Getting into their Week 18 matchup towards the Denver Broncos, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs had little at stake — and Sunday afternoon, it confirmed on the sphere. The Chiefs suffered a uncommon shutout loss, falling 38-0 to the Broncos. It was the primary time Kansas Metropolis had been held scoreless throughout head coach Andy Reid’s tenure.
After all, the crew already secured the AFC’s No. 1 postseason seed — and had a number of starters taking the week off, permitting youthful gamers to realize worthwhile expertise. Whereas Reid definitely wasn’t anticipating a 38-point blowout, he was capable of determine some positives from the lopsided defeat.
“We received to play a variety of younger guys,” Reid mentioned after the sport. “That have is invaluable — particularly towards a great soccer crew. We have to do higher, clearly — however that chance, once more, is one thing that’s particular.”
With Patrick Mahomes inactive for the sport, backup quarterback Carson Wentz was the beginning signal-caller. Whereas Wentz has been serviceable in aid this season, Sunday’s sport was one other story: the offense struggled mightily towards Denver’s protection. They punted the ball 5 instances — and managed simply 98 web yards, which was in stark distinction to the Broncos’ 479.
“Clearly, not ok,” Wentz mentioned of the crew’s efficiency. “We didn’t play nice as a crew — and I didn’t play my greatest, both. You progress on from this one fairly fast. It was enjoyable to get on the market [and] enjoyable to present myself — and a variety of the fellows — an opportunity to simply go on the market and compete. However clearly, they have been a greater crew immediately.”
Wentz accomplished 10-of-17 passes for 98 yards and no touchdowns. He was sacked 4 instances as he endured constant strain that disrupted the offense’s rhythm. Kansas Metropolis’s lone scoring alternative got here late within the first half after a 25-yard completion to vast receiver Nikko Remigio helped arrange a 51-yard area aim try. However as time expired, placekicker Harrison Butker missed.
“I missed some throws, did some issues, needed some performs again,” Wentz admitted. “I believe all of us do in some capability. However I’ve received to play higher. Sadly, we didn’t maintain a pair [of] drives early — and abruptly, we’re within the second half. So it was only a bizarre stream of the sport — and all these issues.”
Regardless of the disappointing efficiency, the crew is much from discouraged. Ending the common season at 15-2 with the AFC’s prime seed remains to be an infinite accomplishment. And the Chiefs can now shift their focus to their true aim: profitable one other championship within the postseason.
“At present was not nice, however we all know what’s forward of us as a crew,” Wentz mentioned. “Pat, all people — all of the starters — they know what’s forward of us: the place we’re attempting to go and what we’re able to doing. Our mindset is on that.”
