On paper, at least, the Chiefs’ Thursday night showdown against the Denver Broncos had the look of a rightful coronation.
Denver, the four-time defending AFC West champions, had also won six straight against the Chiefs, so the Broncos had history on their side. But the Chiefs had emotion — and motivation.
Safety Eric Berry was making his triumphant return to Arrowhead Stadium after beating Hodgkin lymphoma. Derrick Johnson was only a few tackles short of setting the team’s all-time tackle record.
And most importantly, the Chiefs — with their assortment of pass rushers — finally seemed equipped to harass their annual tormentor, Peyton Manning, into throwing the same wobbly ducks he had in week one against Baltimore.