DENVER -- With the clock draining in regulation, the defense found itself in the situation in which it flourished so many times in the last two seasons: backs against the wall, protecting a slim lead.
Time and time again, it came through -- and three times succeeded in the exact scenario it faced Sunday night against Kansas City: up eight points, with the opponent needing a touchdown and a two-point conversion to tie it up and force overtime.
In Chicago last November, against the Patriots in the 2015 AFC Championship Game and against the Chargers last month, the defense got it done.