Opinion: Chiefs lose to Broncos but can still learn from it
The Kansas City Chiefs came out of it with their record finally sullied yet their pride still fully intact.
No reason to be embarrassed by losing to Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Denver on Sunday night, even if they were the last unbeaten team in the NFL.
Indeed, the argument could be made that the Chiefs played well enough in a 27-17 loss that they have legitimate hope when the two teams meet two weeks from now in a rematch in Kansas City.
That, of course, will be predicated on finding some more offense because no one is going to beat the Broncos without putting a healthy number of points on the scoreboard.
But at a time of year in the NFL where teams start sneaking a look at playoff possibilities, the Chiefs still have to like what they see.
No one expected a team that went 2-14 last season to run the table anyway, and the first-half schedule was so weak that even the Chiefs seemed a bit unsure how good they had actually become under the mustachioed and rejuvenated Andy Reid.
The answer is they’re plenty good, even if their chances to rally were slim on Sunday. The Chiefs simply aren’t built for big comebacks, and by the time they had gotten acclimated to the thin air in Denver the Broncos already owned a 10-0 lead they weren’t about to relinquish.
But if there is such a thing as a good loss — something no self-respecting coach would ever admit — this was it.
“We played a good football team and they got us today,” Reid said. “There are things we can learn from here and get those fixed. We’ll get ourselves better.”
The Chiefs will need to do just that if they want this to be known as more than just a turnaround season under Reid.
To win a rematch against the Broncos — or to win a playoff game in January — they’ll have to get more out of quarterback Alex Smith and an offense that sputtered much of the night in Denver.
They will also need to figure out how a team leading the NFL in sacks didn’t drop Manning once all night.
“We’ll get a handle on it. I’m not worried,” linebacker Derrick Johnson said. “We’re not sitting back shocked like we’re not this team that we thought we were. We’re 9-1 and things are still looking up for the Chiefs.”
Things are looking up for the Broncos, too, who had a pretty good night on primetime television with their coach convalescing from heart surgery at home.
Any team with Manning under center is going to be overlooked on defense, but with Von Miller rounding back into form and fellow linebacker Wesley Woodyard healthy the Broncos are suddenly a pretty good defensive team, too.
And any time Manning — who showed decent mobility on his heavily taped ankles — gets through a game barely being touched, it’s a good night.
“To go sackless against the leading sack defense in the NFL, that’s a great testament to those guys,” Manning said.
The Broncos, though, always figured to be good this season. The Chiefs were another matter.
After 14 seasons in Philadelphia, Reid has turned things around quickly in Kansas City, thanks largely to a hard-nosed defense and an early schedule of patsies.
Still, even as the wins kept piling up it was hard to find many in football predicting the Chiefs would go deep in the playoffs.
The non-believers included the sharp guys in Vegas, who thought so little of the Chiefs that they were eight-point underdogs against Denver. It was the first time in recent memory that a team unbeaten so late in the season was not favored to continue its winning ways.
Denver will almost surely be favored in the rematch, too, though theBroncos have other business to take care of first in a hotly anticipated game next Sunday in New England. It will be Manning against Tom Brady once again in a game that could serve as a preview to a Super Bowl eliminator in January.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, return home to face San Diego, and they do it for the first time with a blemished record.
“As great as it is to win, it’s that lousy to lose,” Smith said. “(But) it’s good in some ways. Good teams gotta find a way to deal with it. How many teams have ever gone undefeated, two in the history of football?”
The Chiefs weren’t going to be No. 3, even if they had somehow found a way to beat Denver. No one was confusing them with the 1972 Dolphins or the 2007 New England team that was perfect until the Super Bowl.
They’re a good solid team that couldn’t win largely because the quarterback of the other team is named Peyton Manning.
And no one should be embarrassed about that.
