Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs disappoint a crowd of 77,368 as they drop a 27-11 decision to the AFC West Division rival Denver Broncos Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Denver scored on its opening drive. A Jason Elam field goal from 44 yards out capped an 8 play, 42 yard drive to give the Broncos an early 3-0 lead.
The Chiefs failed to score on their next set of downs, but Derrick Johnson picked off a Jay Cutler pass to give Kansas City a scoring opportunity. Dave Rayner connected on a 38 yard field goal to put the finishing touches on a 6 play, 19 yard drive to make the score Chiefs 3, Broncos 3.
The 1st quarter ended with the score tied at 3, but the Chiefs moved ahead 5-3 when Bernard Pollard blocked his third punt of the season. This one went for a safety as Todd Saurbrun’s punt as Todd Sauerbrun’s punt rolled out of the back of the end zone.
The Broncos regained the lead on Jason Elam’s second field goal of the day. A 50 yarder bounced off the crossbar of the upright, was good, and capped a 10 play, 34 yard scoring drive. Denver 6, Kansas City 5.
Not to be outdone, Kansas City came back with a field goal of its own. Dave Rayner’s second field goal of the day capped an 11 play, 57 yard drive. His 36 yard field goal made in Kansas City 8, Denver 6. That’s how the 1st half ended.
The 2nd half started with the Chiefs in possession of the ball, but a Damon Huard pass was picked off by Dre Bly. The Broncos needed only three plays to capitalize as Selvin Young ran it in from the 20. Jason Elam’s PAT made it Denver 13, Kansas City 8.
Denver capitalized on another Kansas City miscue moments later. Nate Webster picked up a fumble at the K.C. 17 and ran to the end zone. Elam’s extra point made it Denver 20, Kansas City 8.
The Chiefs got back into the game with a 39 yard Dave Rayner field goal. The 3 pointer capped a 13 play, 52 yard drive engineered by sub quarterback Brodie Croyle, who took over for starter Damon Huard. Denver 20, Kansas City 11. That’s how the 3rd quarter ended.
In the 4th, Denver took advantage of a missed field goal attempt to take over at its own 43, driving downfield on a 6 play, 57 yard TD drive that ended with Daniel Graham snagging an 18 yard pass for the major. Elam’s conversion made it Denver 27, Kansas City 11, which is how the score remained.
The Chiefs (4-5) get back into action next Sunday against the Colts in Indianapolis.