Chiefs beat Broncos. Three takeaways.
- Lewis Green
- Nov 10, 2024
- 4 min read
(I haven't had to write about a Chiefs loss for 321 days lol)
For the third time in franchise history, the Kansas City Chiefs stand at 9-0. Frankly, I’m out of superlatives. Each week, this team writes new chapters in the book of "What the hell?", and every time I think I've seen it all, they find a way to surprise me. But this win over Denver? This might be the quintessential Chiefs victory—the kind that sticks with you, the kind that rewrites belief.
We’ve seen it so many times before: the Chiefs in a late-game, back-against-the-wall scenario, facing the impossible with calm defiance. With Denver down 14-16 and ready to kill the Chiefs’ undefeated season with a short field goal, the air was thick with tension and dismay, the stadium vibrating with anticipation. And yet, there was this unshakable feeling—the Chiefs would find a way. They always do.
Enter Leo Chenal. If the season has taught us anything, it’s that this Kansas City squad finds heroes in unexpected places. With one second left, Chenal came through like a lightning bolt, embodying the spirit of this relentless team. A blocked kick, a scramble, and the Chiefs’ undefeated run was miraculously alive. It wasn’t just a game-saving play; it was a moment that will echo through Chiefs lore, as if some divine force reached down to lend a hand to this team of winners.
How do you explain it? Is it luck, or is there something more? Every week, this team digs deep, finding strength in bleak moments, pulling out victories with sheer willpower and grit. There’s an unspoken magic in the way they play, as if they’re guided by something greater than themselves. With the 9-0 milestone etched into the season, the Chiefs don’t just look unstoppable—they feel destined. And the crazy part? We’re only halfway through.
Takeaway One: McDuffie suffered the worst game of his career.
In my Chiefs-Broncos preview, I spotlighted the Trent McDuffie vs. Courtland Sutton matchup as one to watch. Well, Sutton showed up and showed out, marking the first time McDuffie truly looked outmatched since stepping into the NFL. Sutton tallied six catches for 70 yards, including a deep touchdown and a clutch (and nearly game-winning) first down, pushing Kansas City to the brink.
Now, if anyone on this defense has earned a pass, it’s McDuffie. From the day he put on a Chiefs jersey, he’s been lights out, and his All-Pro season last year was proof of that. Without his usual partner, L’Jarius Sneed, McDuffie has taken on even more responsibility in the secondary, and until today, he’s been flawless.
But this was a humbling matchup. Sutton won the battle, making big catches in critical moments. It almost cost Kansas City the game, but as always, this team found a way to stay perfect. The Chiefs may have stumbled, but they somehow pulled a win from the jaws of defeat—because when it comes down to the wire, this team does whatever it takes.
Takeaway Two: Offensive struggles loom.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the left tackle situation. It’s a glaring vulnerability, and if anything is going to cost Kansas City in the postseason, it could well be this. When Wanya Morris went down with a concerning injury, the Chiefs turned to Kingsley Suamataia, and it was a rough outing. Suamataia simply wasn’t ready for the speed and power of Nick Bonnito off the edge, resulting in Mahomes taking more hits than anyone wants to see. If Morris can stay healthy, he might hold down the left side, but it’s hard not to wonder if the Chiefs should consider calling in veteran Donovan Smith for a shot at protecting Mahomes’ blind side.
Secondly, the fourth quarter revealed a familiar struggle: Mahomes missed two open touchdowns. The first was a rocket to Xavier Worthy that landed out of bounds, and the second sailed high over Kelce in the red zone. As much as we’d like to see Mahomes perfect those deep shots, it’s become clear that outside of Tyreek Hill, he’s never found a consistent deep-ball rhythm with a receiver. Mecole Hardman, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and now Xavier Worthy have all had promising flashes, but that elite connection just hasn’t materialized. Mahomes and Worthy are still developing chemistry, and with time, they may figure it out. However, if the Chiefs want to add another layer to their offensive dominance, Mahomes needs to rediscover that deep-ball touch.
Takeaway Three: Is 'clutch' just luck? or something more?
The Chiefs have reached a point where the difference between luck and “clutch” is more than just blurred—it’s practically nonexistent. Week after week, Kansas City seems to summon something that defies explanation, a magic touch that turns near losses into last-second triumphs. With every late-game comeback, last-minute stop, and blocked field goal, the Chiefs make it look like they’re flirting with fate itself.
But is this kind of “clutch” just good luck? Or is it something else, something only the best teams have? Here’s my take: talent plus coaching plus preparation equals something that looks an awful lot like luck. The Chiefs prepare relentlessly, play with grit, and have the collective football IQ to find a way when there seems to be none. They’re skilled, they’re disciplined, and they’re mentally tough. These elements collide on the field to produce magic—and maybe that’s what we call “clutch.”
Greatness is always a blend of what can be controlled and what can’t. Andy Reid’s coaching mastery and Mahomes’ talent lay the foundation, but it’s in the moments when all plans seem exhausted that this team’s clutch factor takes over. When Leo Chenal blocks a last-second field goal to seal the game, sure, there’s a bit of luck involved. But you can bet the Chiefs practice those situations, mentally ready themselves, and know they’re capable of pulling off the improbable. Luck? Maybe. But when it happens week after week, it’s got to be more than that.
In a league where games are won by inches, Kansas City’s ability to come through in the clutch isn’t about luck—it’s about belief, trust, and the fearless pursuit of greatness. They’re testing fate every week, and somehow, they’re coming out on top.
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