Introduction
The matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos is one that has consistently attracted attention over the years, especially given the competitive nature of the AFC West. In this particular game, the Denver Broncos dominated the Kansas City Chiefs with a comprehensive 38-0 victory. Let’s dive deeper into the statistics of this game, analyzing the performance of both teams, focusing on key player stats, team efficiency, and areas of strength and weakness.
Team Overview
Kansas City Chiefs (15-2, 7-2 Away)
The Kansas City Chiefs, under the leadership of head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, entered the game with a strong regular-season record of 15-2. Despite their remarkable success in the regular season, this game against the Broncos was a blowout, with the Chiefs failing to put any points on the board.
Denver Broncos (10-7, 6-2 Home)
On the other side, the Denver Broncos entered the game with a respectable 10-7 record, showing solid form both at home and on the road. The Broncos capitalized on the Chiefs’ inability to gain momentum and delivered a convincing performance in front of their home crowd.
Key Game Stats
First Downs:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 5
- Denver Broncos: 29
The first down count is perhaps the most telling statistic of the game. Kansas City’s offense struggled throughout the match, registering only 5 first downs compared to Denver’s 29. This difference highlights the Broncos’ control of the game, consistently moving the chains and keeping the Chiefs’ defense on the field.
Passing First Downs:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 4
- Denver Broncos: 15
While the Chiefs did have some success through the air, as indicated by their 4 passing first downs, their overall passing performance was far from sufficient. The Broncos, on the other hand, dominated in this category with 15 passing first downs, reflecting the Chiefs’ defensive struggles and the Broncos’ offensive efficiency.
Rushing First Downs:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 0
- Denver Broncos: 14
This is perhaps one of the most glaring statistics of the game. The Chiefs were unable to generate any rushing first downs, a sign of the Broncos’ defense completely stifling the Chiefs’ running game. Denver, however, dominated on the ground with 14 rushing first downs, showcasing their ability to establish the run and keep the chains moving.
3rd Down Efficiency:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 1-9 (11%)
- Denver Broncos: 10-14 (71%)
The Chiefs’ failure to convert on third down was a critical factor in their inability to sustain drives. With only a 1-for-9 success rate, they were unable to extend possessions or get any rhythm going offensively. In contrast, the Broncos were extremely efficient on third down, converting 10 of 14 attempts. This level of efficiency allowed Denver to dominate the time of possession and control the game throughout.
4th Down Efficiency:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 1-2 (50%)
- Denver Broncos: 2-2 (100%)
Both teams were faced with some 4th-down situations, but the Broncos were perfect, converting both of their attempts. The Chiefs, however, only managed to convert 1 of their 2 fourth-down tries, further hindering their ability to get back into the game.
Total Yards and Yardage Breakdown
Total Yards:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 98
- Denver Broncos: 479
The Chiefs were completely outgained in terms of total yards, with a mere 98 yards to the Broncos’ 479. This massive discrepancy illustrates the offensive struggles of the Chiefs and the efficiency with which the Broncos operated. The Chiefs’ inability to generate positive yardage, especially in the passing game, was one of the main reasons for their shutout performance.
Yards per Play:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 3.0
- Denver Broncos: 6.7
The Chiefs’ offense averaged just 3.0 yards per play, a poor figure that shows their lack of ability to generate explosive plays or sustain drives. The Broncos, on the other hand, averaged a more efficient 6.7 yards per play, reflecting their ability to mix up the offense and exploit gaps in the Chiefs’ defense.
Passing Game Performance
Passing:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 71 yards
- Denver Broncos: 321 yards
While the Chiefs did manage to rack up 71 passing yards, their efforts in the air were ineffective and inefficient. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes only completed 10 passes on 17 attempts, for a modest 71 yards. The Broncos, led by their quarterback, were far more effective, throwing for 321 yards. This disparity in passing yardage further underscores the Chiefs’ struggles to get anything going offensively, while the Broncos took advantage of their opportunities to move the ball down the field.
