The Kansas City Chiefs' defensive unit wasted no time making a statement in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs' pass rush has been a key part of the defending Super Bowl champions' undefeated start to the 2024 regular season, and rising defensive back Nazeeh Johnson was the latest player to take down an opposing quarterback. After back-to-back scoreless drives for both teams, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo drew up a perfect blitz against Broncos rookie Bo Nix on first down. Johnson lept on his opportunity to get involved and sacked Nix for a huge loss that ultimately forced Denver to punt later in the drive. Take a look at Johnson's highlight reel sack in this video, which was posted by the Chiefs' official Twitter account:
Expect Spagnuolo to continue featuring Johnson in his defensive game plan to keep the pressure on Nix as Kansas City looks to keep its perfect season intact.
Chiefs' Defense Forces Three-and-Out on Denver's Opening Drive
The Chiefs' defense wasted no time in making their presence felt on Denver's opening drive, forcing the Broncos to punt after three plays. Defensive lineman Chris Jones applied strong pressure on third down with an effective pass rush, leading to an incomplete pass and a three-and-out for Denver.
Mahomes' Injured Ankle Faced an Early Test
Patrick Mahomes, despite an ankle scare, is expected to play Sunday. Mahomes rolled his ankle during Monday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and briefly left the field. He began rehab immediately afterward and has practiced daily since. Mahomes' injured ankle faced an early test as he scrambles for a first down on 3rd-and-10 to keep a drive going.
Mahomes picked up 13 yards with his legs on 3rd and 10.
Chiefs and Broncos Trade Touchdowns in the Second Quarter
The Broncos found the end zone first, but the Chiefs' defense held them in check for most of the second quarter. The Broncos' defense was able to stop the Chiefs on their first drive of the quarter, but the Broncos' offense was able to find their groove later in the quarter. The Chiefs found their offense in the second quarter, but the Broncos were able to get the ball right back after holding them to a field goal. Kansas City was able to tie the game when Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for a touchdown, but Nix was able to find Courtland Sutton on a 32-yard touchdown pass to put the Broncos back in the lead.
Chiefs Offensive Struggles in the First Half
The Kansas City Chiefs' offense struggled to find its footing early in the first half, but managed to get in gear in the second quarter to cut into Denver's lead. After being held to just three points at the two-minute warning, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid decided to get aggressive near the Broncos' goal line and kept his offense on the field on fourth down in an attempt to score a touchdown. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce answered Reid’s call, and combined for a six-point score that got Kansas City back in the game.
Chiefs' Offense Remains Undeterred
The Chiefs' offense was able to overcome their slow start and score multiple touchdowns in the second half. The Chiefs' offense remained undeterred by the Broncos' defense, and the Chiefs were able to come away with a victory in the end. The Chiefs are looking to continue their undefeated streak into next week.
Chiefs Dominate Denver
The Chiefs' offense, which has been inconsistent throughout the season, found its rhythm in the second half and exploded for 24 points in the third quarter alone. The Chiefs were able to maintain their undefeated record after the Broncos were unable to capitalize on their early lead.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs vs. Broncos: Rising DB sacks Bo Nix in first quarter
