Kansas City Chiefs: Five Reasons For Loss To Broncos

Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Negative #3: Red Zone Reverse?

This, like the second-quarter interception, was one play call, but it was bad.

After the Chiefs defense had forced a three-and-out in the fourth quarter, the Broncos punted and put its defense right back on the field tied 17-17. The Chiefs took possession near mid-field and started moving with 10 minutes left in the game.

Four plays later (including a 30-yard completion to rookie tight end James O’Shaughnessy), Kansas City had 2nd-and-7 on Denver’s 14-yard line.

Reid trusts his guys, and he’s willing to call that play in that spot – that’s what makes him a great coach. Always play to win. But sometimes it backfires.

Scoring position, Red Zone, clock ticking, defense on its heels. Perfect time for what? A reverse pass, silly. That’s what it looked like anyway, but the play was broken – poor as a church mouse.

You know the rest… Kansas City was forced into a 3rd-and-10, burned its first timeout and gave the Broncos defense a rest and a regroup. Play call aside, it was bad execution.

The following play guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was beaten, Smith’s arm hit on the throw, and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. camped under it for an interception. (via NFL Network)

If the reverse play goes for a touchdown, we’re all calling Reid a genius. Reid trusts his guys, and he’s willing to call that play in that spot – that’s what makes him a great coach. Always play to win.

But sometimes it backfires. When it failed against the Broncos, it led to the Chiefs’ second Red Zone turnover of the game.

Next: Who Does Number Two Work For?