Completions/Attempts:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 10/17
- Denver Broncos: 26/29
The Chiefs had only 10 completions out of 17 attempts, with a low completion percentage of 58.8%. Mahomes was unable to find any rhythm, and the offense lacked consistency. Meanwhile, the Broncos’ quarterback was near perfect, completing 26 of his 29 attempts for a remarkable 89.7% completion rate. This high efficiency helped the Broncos maintain possession and control the flow of the game.
Yards per Pass:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 3.2 yards
- Denver Broncos: 11.1 yards
The Chiefs’ passing attack was consistently short, with only 3.2 yards per pass attempt, highlighting their inability to stretch the field. In comparison, the Broncos averaged 11.1 yards per pass, taking advantage of both short and deep passes to efficiently move the ball and score points.
Interceptions Thrown:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 0
- Denver Broncos: 0
Neither team threw an interception in this game, which speaks to the quarterbacks’ accuracy and decision-making under pressure. Despite the Chiefs’ offensive struggles, Mahomes managed to avoid turnovers in the passing game. Likewise, the Broncos quarterback protected the ball, which contributed to their dominant performance.
Sacks and Yards Lost:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 5 sacks for 27 yards lost
- Denver Broncos: 0 sacks
The Chiefs’ offensive line struggled throughout the game, allowing five sacks and losing 27 yards in the process. This pressure on Mahomes significantly disrupted the Chiefs’ passing game and led to lost yardage. In contrast, the Broncos’ defensive line was able to apply consistent pressure without registering a single sack, making life much easier for their quarterback.
Rushing Game Performance
Rushing:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 27 yards
- Denver Broncos: 158 yards
The Chiefs’ rushing attack was almost nonexistent, with only 27 total yards on 11 attempts. This inability to run the ball effectively kept the Chiefs in predictable passing situations and allowed the Broncos’ defense to focus on stopping the pass. Denver, on the other hand, ran the ball with success, posting 158 rushing yards on 43 attempts, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. The Broncos’ running game was pivotal in controlling the clock and wearing down the Chiefs’ defense.
Rushing Attempts:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 11
- Denver Broncos: 43
This disparity in rushing attempts further emphasizes the difference in game control. The Broncos were able to commit to the run, consistently gaining yards and keeping the Chiefs’ offense off the field. In contrast, the Chiefs were forced to abandon the run early due to their lack of success and the need to catch up on the scoreboard.
Yards per Rush:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 2.5 yards
- Denver Broncos: 3.7 yards
The Chiefs’ rushing game was inefficient, averaging just 2.5 yards per rush. This lack of effectiveness on the ground forced the Chiefs to rely too heavily on their passing game, which, as we have seen, was not working well. The Broncos, in contrast, averaged 3.7 yards per rush, a solid figure that helped them keep the chains moving and control the pace of the game.
Red Zone Efficiency
Red Zone (Made-Att):
- Kansas City Chiefs: 0-0
- Denver Broncos: 4-5
The Chiefs were unable to reach the red zone at all in this game, failing to create any scoring opportunities. The Broncos, however, were highly efficient in the red zone, scoring on 4 of their 5 red zone trips. This ability to capitalize on scoring chances was a major factor in their dominant win.
Time of Possession
Time of Possession:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 18:11
- Denver Broncos: 41:49
The Broncos controlled the time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 42 minutes. This long possession time not only limited the Chiefs’ opportunities but also wore down their defense. In contrast, the Chiefs had possession for just 18 minutes, reflecting their inability to sustain drives and generate consistent offense.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos’ 38-0 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs was a comprehensive one, as they outperformed their opponents in nearly every statistical category. From the total yardage to the efficiency on third down and the dominance in the running game, the Broncos showed their ability to control both sides of the ball. The Chiefs, meanwhile, were completely shut down offensively, struggling to gain any meaningful yardage or sustain drives. This game highlights how crucial it is for teams to find balance and efficiency in both the passing and running games, and for defenses to step up when needed.
FAQS
1. What was the final score of the Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos game?
Denver Broncos won 38-0.
2. Which team had better passing efficiency in the game?
The Denver Broncos had better passing efficiency.
3. How many rushing yards did the Chiefs have?
The Chiefs rushed for only 27 yards.
4. Who dominated in time of possession?
The Denver Broncos dominated with 41:49 minutes of possession.
5. Did either team throw an interception in the game?
No, neither team threw an interception.
