DENVER — The Broncos have finally taken down Patrick Mahomes.
Actually, the Chiefs did a good enough job of that on their own.
For just the second time in the Mahomes era, they turned the ball over five times — five! — in a 24-9 loss in Denver.
And that was only half the story. The offense stunk. The receivers were worse. The game probably turned most on a special teams gaffe.
What’s startling is that the Broncos, owners of a 3-5 record, didn’t even play all that well and still broke their 16-game losing streak against the Chiefs.
Where to start? Here are five observations from immediately after the game:
1. The red zone. Again.
A familiar topic.
Especially against this opponent.
Remember? Of course you do. The Chiefs made five trips to the red zone 18 days ago against the Broncos and got all of one touchdown from it.
Heck, they would’ve killed for that kind of success rate Sunday. Because, somehow, the encore was even worse. The Chiefs advanced inside the 20-yard line three times Sunday, all in the first half, and they had six points to show for it.
It’s a maddening way to see a game unfold — like a baseball team that gets out to lead after lead, only to have the back end of the bullpen blow it.
You know what’s worse? Not reaching the red zone at all, which is how the second half developed for KC.
Still, while we tend to look at the end of games for the decisive moments, the Chiefs elected for a field goal at the 4-yard line, then later kicked another field goal before Mahomes fumbled the third chance. That played as much of a factor as anything.
2. The punt return unit
