Four times in the Broncos’ first 16 games, either because his team was trailing or he embraced an attacking mindset, coach Vic Fangio opted to keep his offense on the field when needing at least seven yards on fourth down. They converted each time.
But trailing the Kansas City Chiefs by seven points in what could be his final game on the Broncos’ sideline Saturday and facing a fourth-and-9 from the 13-yard line deep in the fourth quarter, Fangio sent out Brandon McManus for a 31-yard field goal.
Mr. Aggressive became Mr. Passive.
Fangio’s over-reliance on his defense was costly as the Chiefs burned off the final 4:37 to escape with a 28-24 win, extending their streak to 13 consecutive wins against the Broncos.