Kansas City hosted Oakland in Week 16, needing a win to keep its postseason chances alive. After a closely contested, back-and-forth four quarters of regulation, the Raiders were able to come away with a 16-13 victory on a 36-yard field goal by kicker Sebastian Janikowski on the opening possession of overtime.
Janikowski started the day’s scoring with a 28-yard field goal on the first drive of the game after Bryan McCann returned the opening kickoff 91 yards to the Chiefs 14-yard line.
Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop knotted the game at 3-3 with a 23-yard field goal that was set up by linebacker Derrick Johnson’s interception and 17-yard return that set Kansas City up inside Oakland territory to start its drive.
The Raiders had a chance to go ahead in the second quarter when they appeared to successfully pull off a fake field goal. The holder, Shane Lechler, threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brandon Myers, but Oakland was called for delay of game, nullifying the play. The resulting 5-yard penalty moved Janikowski’s field goal attempt back to 59 yards, and the Pro Bowl kicker came up just short, hitting the crossbar.
Momentum seemed to be on Kansas City’s side after that swing from an apparent fake field goal touchdown to a missed field goal and the resulting great field position. The Chiefs started at their ensuing drive from their 49-yard line and with the help of three Raiders penalties, drove down the field into the red zone.
Kansas City wasn’t able to capitalize, as quarterback Kyle Orton threw an interception in the end zone that was returned 62 yards out to the Chiefs 41-yard line, swinging momentum back in Oakland’s favor.
The Raiders couldn’t take advantage of the turnover however, as three plays later, quarterback Carson Palmer threw his second interception of the half.
In its two-minute offense, Kansas City drove the ball down to the Oakland 23-yard line with one minute left in the half.
Despite being in good scoring position with three timeouts remaining, the Chiefs started moving backwards thanks to three consecutive penalties. First, Orton was called for intentional grounding, moving the ball back to the 34-yard line. Then, Orton was flagged for delay of game, moving the Chiefs back to the 39. Before the next snap, Kansas City was called for a false start, backing the team up to the 44.
After a 13-yard completion, the Chiefs stopped the clock with three seconds remaining to attempt a 49-yard field goal, but defensive lineman Richard Seymour broke through the line to block the attempt and end the half with the scored tied 3-3.
The Raiders broke the tie with a 61-yard touchdown pass from Palmer to wide receiver Denarius Moore on their first drive of the second half to take a 10-3 lead.
Kansas City cut the margin to four points after Succop added a 20-yard field goal to make the score 10-6 entering the fourth quarter.
Janikowski tacked on a 31-yard field goal with 3:01 left in the fourth quarter to give Oakland a seven-point lead, but the Chiefs answered, using a 49-yard completion from Orton to running back Dexter McCluster to take Kansas City down to the Oakland 3-yard line. On the next play, Orton hit receiver Dwayne Bowe for the game-tying touchdown with 1:04 left in the fourth quarter.
Oakland then went three-and-out, using just 29 seconds of game time, which allowed the Chiefs one last shot to win it in regulation. After quick gains of 25, then 11, Succop came onto the field to attempt his second 49-yard field goal of the game. And, just like the first one, the kick was blocked by Seymour as time expired in the half.
On the first play of overtime, Palmer connected with receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey for a gain of 53 yards down to the Kansas City 23-yard line. Three plays later, Janikowski drilled a 36-yard field goal to end the game and the Chiefs’ postseason hopes.
-Stuart Zaas
Like I said all along both Lechler and Janikowski would get the nod for the pro bowl over Prater and Colquitt, one more reason to dislike the Raiders, haha.
Once again, Colquitt will play a big part in this game.
Also, when is the last time we faked a punt? Might be a good game to break one out if the opportunity presents itself. A play like that can change a game.
I get the feeling the Chargers will win this week anyway. Anyone else feel that way?
Champ will shut down Bowe like last year. What we need to do is contain McCluster on screens, and use a couple screens our self with our RB not WR. Speed kills us. And we need Bruton to start. I hope the coaches are paying attention to adjustments that MUST be made on defense.
Heck with miller limited in rushing the passer, maybe he should just watch the screen or be in coverage will DJ does the rushing. Sure he may not be able to intercept with one hand but he is fast enough and can knock balls down.
