Broncos Grades

OFFENSE

CThe run game didn’t miss a stride without Royce Freeman (ankle). The Broncos rushed 30 times for 189 yards and Devonte Booker (78 yards) and Phillip Lindsay (95) were consistently effective. Quarterback Case Keenum completed 23of34 passes and was able to get out of the pocket to extend a few plays but was sacked five times.

DEFENSE

CIn the first game against Kansas City, the Broncos’ defense hung in there for three quarters. In this game, they played two good quarters but allowed touchdowns on four consecutive possessions in quarters 2 and 3 and allowed the Chiefs to build a 3014 lead. Tackling wasn’t always crisp.

SPECIAL TEAMS

CKicker Brandon McManus is no longer perfect this season. He missed a 55yard field goal after making his first 11 this year. Punter Colby Wadman’s 22yard kick set Kansas City up at the Broncos’ 32, and they needed only four plays to extend their lead to 16 points. Adam Jones returned kickoffs for the first time in two years.

COACHING

DIf players are saying that technique/ assignment errors are being made on the field, the coaching staff has to take responsibility for that. The defense again looked at times disorganized even though they may try to say it was part of a presnap disguise. On offense, a jet sweep to Emmanuel Sanders lost 6 yards.

GAME BALLS

RB Phillip Lindsay: Without Royce Freeman (ankle), Lindsay had to carry a bigger load. and he delivered. Eighteen carries for 95 yards and three catches for 17 yards.

WR Tim Patrick: Had the first carry (13 yards on an endaround) and touchdown (a 24yard catch) of his NFL career.

S Justin Simmons: He was carried into the end zone by Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt on one touchdown but kept the Broncos in the game with a fourthquarter interception.