First-and-10 from the Kansas City 20, 15:00 to play, first quarter: On the first play from scrimmage, the defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson stuffed Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles for no gain, setting the tone for the game. The AFC’s leading rusher would go on to finish with just 53 yards in the game.
First-and-10 from the Denver 31, 13:02 to play, first quarter: On the Broncos’ first offensive snap of the game, quarterback Peyton Manning connected with wide receiver Brandon Stokley for a 29-yard pickup. Much like the defense set the tone on its first opportunity, so did the offense. Denver would go on to gain 488 yards of offense and post 38 points in the win.
Third-and-three from the Denver 5, 14:56 to play in the second quarter: After the Chiefs returned a Broncos fumble to the Denver 12-yard line, the defense stood its ground and forced the chiefs to settle for a field goal. Quarterback Brady Quinn’s third-down pass was incomplete and Ryan Succop came on for a 23-yard field goal, which represented the only Chiefs points of the game.
Third-and-one from the Kansas City 24, :47 to play in the second quarter: Needing a first down to keep the two-minute drive alive, fullback Jacob Hester picked up 8 yards on a carry. After Manning spiked the ball, he connected with wide receiver Eric Decker on the next play for a 16-yard score with just :10 remaining on the first-half clock.
Third-and-one from the Kansas City 31, 11:48 to play in the third quarter: Facing a third down on the opening possession of the second half, the Broncos turned to Lance Ball to keep the drive going. The running back gained 4 of his game-high 66 yards on the play. Four snaps later, Manning hit wide receiver Demaryius Thomas in the end zone for a 13-yard score that increased the Broncos’ lead to 28-3.
Tags: Kansas City Chiefs, Key Plays, Week 17