Here are the heroes and zeros from the Broncos’ 19-8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.
Heroes
Broncos defense: For the first time this season, Denver’s defense looked like a formidable group. They weren’t perfect, but held their own against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Co. Outside linebackers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper continued to make strides as pass rushers. Meanwhile, the Broncos allowed the Chiefs to score just one touchdown in five trips inside the Denver 20-yard line. In the first quarter, the Chiefs were at Denver’s 15 when Bonitto grabbed Mahomes by the ankle, forcing him to throw an interception to safety Justin Simmons.