We also need to use wilhite on nickle blitzes dont think we have done much of those recently. We lost an extra incredible blitzer with the loss of Dawk.
I dunno what we need to do im no coach but we need to change up our approach thats for sure.
We should use punt fakes too like the raiders. they do it like once a game. But most importantly we should WATCH for punt fakes. KC has nothing to lose. And those teams are dangerous because they don’t play conservaively, they play without restraint cuz it doesn’t matter or help to play it safe.
TRB
I hate myself for cheering for Phylis this week… I really REALLY would like them to tie…
I have spent alot of time in the last two days and I guess I hadn’t really let it set in that it will be 6 years since our last Playoff game… 6 YEARS?!?
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS
No disrespect to Zaas,but who cares about the Faders/Chiefs game last week,I could care less,is this not Broncos Country?
Perspective time…
Tim Tebow has lived 25% of his Life since the last time the Denver Broncos were in the Playoffs…
Faith is a crazy thing… the hope and confidence that it can give you in times of uncertainty is really quite comforting…
I have Faith in Timmy Tebow, and I will not worry for another minute about the outcome of Sunday’s Game… We will find a way to get it done, or we won’t… either way, I have made my position quite clear, so for now I’m going into full on CHEER mode…
VON TEBOW FOOTBALL!!! JUST BELIEVE!!!
FTNeckbeard and the CHIEFS (cough cough and the Raiders)
Got a question for you guys/gals….(if this was brought up, I apologize trying to read as much as I can)
Just a thought is all……I tend to believe the cast of Miller is playing a HUGE part in his production. Should we move to Hagan?
My next question is, does anyone know the time table for the darn thing before it can come off? My lord, can we remove that thing? Asking him to play with a cast is like asking a hooker for a hug! They don’t go together!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
BFE!!! What up Buddy?!?
2006, just beat the niners….FAIL
2008, just beat the Bills…..FAIL
2009, just win 4 out of the last 10…FAIL
2011, just beat the Chiefs…????????
What do all of these have in common? Home games, come on, finish this!!
Funny BroncFalls.. ‘Hooker Hugs’… LOL
I have been of the oppinion that the cast limits his ability to keep Blockers away from him, and once engaged he has trouble getting disengaged to make plays…
It is clear in the Film… On occasion he takes bad angles, but as a Pass Rusher First it is his part of the scheme… He needs to maintain discipline when setting the edge…
I think the cast is a much bigger issue than some here, who are questioning his Talent… He is still the only player in the league that has at least 55 tackle attempts and has 0 missed tackles…
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS!!!
Dawkins is just observing
Chris Harris is out of practice
Quinton Carter is participating
0 missed tackles is pretty impressive … maybe he can work with rahim moore lol. I also think we should bench miller … no disrespect to him but Hagan showed up big when he had to start in millers stead, and I think he could again … he is alot fresher and very capable. Maybe only use miller in certain situations … its truly hurting miller and as much as I want him to get 4 sacks and break the rookie sack record and win DROY, Id rather we win. TRB
Aldon Smith from SF is .5 sacks away from breaking the Rookie Sack Record…
I have had a few days to digest this loss.. Here was my initial feelings from my post “THE BRONCOS COULDN’T OVERCOME FOX/MCCOY’S CONSERVATIVE FIRST HALF PLAY CALLING.. NO MATT WILLIS.. TOO MANY LANCE BALL RECEIVING ATTEMPTS… TOO MANY DEEP ROUTES (FALLING RIGHT INTO BUFFALO’S TRAP). THE JIG IS UP.. THE WHOLE LEAGUE KNOWS THAT WE THROW DEEP AND NO SHORT MIDDLE ROUTES.. NO SCREENS OR SLANTS… THEY HAD A WEEK TO PREPARE AND THIS IS WHAT THEY CAME UP WITH.. THIS IS PATHETIC AND I BLAME THE COACHES COMPLETELY FOR THE LOSS… FOX HAS GIVEN OUR MAGIC AWAY… THANKS FOX!!! THIS IS WHY YOU HAVE NEVER HAD BACK TO BACK WINNING SEASONS.. ALSO GREAT DRAFTING OF MOORE !! HE STINKS”
