The Kansas City Chiefs secured a gritty 16-14 victory over the Denver Broncos, keeping their perfect season alive as they moved to 9-0 on the year. Despite this game turning into a defensive onslaught going both ways, the Chiefs again found a way and came through with victory. The Chiefs’ defense and special teams were the main factors for their win, with linebacker Leo Chenal’s play of the game blocking a field goal attempt in the final moments of regulation, which would have given the Broncos the win.
Following the game, players and coaches reflected on the divisional matchup. Head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, linebackers Leo Chenal, and Nick Bolton all spoke, and each shared their thoughts on the defense’s continued impressive play, the special teams’ clutch performance, and the areas for improvement moving forward offensively.
Andy Reid Reflects on Chiefs Defense and Special Teams Execution
Andy Reid opened his press conference as he usually does, by thanking Chiefs fans before shifting his focus to the game. Reid first mentioned the tough battle between both teams, saying, “Denver did a great job defensively and offensively—they were strong.” He added that the game ultimately came down to a clutch play on special teams: “Got a special show from our special teams at the end.”
Reid highlighted Chenal’s remarkable performance on special teams, particularly his game-winning field goal block, which Reid said was the result of relentless preparation. “I get to see that every day, how we work that play,” he said, emphasizing the time invested in perfecting special teams techniques in practice. The Chiefs’ special teams unit, which special team coordinator Dave Toub leads, executed this final play flawlessly, showcasing the team’s dedication to the details.
Reid further commended Chenal’s versatility and work ethic, describing him as a “great athlete, big strong kid, plays 100 miles an hour.” Reid spoke about Leo Chenal’s drive and adaptability, which makes him an invaluable asset on their team, and how he consistently delivers big plays for the Chiefs exactly when needed.
Leo Chenal on His Clutch Block and Chiefs Mentality
Chenal, the game’s hero, recalled the decisive play that secured the Chiefs’ victory. He credited defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s confidence in the team, saying, “Coach Spags, knowing how bold he is, said, ‘We are going to get the stop here; we trust our guys.’” This is the type of unwavering belief Spagnuolo has in all of his players on defense, and it ultimately led to Chenal executing the block that shifted the game’s outcome.
Chenal attributed his success in this game to the support of his teammates and their shared mindset during high-stakes moments. Reflecting on the final play, Chenal said, “It takes a prayer. I was literally praying, and I do feel like my prayer was answered.”He expressed gratitude for the field goal block team, stressing, “I wouldn’t have been able to get close without the guys beside me.”
Chenal also acknowledged the adjustments the Chiefs had to make defensively in the second half because the Broncos’ offense presented unique challenges with their play designs. “The Broncos are going to play us well every time,” Chenal said. However, after Spagnuolo’s adjustments in the second half, the defense put on a shutout performance.
Patrick Mahomes Praises Team Resilience and Looks Ahead
From the sidelines, Patrick Mahomes witnessed the final play, which made the final play even more upsetting because he missed an opportunity on his previous drive. He expressed confidence in the Chiefs’ special teams, saying, “If anyone is going to do it, it’s Toub and his team,“ demonstrating Mahomes’ faith in Toub and the rest of the special teams unit.
Mahomes was also asked if, offensively, this game felt like a win, and Mahomes responded with a smirk, “Yeah, they all feel like wins.” While he acknowledged areas for improvement, Mahomes focused on the positives, explaining that despite missed red-zone chances, “we just have to execute in the red zone.” He said his two missed throws put pressure on the team, but Chenal’s play saved the day.
Mahomes also mentioned that facing the Buffalo Bills next week will be a significant challenge. “We know it’s going to be a great challenge next week,” he said, underlining the importance of continuous improvement as they prepare to face another AFC foe.
Nick Bolton on Defensive Adjustments and Team Mentality
Nick Bolton closed out the team’s postgame presser by speaking on the Chiefs’ defense and how they adjusted to the Broncos’ offensive attack. Bolton explained that the defense had to make several adjustments after Denver’s early scores, but their main focus was on having tighter coverage and stronger tackling. These changes forced Denver to fight for every yard they gained in the second half, leading to their offense continuously stalling.
Bolton spoke further on the defense’s collective effort, particularly in late-game situations, highlighting how they never give up. He described the team’s mentality: “We knew it was going to be a gritty football game. It was going to take all four quarters.” Bolton’s words echo the team’s shared commitment to fighting through each game, regardless of the circumstances.
As one of the defense’s leaders, Bolton made clear the importance of execution, especially late in games. Bolton added, “All 53 guys had to go out there and execute the game plan.” His statements reflect the team’s unity and dedication to each other, a mentality that has been crucial to their continued success this season.
Final Thoughts
The Chiefs’ two-point victory over the Broncos shows the team’s ability to overcome self-inflicted errors and find ways to win. In this game, their defense and special teams delivered winning plays time and time again. However, at some point, this living on the edge, so to speak, can catch up to a team, so improvements in all three phases of the game will have to be at the forefront, especially with who they have to face up next.
With the Chiefs heading on the road to face the Buffalo Bills up next, they must address their offensive execution while maintaining their intensity on both defense and special teams. Reid, Mahomes, Chenal, and Bolton all harped on continuous improvement as they prepare for their next matchup and a chance to move one step closer to locking up the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
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