Week 12 Game Recap: Denver Broncos 10, Kansas City Chiefs 19

What you need to know

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos arrived in Kansas City with a great record (7-3), but with signs of internal problems. They had been knocked into second place in their division the week before by San Diego. They had not lost two games in a row since 2004. However they had to play in Kansas City, a place where Jake Plummer had lost all five games he had played. To cap all of those concerns, it was being reported in the Denver media that this would be Plummer’s final game as the starter and that the Jay Cutler era would soon begin.

The Broncos now have a two game losing streak and are tied with Kansas City at seven wins and four losses. Jake Plummer has still never won in Kansas City despite six attempts. The calls for Cutler will undoubtedly be getting louder and more numerous.

Jake Plummer did complete 25 of 39 passes for a high completion percentage but for only 216 yards leaving him with a low yards per attempt. He threw one touchdown but also threw an interception. He fumbled the ball once but it was recovered by a teammate. He also had an interception that was reversed due to a Kansas City penalty. He has a fantastic career winning percentage and quarterback rating in Denver, but he does seem to have problems keeping offensive drives going. Plummer did a good job spreading the passes around as he targeted ten different receivers.

Denver was without their number one running back Tatum Bell. He was inactive due to a turf toe injury. In his place Denver’s running backs could do nothing against the Chiefs. The Broncos collected only 38 yards on 16 carries during this contest.

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City owner Lamar Hunt had long campaigned for a Thanksgiving Thursday night NFL match. He finally received his wish as Kansas City became the locale for the inaugural Thanksgiving night prime time NFL contest. For football fanatics everywhere, the triple header, which included earlier games matching Detroit versus Miami and Dallas versus Tampa Bay, was fantastic fare.

Kansas City has now clawed their way back into the playoff picture. Behind the impressive efforts of Larry Johnson, The Chiefs are now tied with Denver and very much in the post season hunt.

Larry Johnson provided another superlative performance. He gained 157 yards on 34 carries and scored one touchdown. This was his seventh game of the year with over 100 yards and his fourth game out of the last five with more than 150 yards gained on the ground. Johnson currently leads the league in rushing yards at 1202. Michael Bennett provided another impressive effort when called on to give Johnson a breather. Bennett collected 76 yards total on four touches.

The Chiefs’ passing game had troubles again. With Trent Green at the controls for his second straight week after being out due to a head injury, the Chiefs primarily relied on the ground game. Green completed 13 passes while only attempting 22. He had only 161 yards passing while also throwing one interception. He did not throw for any touchdowns. It was encouraging for the Chiefs that Tony Gonzalez was back in the lineup, but they will be needing better production form Trent Green to be an elite team.

The Chiefs’ defense and their special teams put in strong efforts to help win this game. Kicker Lawrence Tynes had a perfect day successfully converting four of four field goal attempts and his only extra point attempt.

What you ought to know

QB Jake Plummer, Pass: 25 - 39 - 216 - 1 TD / 1 INT, Rush: 2 - 10 - 0

Plummer has undoubtedly heard the rumors and can feel the impending presence of rookie Jay Cutler, the anticipated heir to the Bronco quarterback duties. The media is reporting that Cutler may take over as soon as the next game. Plummer’s performance for this game will not hold back Cutler very much. He had a high completion percentage converting 64% of his passes but only managed 216 yards on 39 pass attempts. He also lost the ball once to an interception and was fortunate on two other occasions not to lose it. Once he had an interception called back due to a penalty and once he fumbled, but it was recovered by a teammate. Plummer did a good job spreading the ball around. He targeted and connected with ten different receivers.

RB Mike Bell, Rush: 10 - 28 - 0, Rec: 3 - 5 - 0 (4 targets)

Bell was again the starter as Tatum Bell was held out for another game due to a turf toe injury. Bell was not able to be effective against Denver. He averaged less than three yards per carry and less than two yards per pass reception.

RB Damien Nash, Rush: 4 - 0 - 0, Rec: 1 - 5 - 0 (1 targets)

Rookie Nash did well in his previous game but could find nothing while trying to run against Kansas City. He gained zero yards on four rushes.

RB Cecil Sapp, Rec: 1 - 7 - 0 (1 targets)

Sapp saw limited duty. He caught the only pass thrown his way as Plummer just used him for one of many outlets to attempt to keep the Chiefs‘ defense guessing.

RB Kyle Johnson, Rec: 1 - 6 - 0 (1 targets)

Fullback Kyle Johnson saw little duty as another platoon player. He did catch the only pass thrown his way.

WR Javon Walker, Rec: 6 - 55 - 0 (8 targets)

Walker is now the number one receiver for Denver. He collected six of the eight passes thrown his way. He has justified the Broncos picking him up from Green Bay before the season began. His strength and athletic ability will keep him as a primary target and a danger for any NFL defense.

WR Rod Smith, Rec: 4 - 39 - 0 (6 targets)

Smith was again a favorite target for Plummer. He pulled in four of the six passes sent his way. He is not having his typical year as the Broncos are decreasing his chances in favor of younger players, but he continues to be a strong leader and excellent example for the newer receivers.

WR Brandon Marshall, Rec: 3 - 21 - 0 (3 targets)

Marshall caught each of the three passes thrown his way during the game. He did fumble away one reception but was fortunate that it rolled out of bounds allowing the Denver offense to maintain possession.

