Indeed, the Chiefs had their chances on Sunday, but a series of self-inflicted errors allowed Denver to hang around and ultimately take advantage. Kansas City committed 10 penalties, went 1-for-4 in the red zone and 5-for-13 on third down, but despite those miscues, the Chiefs had the lead when quarterback Patrick Mahomes found tight end Travis Kelce for a 21-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
The score put Kansas City in front for the first time all game, but a blocked extra-point kept the Broncos within three points with just over nine minutes remaining in the contest. The Chiefs’ defense then quickly forced a Broncos’ punt, providing Kansas City with an opportunity to either extend its lead or at least churn some clock, but a quick three-and-out sent the ball back the Broncos’ offense, and they didn’t waste it.
Denver marched into field goal range and tied the game with a 54-yard kick, again setting the Chiefs up with an opportunity – at just over four minutes remaining – to re-claim the lead. Kansas City went three-and-out again, however, setting up Denver’s final scoring drive.
“[We] had an opportunity at the end of the game, and [we didn’t] come through. Getting the ball back with four minutes [left], and all we needed was a field goal – that’s a spot that we’ve been in a lot, and we’ve been able to do that,” Mahomes said. “[We have] to be better in that scenario. That’s what you want, you want that opportunity at the end of the game, and I didn’t’ come through.”