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Jeff Legwold, ESPN Senior Writer
DENVER — It’s been an eternity since the Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, the team doesn’t even have a player in the locker room who played in that last win.
But after the Broncos finally ended their 16-game losing streak with a 24-9 victory at Empower Field at Mile High, the guy who had been in uniform for more of those losses to the Chiefs than any of his teammates couldn’t have been happier.
“Man, it’s a complete effort. … I’m really proud of how the guys battled and played,” said safety Justin Simmons, a third-round pick in the 2016 draft who is the Broncos’ longest-tenured player. “… I understand that from an outsider’s perspective, there’s this streak, but every year, it’s a new team. … Some of us have been here for a while, myself being here the longest, and I’m just thrilled that we won. It feels great to win.”
The Broncos capitalized on five takeaways — four on defense and one on special teams — and delivered their best defensive performance of the season to keep the Chiefs from scoring a touchdown. It was the first instance where the Chiefs lost an AFC West game on the road with quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the starter.
Furthermore, it marked the Broncos’ initial victory against the Chiefs since September 17, 2015. Out of those 16 losses, 12 were inflicted by Mahomes, including his debut NFL start in the 2017 season finale.
In Sunday’s game, Mahomes, who was sacked thrice, completed 24 of 38 passes for 241 yards with two interceptions.
After the game, Mahomes mentioned that he experienced flu-like symptoms on Saturday night and had “stomach issues” during the game.
“He’s alright,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid stated about Mahomes. “He was sick. He’s not going to use that as an excuse.”
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who accumulated six receptions for 58 yards, managed just one reception for 8 yards after halftime.
“It’s like we can finally stop hearing about that,” Broncos linebacker Baron Browning, who recorded two sacks, commented on the losing streak. “It was good to secure a win against an opponent we haven’t beaten in a while.”
Linebacker Josey Jewell added, “We can put that to rest, so it’s nice to get rid of that. Hopefully, we can start a little winning streak here.”
The Broncos led 14-9 at halftime, and the Chiefs were unable to narrow the gap. Their possessions in the second half concluded with a punt, a fourth-down stop by the Broncos, an interception, and a one-play possession to end the game.
As the trade deadline approaches on Tuesday, Simmons and other Broncos players expressed hope that their third win in five games would prevent the team from trading away any starters.
Broncos coach Sean Payton stated on Sunday that the team is currently not actively pursuing trades.
“We don’t have a specific approach,” Payton replied when asked about their trade deadline strategy. “We’re not the ones looking to make acquisitions. We can’t control who contacts us. We always answer the phone. It’s a professional obligation.
“We have a plan for where we see ourselves… When I see or hear things, I chuckle because I haven’t discussed that with anyone, which probably means it’s not true.”
The Broncos will have a bye next Sunday before facing the Buffalo Bills on November 13 for “Monday Night Football.”
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