I still feel the same way. How many freaking times are we going to run on 1st, 2nd, & 3rd down and then punt??? Now FOXY is sacred to run the option read tebow run plays because of a fumble a few games ago.. So our play calling has regressed to a game plan similar to Tebow’s first start at oakland last year (with more runs sprinkled in). This is completely insane.. And I am very mad!!!! Did Fox watch any of the Minn tape? How about the Houston game from last year? McCoy/FOX have completely forgotten the screen plays that Tebow is so effective at, as well as the short middle routes.. OR A WR hook!!!!! Also I hope we start the game losing so FOX doesn’t try to milk a 7point lead for the entire 2nd qtr!!!! MEMO to FOX, when your team is MISSING Dawkins DO NOT COUNT on the defense making stops.. Try to actually go into each possession with the mind set to SCORE. Also if it’s 3rd and one have TEBOW rush to the line (in a no huddle look) and then run up the middle (like the Patriots do). And if you miss it.. Then do it on 4th down… ALSO FYI: YOU ARE ALLOWED TO PASS ON 3rd and SHORT!! And if you do pass…THROW IT SHORT.. I am so sick and tired of all those deep routes.. THROW SHORT!!! Also, GET ROYAL out of the offense!! We are better with DT, DECKER, & MATT WILLIS.. Again do you actually watch any FILM? And I better not see Willis returning KICKS.. OK… This is actually the one area that ROYAL is still good at… Comprende? HEY ALLEN, Take your 3man rush and flush it down the toilet please. When has it ever worked? How 3rd and longs are you going to blow before you figure it out???? I can go on and on.. BUT coaching scared sends the wrong message to your team. It makes them think that you don’t believe in them.. What has your scaredity cat coaching done for you lately??? We have gotten blasted.. The more we get blasted the more you tighten up.. AND I Again AM VERY SICK of IT.. Hey I think I see Elway smiling, cause FOX has managed to take all of Tebow’s confidence and flush it away.. Great job coach.. I mean what do you expect to happen when your scared to let your boy throw it in the 2nd qtr, and then when you do it’s a lame play action deep ball that everyone in America has already game planned for.. If we lose this game, I will never forgive you!!!! NO CLUB SEATS FOR ME, unless you man up and let McCoy call a real game.
But unlike Miller, he doesn’t play every down and hasn’t been limited by injuries, but congrats to him. Would be awesome if we had him too … pure bull rusher, power guy while Miller is all about the quick first step and speed. TRB
Wow, sometimes Im so glad I live far away from Broncos fans and don’t have to run into people like that daily. Anyone can make excuses and pass the blame. Truth is, we aren’t great at anything, we have to control the ball and make big Plays or we have no chance.
I’m sorry but I played ball and understand the game. I rewatch every game multiple times to see what went right and wrong. Also, plenty of coaches make mistakes which is why the shelf life of coaches is short. Football is like chess, and there are ways to mask weaknesses.. We are making mistakes from a coaching standpoint, and I am SICK OF IT.. I can also think outside the box… Too bad most people are stuck inside the box.. I called for Tebow to be starter from the beginning.. I didn’t take me a 1-4 start to figure out the obvious.. The only way we win.. TEBOW 70 plus yards rushing, and DT & WILLIS leading the receiving game…
For what its worth I agree with a good portion of your assesments. Part of it is on tebow when it comes to locking in tho. Theres no reason Decker who was fantastic to be non existent (granted he has had some drops). Either way Our best formula to win is no more than 15-20 pass attempts for tebow max, alot of running, and option. Last year Tebow kileld opposing defenses with screens to Buckhalter and on occasion Moreno. This year, since Moreno has been hurt for the season we completely abandoned RB screens. We try lame wr screens once in a while but they almost never work. Also our 5wr option has its advantages. So do tightends, and I believe JJ is better than Ball in every aspect of the game, especially receiving. Royal to return is obvious. WR end arounds would be great (even if they don work and just keep defenses guessing) … Speedy royal slanting across the middle like a true slot WR he is would be awesome too instead of the dumb deep routes. There are alot of things we don’t do that would help. Instead we get scared and regress instead of thinking up new things. Our OC definitely lacks imagination and I am sad he was kept from last year. I’d almost rather see studesville as OC even tho I don’t know his OC capabilities it is better than the limited range that mccoy has. But then again maybe its fox making him more conservative based on game plan. But he still sucks. TRB
Heres a thought I had after a dissapointing loss. Maybe we needed to lose to bring everyone down to earth. These fourth quarter comebacks were too much. Time to get back to the basics. Good running and D needs to step up big. With orton playing that shouldn’t be too hard. I think this team is capable of going to the playoffs and probaly is. I do feel we can beat the chefs and that sd can beat oakland. We are also capable of winning the first round. So let’s start with beating the chefs at home.