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Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg@ap.org or http://twitter.com/timdahlberg
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) slips away from Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid looks down at his play list against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs the ball against Denver Broncos strong safety Mike Adams (20) and cornerback Kayvon Webster (36) in the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Albert Gonzales does some “hatchbacking” (they don’t have tailgate) with some friends before the big game in Denver. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos fans file into Sports Authority Field at twilight to watch the a Sunday night game in Denver. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Fans fill the stands as the Denver Broncos prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos safety Rahim Moore flies on to the field as the Denver Broncos prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Fans watch players warm up as the Denver Broncos prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning signals for running back Montee Ball to start a drill as the Denver Broncos prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning puts on a pair of gloves while warming up as the Denver Broncos prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos safety David Bruton dances to a song as the Denver Broncos prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Peyton manning inspects his gloved right hand before Denver’s game against the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Peyton Manning puts on gloves before Denver’s game against the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Colorado National Guardsmen are welcomed before the Broncos game against the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Peyton Manning before Denver’s game against the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Peyton Manning before Denver’s game against the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning makes a touchdown saving tackle on Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson after Johnson intercepted a Manning pass in the first quarter Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker hauls in a first quarter pass in front of Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard brings down Chiefs tight end Anthony Fasano after a first quarter reception Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Chiefssafety Husain Abdullah stops Broncos punt returner Trindon Holliday on a first quarter return Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton reaches out to stop Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles in the second quarter Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos safety Omar Boldon (31) takes the field along with teammates before Denver’s game against the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson zeroes in on Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith for a first quarter sack Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson celebrates a first quarter sack of Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith for a first quarter sack Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno vaults teammate Julius Thomas after Thomas’ first quarter touchdown catch put Denver up 10-0 over the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos safety Rahim Moore breaks up a pass intended for Chiefs wide receiver Donnie Avery as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Broncos defenses sacks Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers tackles Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker short of the first down as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
One play after a fumble by Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, Broncos cornerback Quentin Jammer recovers a fumble by Chiefs full back Anthony Sherman as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas runs a 70 yard reception down the field to set up the Broncos for their first touchdown as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith gets off a quick pass while being chased by Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles dives over a pile of players as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles misses a touchdown pass while being defended by Broncos safety Duke Ihenacho as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Chiefs players celebrate with wide receiver Dwayne Bowe after he scored their first touchdown with a six yard reception as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Chiefs safety Quintin Demps (35) reacts after being called for a hold against Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker in the Broncos red zone as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) celebrates after scoring the Broncos second touchdown with a one yard run as the Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos tight end Julius Thomas heads for a touchdown as he’s being pursued by Chiefs safety Eric Berry (center) and linebacker Derrick Johnson (right) as he scores in the first quarter. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno leap frogs over tight end Julius Thomas after Thomas scored a touchdown in the first quarter. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos running back Montee Ball fights his way into the endzone for a touchdown in the second quarter. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos safety Duke Ihenacho stops Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles from scoring a touchdown near the endzone in the second quarter. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning turns around to yell commands to the offense during the second quarter. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas runs past Chiefs cornerback Marcus Cooper after catching the ball in the second quarter. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos tight end Julius Thomas catches the ball while being pursued by Chiefs safety Eric Berry (left) and safety Kendrick Lewis (center). The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos tight end Julius Thomas catches the ball while being pursued by Chiefs safety Eric Berry (left) and safety Kendrick Lewis (center). The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard vaults over Chiefs tight end Anthony Fasano as he is tackled by Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson and linebacker Danny Trevathan as the Denver Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning waves to the crowd after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe sacks Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith for a loss of 14 yards in the second half of Denver’s 27-17 win Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos running back Monte Ball heads into the end zone on an eight yard touchdown run in the second half of Denver’s 27-17 win over the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith eludes the grasp of Broncos defensive end Shaun Phillips in the second half of Denver’s 7-17 win Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos cornerback Quentin Jammer goes after Kansas City wide receiver Donnie Avery during the fourth quarter. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos legend John Elway looks up at the scoreboard towards the end o the game. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos defensive end Shaun Phillips goes after Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith during the fourth quarter. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Miles the mascot for the Broncos leads the Broncos out on the field before the game. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Broncos interim head coach Jack Del Rio on the sidelines in the second half of Denver’s 27-17 win Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
Broncos fans celebrate in the first half of Denver’s game against the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The father of Broncos tight end Julius Thomas celebrates after his son handed him the ball he caught for a first quarter touchdown against the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The Denver Broncos beat the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 27-17 Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Broncos running back Monte Ball runs along the sideline in the second half of Denver’s 27-17 win over the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos hosted the Chiefs Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette
The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith is pursued by Broncos defensive end Shaun Phillips at the end of the second quarter. The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
The Broncos played the Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, November 17, 2013. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)
Olympic skiier Lindsey Vonn and Tiger Woods were on the sideline of the Broncos-Chiefs game on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett)