In one of the most thrilling finishes of the 2024 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs secured a narrow 16-14 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 10, thanks to a dramatic last-second field goal block.
The victory marked the Chiefs’ 15th consecutive win, extending their unbeaten streak dating back to the previous year. As the Chiefs held on to their slim lead, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid took to the podium to reflect on the game and what made the victory so special—emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity, even when things didn’t go perfectly.
Reid, speaking to the media during his weekly Zoom conference on Monday, offered a candid assessment of the game. He acknowledged that the Broncos had likely outplayed the Chiefs over the course of the match, but he was quick to point out that Kansas City capitalized when it mattered most. “We’ve been given opportunities and we’ve taken advantage of them,” Reid explained. “And then we’ve made a few opportunities ourselves with some good plays. You’d probably say that [the Broncos] outplayed us [Sunday], and then they end up not winning the game.”
The Chiefs’ ability to keep their composure under pressure, especially in clutch moments, was a central theme of Reid’s post-game comments. He highlighted the importance of mental toughness, both from his players and his coaching staff. “You see that throughout the league. You just saw the Lions game last night — five interceptions or whatever it was, and they find a way to win the game,” Reid said. “You give credit to your locker room and your coaches just for being mentally tough and sticking with it.” His words underscored the resilience required to win close games, especially those decided by moments as dramatic as a blocked field goal.
The game-winning play, which saw linebacker Leo Chenal block a 35-yard field goal attempt by Broncos kicker Wil Lutz, was the culmination of a hard-fought contest. Lutz, who had already missed one field goal earlier in the game, now faced the pressure of a potential game-winner with the Broncos trailing by just two points. However, as the Broncos lined up for the kick, the Chiefs’ special teams unit was ready, with Chenal delivering the decisive block that sealed the win.
For Chiefs fans, the victory was a testament to their team’s ability to find ways to win even when they’re not at their best. As Reid pointed out, it wasn’t a flawless performance, but the Chiefs made the necessary plays at the right time to come out on top. The field goal block became a symbol of the Chiefs’ winning mentality, where every player on the field plays a role in determining the outcome.
On the other side, Broncos head coach Sean Payton also addressed the field goal block, acknowledging the Chiefs’ success in exploiting a weakness in his team’s protection scheme. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Payton gave credit to the Chiefs for executing the play perfectly. “When something like that happens, and it’s not the first — like it could be a trick play, or it could be whatever. It’s pretty common for the team that had success with it to say, ‘Hey we saw. . . ’ Credit them for that,” Payton said. He admitted that the Broncos’ protection unit had been vulnerable in that area, and the Chiefs took advantage of it when it mattered most.
Payton took full responsibility for the loss, focusing on the coaching decisions rather than placing blame on his players. “I read all the comments afterwards, and I think that it’s tough to lose a game that way,” Payton said. “This isn’t on the player. This is on all of us. This is on us as coaches.” The Broncos’ head coach reflected on the missed opportunities and expressed disappointment with how his team failed to close out the game, especially after having played well throughout the contest. Payton emphasized the need for his team to improve in these critical moments, understanding the importance of a strong protection scheme when it comes to field goal attempts.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
The Broncos’ loss in Kansas City was especially painful because of the opportunities they had in the final minutes, including the field goal attempt that would have put them ahead. Lutz’s missed kicks, particularly the final one, will certainly weigh on the team’s collective psyche as they look to rebound in future games. However, Payton’s self-reflection and accountability should provide a measure of confidence for the Broncos moving forward, knowing that the head coach is committed to learning from every setback.
Despite the loss, the Broncos’ performance was a reminder that they are not far from being competitive in these high-stakes games. The Chiefs, despite their dominance over the past year, were clearly tested in this matchup. Denver’s defense was solid, and the team’s offense moved the ball well at times. The Broncos simply couldn’t capitalize on key moments, and that’s where the Chiefs excelled, showing once again why they are one of the NFL’s most consistent teams.
For the Chiefs, the victory only further cemented their status as the team to beat in the AFC. With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, Kansas City continues to find ways to win, even when the odds seem stacked against them. But as Reid mentioned, it’s the ability to remain calm and make plays when it counts that separates good teams from great ones.
Looking ahead, both teams will need to regroup. The Chiefs, while riding high on their streak, know that each game is a new challenge and that maintaining focus will be key in the second half of the season. For the Broncos, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to fix the issues that allowed Kansas City to escape with a win. Payton’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through this tough stretch and finding solutions to capitalize on the next opportunity.
In conclusion, the Chiefs’ win over the Broncos highlighted the importance of capitalizing on opportunities, making key plays in crucial moments, and maintaining composure under pressure. Reid’s leadership, combined with the Chiefs’ collective resilience, continues to define this team’s success. As the NFL season progresses, Kansas City remains a team that can be counted on to win the close ones, while Denver will look to bounce back after a tough loss.
