The Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 24-9 on Sunday, breaking a 16-game losing streak to their division rival. Here are six quick takeaways from Denver’s upset win.
1
The streak is OVER!
First time that Justin Simmons and Garett Bolles (longest-tenured Broncos) have beaten the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/qd5ZDp7fKG
— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) October 30, 2023
The biggest storyline, of course, is Denver snapping the losing streak to KC that dated back to the 2015 season. Sunday marked the first time that safety Justin Simmons and left tackle Garett Bolles (the Broncos’ two longest-tenured players) have beaten the Chiefs. Yes, it’s just one game. Yes, Denver is still 3-5. Yes, the Chiefs made plenty of self-inflicted mistakes. Doesn’t matter. The streak is over, and that feels amazing.
2
Javonte Williams can be a workhorse
First TD since his injury. 👏
Welcome back, @javontewill33!
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/u9mLwWb9w7
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023
After having success on the ground against the Chiefs in Week 6, the Broncos went into Sunday’s game planning to run early and often. Williams proved to be the team’s workhorse, rushing 27 times for 85 yards while adding 13 receiving yards and a touchdown as a receiver out of the backfield. Jaleel McLaughlin (39 yards from scrimmage) is an excellent change-of-pace back, and one could make an argument that he’s worthy of more touches. But Williams is the team’s biggest and best backfield option, and he’s capable of carrying a heavy workload.
3
Denver's cornerback changes were crucial
Disfrutemos una vez más la intercepción de Ja'Quan McMillian. 🤩
📺: CBS #KCvsDEN | #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/8eAKH89OPD
— Broncos En Español (@BroncosEspanol) October 29, 2023
Last week, Denver benched cornerback Damarri Mathis and started Fabian Moreau in his place. Moreau has now had excellent back-to-back games, proving that the Broncos absolutely made the right decision to make a change in the secondary. Denver also parted ways with Essang Bassey a few weeks ago, replacing him in the slot with Ja’Quan McMillian. That was another smart move. McMillian has totaled 12 tackles (five behind the line), two pass breakups and one interception in his last two games against KC. Switching from Mathis and Bassey to Moreau and McMillian was a much-needed change in the secondary.
4
Credit to Vance Joseph
After Denver’s defense was absolutely destroyed by the Miami Dolphins earlier this season, many fans and pundits (including Broncos Wire) called for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to be fired. Denver head coach Sean Payton showed patience and was not quick to fire Joseph, who has led a much better unit in recent weeks. The Broncos have allowed 19, 17 and 9 points in their last three games and Denver had five takeaways on Sunday. Kansas City was 0-for-3 in the red zone and 3-of-10 on third downs against the Broncos in Week 8. Any coordinator that holds the Chiefs offense to just nine points deserves praise, even if it was an off day for KC. Credit to Joseph for bouncing back after an extremely rough stretch earlier this season.
5
Is this sustainable?
The Chiefs are a familiar opponent and the Broncos were extra motivated to beat them and end the losing streak. Is that the kind of performance that will continue after the bye week, though? Denver quarterback Russell Wilson posted just 114 passing yards on Sunday, which might not be enough to get past the Buffalo Bills on the road in Week 10. Broncos fans should enjoy Sunday’s win, and we’re happy that the streak has finally ended, but it would be premature to think Denver is suddenly a playoff contender.
6
Does this change anything for the trade deadline?
Even before Sunday, reports indicated that the Broncos were not planning to have a fire sale. After beating the Chiefs, Denver might be even less inclined to listen to offers ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. It still wouldn’t be surprising to see Jerry Jeudy traded — Marvin Mims is certainly ready for more snaps — but perhaps a Josey Jewell move is now less likely. We’ll see.
