Although the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos will be remembered as Kenneth Walker III’s night, after the running back exploded for 173 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, Andy Reid’s team made an early statement about its ambitions for the season.

Beyond Walker’s offensive explosion, Kansas City dominated in nearly every area of the game and showcased a defense that could become the key factor in helping the Chiefs return to championship contention.

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The performance of the defense was one of the biggest surprises. Dan Orlovsky was particularly impressed by the way Steve Spagnuolo’s unit attacked Denver’s new offensive coordinator, Davis Webb, from the opening snap during his analysis on NFL Live.

“I’d also say this. I was shocked how good the defense was in Kansas City last night. This was not all about, ‘Oh my gosh, Davis Webb can’t call plays, and Sean Payton should come save the day.’ That’s going to be a conversation. But the first snap of the game, Spags sends both corners blitzing. Of course he does. I thought the linebackers were outstanding against the run. The coverage on the perimeter. I texted you during the game going, who’s No. 20?” Orlovsky said while discussing Nohl Williams, the Chiefs’ 2025 third-round draft pick.

The former NFL quarterback acknowledged that there were questions about the true level of Kansas City’s defense entering the season, but the performance against Denver completely changed his perspective.

“I was hopeful that they would run the football. I was. I was way more, I guess, question-mark-centric about the defense. What I watched last night, it felt like a defense that could carry them early on as the offense really starts to settle in. And no question, it’s a championship-caliber defense, at least from what we saw last night.”

During the 2025 season, the Broncos’ offense was one of the strengths of Sean Payton’s team, finishing 14th in the NFL in points scored, 11th in passing yards, and 16th in rushing yards.

That is why holding that offense — which also added Jaylen Waddle — to 13.6 points below its previous season average represents a major statement from a Chiefs team that looks more complete, balanced and dangerous in its pursuit of another championship.