The Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated in the 2024 NFL season, but Week 10 nearly brought them their first loss in dramatic fashion.
In a tense, last-second showdown against the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs were able to escape with a narrow 16-14 victory after a crucial field goal attempt by Denver was blocked. As the dust settled from the thrilling game, Denver’s head coach Sean Payton issued a pointed message to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, addressing the pivotal play that secured Kansas City’s win.
The Chiefs’ perfect season was hanging by a thread in the closing moments of the game. With only a two-point lead, the Broncos found themselves in field goal range with just seconds remaining, poised to attempt a game-winning kick. However, in an improbable turn of events, Kansas City linebacker Leo Chenal broke through the Broncos’ offensive line and blocked the kick by Denver kicker Will Lutz, sealing the Chiefs’ victory and preserving their flawless record.
While Chiefs fans celebrated their dramatic win, the Broncos were left to reflect on what could have been. Denver had pushed the Chiefs to the edge, but a missed opportunity on a last-second field goal kept Kansas City’s unbeaten streak intact. This was not the first time the Chiefs had managed to narrowly escape defeat, fueling the belief among some that the team possesses an almost magical ability to win close games.
In the aftermath of the game, Payton addressed the play, acknowledging the Chiefs’ successful exploitation of a weakness in the Broncos’ field goal protection. “When something like that happens, and it’s not the first — like it could be a trick play, or it could be whatever,” Payton said in his post-game comments. “It’s pretty common for the team that had success with it to say, ‘Hey we saw. . . ’ Credit them for that. They exploited an area that we obviously felt was fixed and stronger, but not fixed enough.”
Payton’s message was clear: the Broncos had prepared for the field goal attempt, but ultimately, the Chiefs found a chink in their armor and capitalized on it. Leo Chenal’s heads-up play to block the field goal was a direct result of Kansas City’s ability to spot and exploit weaknesses, a testament to the coaching and preparation under Reid’s leadership. “I read all the comments afterwards, and I think that it’s tough to lose a game that way,” Payton added. “This isn’t on the player. This is on all of us. This is on us as coaches.”
Despite the disappointment, Payton emphasized that the Broncos’ coaching staff needed to take responsibility for the breakdown in protection. He acknowledged that such a dramatic moment at the end of a game is tough to stomach but also pointed out that these types of plays are not uncommon in the NFL. “We’ve got to continue to look at, ‘Hey, are we big enough stature-wise there for that?’” Payton said. “And understanding how the rush was coming. It’s disappointing, and yet it’s not something that’s new when a big play is made at the end of a game.”
The Chiefs’ continued success this season has not been without its challenges. In fact, many fans and analysts believe that Kansas City has benefited from a bit of good fortune, given the number of close calls they’ve had throughout the year. From game-winning drives to last-second defensive stands, the Chiefs seem to have an uncanny ability to avoid defeat — even when the odds are against them.
But for head coach Andy Reid, the focus remains on maintaining their momentum and ensuring that the team stays sharp throughout the season. The Chiefs’ ability to come through in clutch moments has become a hallmark of Reid’s tenure, and despite the scare in Week 10, the team is clearly well-prepared to handle these high-pressure situations.
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As for Payton and the Broncos, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Having fought so hard to keep the game close, Denver’s final misstep was all the more painful. Payton’s comments made it clear that the Broncos’ coaching staff will need to do a deep dive into their approach to field goal protection to prevent similar situations in the future.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Chiefs are determined to keep their undefeated streak alive as they push toward the postseason. With the 2024 NFL season still in its later stages, Kansas City’s goal is clear: a perfect regular season and a Super Bowl victory. Their ability to close out games, even in the most dramatic circumstances, only strengthens their case as one of the NFL’s most formidable teams.
The last time Kansas City lost was on Christmas Day in 2023, when they were defeated 20-14 by the Las Vegas Raiders. Since then, the Chiefs have won 15 consecutive games, including their Week 10 victory over the Broncos. That loss to the Raiders remains a distant memory, and the Chiefs have continued to build on their impressive streak as they look to enter the postseason with an unblemished record.
As the season progresses, the Chiefs will undoubtedly face more challenges, but their ability to perform under pressure and make plays when it matters most is what sets them apart. Whether it’s blocking a game-winning field goal or orchestrating a clutch drive, Kansas City has shown time and again that they can handle the heat. If they continue this trend, the Chiefs could very well be on track for another deep playoff run — and perhaps another Super Bowl title.
In conclusion, the Chiefs’ Week 10 victory over the Broncos was a testament to their resilience and ability to perform in critical moments. With a key field goal block securing their win, they remain undefeated heading into the latter part of the 2024 season. While Payton’s message to Reid may have been a reflection of frustration, it also underscored the importance of preparation and execution in high-stakes moments. As the Chiefs continue their pursuit of perfection, the rest of the NFL will be watching closely to see if they can maintain their dominance through the rest of the season.