The Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-28 at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night to giving themselves a commanding lead in the AFC West.
Broncos vs. Chiefs 2013: Peyton Manning ‘operates at high level’ in win
Denver took control of the AFC West with its second win in three weeks over Kansas City.
At 10-2, the Broncos hold a one-game lead and the tiebreaker over the reeling Chiefs, who have dropped three consecutive games after starting 9-0. Denver was led by wide receiver Eric Decker, who had the best game of his career with four touchdown receptions.
Peyton Manning was his typical brilliant self, beating the porous Kansas City safeties repeatedly over the top with big bombs. Manning threw for 403 yards on 22-of-35 passing and five touchdowns against two interceptions. Denver could not run the ball well outside of a 45-yard scamper by Montee Ball, but it did not matter.
Over at Mile High Report, Kyle Montgomery wrote about how both teams moved the ball considerably throughout the game:
Unlike the first game, which saw the Broncos take a comfortable lead and win without big plays, Sunday's rematch featured turnovers, kick return touchdowns, and huge passes. Alex Smith and Peyton Manning both operated at a high level for their respective teams, with the Chiefs and Broncos combining for 900 yards.
For the Chiefs, Smith enjoyed his finest day in a Kansas City uniform. The former No. 1 overall pick threw for 293 yards and could have been closer to 400 if the Chiefs receivers had not dropped a multitude of long passes. Smith was on point all night, leading Kansas City inside the red zone on a potential game-winning drive in the final two minutes before coming up short.
Jamaal Charles also had a nice game with 93 rushing yards on 19 carries and two catches for another 27. Backup running back Knile Davis also had the best game of his young career with 38 total offensive yards but an 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride wrote about the numerous defensive breakdowns on Sunday:
It's impossible to truly lay blame on some of these plays but someone is obviously to blame. Maybe the pass rush should have gotten there sooner. Maybe the safety should have come over and helped. Maybe the linebacker was responsible for one someone. Whatever it is on each play, it's obvious the Mannings and the Rivers' of the world have the Chiefs number. Unfortunately, those are the types of quarterbacks the Chiefs are likely to play in the playoffs (assuming, you know, they make the playoffs).
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