Peyton Manning throws against the Kansas City defense. (Getty)
Final Score
Denver Broncos 0-14-3-14 — 31
Kansas City Chiefs 0-14-3-7 — 24
Box Score
With seconds remaining, the Denver Broncos scored the game winning touchdown on a Jamaal Charles fumble to win the game 31-24. The game was marked by distinct sections that had differing themes. The Chiefs jumped out to a 14-0 lead as the Broncos offense continued to look in disarray.
The Broncos came storming back as Peyton Manning began to settle into the game. Despite the shaky start, Manning finished 26-of-45 for 256 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The game went back and forth throughout the second half. With less than a minute remaining, the Broncos tied the game and it appeared the Thursday Night Football game was headed to overtime.
With 40 seconds remaining, the Chiefs received the ball back. Andy Reid opted to run the ball rather than run out the clock. Jamaal Charles was stripped by Broncos defender Brandon Marshall and the Broncos scooped up the ball for a touchdown. It marked the second fumble for Charles of the game.
Here is how the Broncos pulled off the victory against the Chiefs in shocking fashion:
Jamaal Charles Fumbled Near the Goal Line
5 yards away from the end zone.
Jamaal Charles jukes one defender and then…FUMBLE!!
@Broncos ball. #DENvsKC #TNF http://t.co/RGGAhH5yI1
After the Broncos went three and out on the first possession of the game, the Chiefs proceeded to drive down the field. Charles had the football popped loose as he ran towards the goal line. The Broncos took over near their own endzone.
The Story Early On Was Both Defenses
Eric Berry returned to Kansas City. (Getty)
The Broncos defense forced two fumbles early on in the game. However, the Broncos were not able to capitalize in large part due to the Chiefs defense. The front seven continued to get penetration against the Broncos offensive line. Denver went for it on 4th-and-1 early in the second quarter and was stopped short by Kansas City.
Charles Redeemed Himself With a Long Touchdown Run
After an early fumble, Charles redeemed himself with a 34-yard touchdown run. Early in the second quarter, Charles already had rushed for 72 yards.
Manning Threw Another Pick-Six
For the second straight game, Manning threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. The pass was intended for Demaryius Thomas.
Prior to the interception, Manning had been looking improved from Week 1. Part of the challenge is the lack of protection from the offensive line.
Emmanuel Sanders Scored a Touchdown
Manning hit Sanders on a quick slant route that resulted in a touchdown. Sanders celebrated with an amazing back flip as seen in the video above.
Aqib Talib Came Up With an Interception
Interception Aqib Talib.
This is his 2nd interception of the season.
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib came up with his second interception in as many games. The interception would lead to a touchdown drive by the Denver offense. This was a big play to shift the momentum for the Broncos.
Virgil Green Scored a Touchdown
Manning found tight end Virgil Green in the back of the end zone. The touchdown tied the game at 14 and shifted the momentum back to the Broncos at halftime. Manning finished the first half with 116 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Manning Throws for 70,000 Yards
Peyton Manning is the 2nd player-and fastest-in NFL history to 70k pass yds. He reached mark in 35 fewer gms and 812 fewer att than Favre.
Prior to this game, Brett Favre was the only quarterback to throw for 70,000 yards. Midway through the third quarter, Peyton Manning joined the 70,000 yards passing club. Manning was able to do it in what amounted to about 2 seasons less worth of games than Favre.
Alex Smith Threw Another Interception
The Chiefs were in Broncos territory midway through the 4th quarter. Smith was in the process of throwing a pass when his arm was hit by a Broncos defender. The play resulted in a Broncos interception. They were not able to capitalize on the turnover and punted the ball back to the Broncos.
Knile Davis Scored a Fourth Quarter Touchdown
Davis came in for Charles and scampered for a 8-yard touchdown run. This play gave the Chiefs a 24-17 lead with two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Sanders Tied the Game With a Touchdown
Game on the line? Peyton Manning’s got this.
19-yard strike to Emmanuel Sanders –> TIE GAME
#DENvsKC #TNF http://t.co/VtmLHZzzsT
Sanders caught a 19-yard touchdown pass to tie the game 24-24 with less than 40 seconds remaining in the game. It was Sanders second touchdown catch of the game, and it appeared that it would send the game into overtime. That was all about to change with one play.
Jamaal Charles Fumbled the Ball to Lose the Game
Charles finished the game with 125 yards rushing but it is another number that he will be remembered for in this game. With just seconds remaining, Charles fumbled the ball. The Broncos recovered and ran it into the endzone with about 20 seconds remaining. It marked the second fumble of the game for Charles. It was a heartbreaking play for one of the best running backs in the league.
Chiefs fans will certainly question whether Andy Reid should have opted to take a knee and play for overtime with such little time left. The play marked the second straight game that a turnover has decided the outcome of the game for the Broncos.