WR David Kircus, Rec: 1 - 36 - 0 (5 targets)

Kircus had one great long reception for 36 yards but he was targeted five times. Kircus continues to be a new favorite in the Broncos’ game plan with his tremendous speed.

TE Stephen Alexander, Rec: 3 - 19 - 1 (7 targets)

Alexander was a favorite for Plummer. He caught only three of the seven passes thrown to him but one was for the only passing touchdown of the day for either team.

TE Chad Mustard, Rec: 2 - 23 - 0 (2 targets)

Mustard was brought in occasionally as another receiving option. He made the most of it catching both passes intended for him.

PK Jason Elam 1 - 1 FG, 1 - 1 XP, 4 points

Elam was able to convert successfully on each attempt he had. He was one for one on field goals and extra points. When given opportunities, he remains one of the premiere kickers in the league although his kick offs do not go as far as they used to.

DEN Rush Defense

The Denver rush defense had huge problems during this contest. They gave up 223 yards to the Chiefs. Larry Johnson was the main reason for that as he gained 154 yards on them. The Broncos were unable to contain the Chiefs’ rushing attack and that was the difference for this game. Denver has had one of the strongest rush defenses in the league and hopes to recover its old form after successive beatings from LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson.

DEN Pass Defense

The Denver pass defense held its own as they limited Kansas City quarterback Trent Green to only 161 yards through the air. They also managed to intercept Green once and sack him once. Unfortunately, a good day for the pass defense was not enough by itself for the Denver Broncos.

QB Trent Green, Pass: 13 - 22 - 161 - 0 TD / 1 INT, Rush: 4 - 10 - 0

In his second start since coming back from a head injury, Trent Green still looked tentative. He was checking off his options and spread the ball around well, targeting nine different players, but he only completed 13 out of 22 passes for a total of 161 yards. He had one interception which killed a good drive and he did not throw any touchdown passes. He may have been constrained by a play it safe game plan while he works his way back into shape, but for the Chiefs to continue to advance to the playoffs, Green needs to be allowed to open it up a bit more.

RB Larry Johnson, Rush: 34 - 157 - 1, Rec: 1 - 6 - 0 (3 targets)

Johnson continues to carry the Chiefs on his back. He gained 157 yards on 34 carries. He often broke through the Broncos’ vaunted rush defense for eight or ten yards on a carry. He has kept accumulating the yards in bunches and now leads the league with 1202 yards gained on the ground this season. This was his fourth game with over 150 yards out of the last five.

RB Michael Bennett, Rush: 2 - 56 - 0, Rec: 2 - 20 - 0 (2 targets)

Bennett continues to impress as a change of pace back for the Chiefs. When Larry Johnson is taking a short rest, the Chiefs can feel confident in Bennett’s performance in relief. He caught both passes thrown his way and also gained 56 yards on just two carries. On one carry, he gained 41 yards, the longest play from scrimmage of the game.

WR Samie Parker, Rush: 1 - 0 - 0, Rec: 3 - 71 - 0 (4 targets)

Parker was very reliable catching three passes for 71 yards. He had the highest yardage total from passes for the Chiefs.

WR Eddie Kennison, Rec: 1 - 16 - 0 (5 targets)

Kennison had an off day as he only caught one of the five passes that were targeted to him. His statistics should go up if and when Green begins to open up the passing attack.

WR Dante Hall, Rec: 1 - 10 - 0 (2 targets)

Hall caught one of the two passes thrown his way. He enjoyed success on kick-off returns gaining 60 yards on two returns.

WR Rod Gardner (1 targets)

Gardner was targeted once over the middle but had no catches. He seems a bit forgotten in the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.

TE Tony Gonzalez, Rec: 4 - 35 - 0 (4 targets)

Gonzalez appeared to be back in good form as a receiver. All four passes thrown to him were successful. He did still appear to be favoring the right shoulder that was injured two games ago and caused him to miss the previous week’s contest.

TE Kris Wilson, Rec: 1 - 3 - 0 (2 targets)

Wilson may not contribute directly to the fantasy stats but his presence is becoming a strong force for the Chiefs. He served double duty again as a fullback and a tight end. He has demonstrated dependability as a lead blocker

TE Jason Dunn (1 targets)

Dunn did not see very much action. He was targeted one time but had no catches.

PK Lawrence Tynes 4 - 4 FG, 1 - 1 XP, 13 points

Tynes undoubtedly enjoyed this game a lot. The points from his kicks provided the Chiefs their margin of victory. He successfully attempted four field goals and one extra point. All of his attempts were within 40 yards, where he is virtually automatic.

KC Rush Defense

The Chiefs’ rush defense enjoyed an exceptional day. They held the Broncos‘ runners to a measly 38 yards on the day. The rushing average was below three yards per carry. Everyone on the Chiefs’ team seemed to have a nose for the ball. They were sticking with their tackles and not letting the Broncos break away. This was a display of how a rushing defense should be played.

KC Pass Defense

The Kansas City pass defense was effective in limiting Denver’s quarterback, Jake Plummer. Plummer converted a lot of pass attempts but was not allowed any big plays. The pass defense gave up a total of 216 yards on 39 attempts. Chiefs’ cornerback Ty Law picked off one pass on the first Denver drive of the game, setting the tone for the rest of the day. Cornerback Patrick Surtain picked one off later and had a great return, but the play was nullified by a Kansas City penalty.