Denver’s defense would come up big on the Chiefs’ next drive with Malcolm Roach tipping a third down pass near midfield to force another punt.

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Starting from their own 12 yard line, Bo Nix and the Broncos offense opened things up with a checkdown to Adam Trautman for a six yard gain and a quick toss outside to Pat Bryant was an easy first down but he took his eye off the ball just long enough to drop it. On third down and four, Nix hit Jaylen Waddle finally but was immediately hit and tackled a yard short of the first down marker.

After a short two yard run for the Chiefs, Que Robinson exploded off the edge and nearly sacked Patrick Mahomes who threw the ball into the dirt to avoid the sack. On third and eight, Mahomes was pressured again and somehow picked his way through the line and gained just enough for the first down. That would be all they would get and would be punting a few plays later.

A nice punt return by Marvin Mims Jr. finally got the Broncos starting position outside of the 20 yard line for a change. An end around by Troy Franklin picked up five, then an outstanding spin move by RJ Harvey picked up four yards. On third and one, Nix from an empty backfield was immediately pressured and had to scramble to throw it away for yet another punt.

Denver’s defense finally buckled. Giving up a third and 10 conversion to Kenneth Walker who then took the ball on the next play for 28 yards up the middle into Broncos’ territory.