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Instant reaction to the Denver Broncos’ 27-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 17.
Albert Oh-Yes: The Broncos have drafted six tight ends since Travis Kelce first broke out with Kansas City back in 2014. With their latest hope (rookie Greg Dulcich) out for the season with a hamstring injury, the Broncos’ fifth dart throw (2020 4th-rounder Albert Okwuegbunam) took the field for just the second time since Week 5. While Albert O’s first-half production (three targets, two drops, zero catches) indicated since-ousted head coach Nathaniel Hackett had good reason to hold him out, his bobbled, 25-yard touchdown grab down the seam in the third quarter provided a measure of redemption (however small it may have been).
A “special” first half: It would be disingenuous to suggest the first “plus” play on special teams (the Chiefs’ bobbled snap on a first-quarter PAT) was the result of anything the Broncos did. But the second (Alex Singleton’s forced fumble on a Kadarius Toney punt return) and third (Eyioma Uwazurike’s block of a 51-yard field goal attempt) must go on Denver’s side of the ledger. Thrown together, it stood as a clear indictment of fired special teams coordinator Dwayne Stukes, whose big swing in the draft (returner Montrell Washington) was also inactive Sunday — and a feather in the cap of interim coach Jerry Rosburg, a long-time ST guru.
Singling out Singleton: Speaking of Singleton … If it wasn’t already obvious heading into Week 17, it was even more evident Sunday in Kansas City: Re-signing the journeyman inside linebacker/special teams whiz has to be a priority for general manager George Paton this offseason. Anyone who can lead the team in tackles (which Singleton does despite starting the season as the team’s No. 3 option at ILB) and be a difference-maker on special teams is just the sort of building block a contending team needs. Singleton might not have a Pro Bowl upside, but there is no doubt he gives the Broncos value.
Let Russ run: Yes, not one, but two Russell Wilson rushing touchdowns in one game — or double what the veteran QB produced in his first 13 starts. While it’s unlikely offensive coordinator Justin Outten, who called plays for the first time Sunday, had been lobbying unsuccessfully for Russ to use his legs all season, he did make the call to put them in play in the second quarter. The decision paid immediate dividends, with Wilson scoring on a read option from 16 yards. He added his second TD on a broken-play scramble in the fourth quarter, flashing the athleticism that made him a perennial Pro Bowler in Seattle. Too late for Nathaniel Hackett, but a positive development for his former OC.
Extra down
Another moral victory vs. K.C.: Throw another one in the MV column for Denver against the Chiefs. For the second time this season, the Broncos made the AFC West champions sweat deep into the fourth quarter. And for the second time, all they came away with was another moral victory. The ending was all too familiar, with Russell Wilson sacked after coming under immediate pressure on fourth-and-2 near midfield, then Travis Kelce converting on third-and-5 on a short out route to put the game away. That’s now 15 straight losses for Denver against hated Kansas City. And another offseason of chasing the Chiefs ahead.
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