caught simply one in all his 4 targets for 11 yards. What’s worse is that if he and Mahomes had been on the identical web page, no less than two of these different targets might have been touchdowns.
Observe: Making use of the labels “winners” and “losers shouldn’t be supposed to be a judgment on the expertise or character of any of those gamers. It’s only a easy method to grade their efficiency in a single sport. No disrespect is meant.