socal, I actually think we can make afc championships. But we got to get in first. Pits have potent O but if Ben is gone we should have a better chance. I also don’t fear Ravens O. All they have is ray rice in my book. D is what both teams have. If you have noticed, we can win against D … what we can’t win against is a potent offense. Out of the 3 losses in Tebow era were agaisnt potent offense Lions, Pats and Bills. The other teams we played had ok or above avg. So I believe if its not a real potent O, we can hang around long enough to pull out a win … shouldn’t be that way but thats what history has told us. Not to say thats in the bag but it improves our chances I think. TRB
Why do you guys even engage Armadillo….he is a believer in the theory that Tebow does no wrong. He was on the blog Sunday on teh 3rd and 1 and said “GIVE IT TO TEBOW” they did and it didn’t work. He wanted them to “open up” an dlet TEbow pass they did and 4 INT later….
That guy is just a Tebow fan, not a Bronco fan. The game plan was the same during the win streak and will continue to be because they are limited in what TEbow can do. That is a fact. So they have to play to his strengths. When forced to run a normal offense (Lions game and late in Bills and Pats games) he just isn’t as skilled. His best chance at success with Tebow is a true ground and pound.
Not only that, but because they ground and pound so much…teams sell out for the run and the play action has been there. A “rewatch” of every game will show you Tebow has been most effective when the scheme creates open receivers for him. He hasn’t proven as of yet the ability to hit passes in a window or throw open receivers.
Screens and short passes are based on timing, and when they work, are ok, when they do not, can be dangerous and put the team behind in down and distance.
For the most part, teams play man against our receivers in an opportunity to play the run. Screens are not going to work against man, because the CB is up on the receiver, quick passes require quick seperation and we do not have the receivers to do that. (although earlier in the year I was taken to task by someone who said our receivers were better than 80% of the NFL)
Armadillo is never going to admit to the inefficiencies of Tebow, he would rather blame everyone else.
Tebow’s strength is running and creating off the scramble and broken plays. He does that well. That is where we need to be in this stage of his development. Placing the ball in Tebow’s hands and kust telling him to “let er rip” is asking for failure for the WHOLE TEAM…not just TEBOW
Carnage, you are……..my favorite blogger. Thanks.
Wow, somebody else who respects Carnage…
It may snow in Florida
Or rain in my neck of the woods, LOL.
I think there are others who respect me Bay….but they definitely don’t like what I have to say, IF it is about Tebow. Last year I wasn’t quite as hated and I think I was just as “doom and gloom”. I am concerned about the direction of this franchise. I think that John Fox is doing exactly what needs to be done, and putting an emphasis on the defense. I think a lot of people have already forgotten that Champ said he would like to make a transition to safety next year. I think he will solidify that position for the next five years if he can stave off injury. There is a considerably higher amount of tackling involved playing out there. I do believe though, that one of the things that many of the bloggers fall victim to is allowing being a FAN of the team to cloud what would e ordinarily good judgment. They aer often prisoners of the moment. for example, in the 10 Tebow games, we have broken the 20 point mark only 3 times. YET, each week I see someone predicting we win and score 34, 27, 30, 34 points. It baffles me. Even at TT’s best he barely broke the 200 yard mark passing, but I consistently see people saying he is going to throw for 300 and 3 TD. People are here bashing the coaches and saying that they are doing horribly calling games, but those games were called the same way during the win streak. They aer playing to Tebow’s strengths. How many coaches could dump their entire offense and teach a new one so quickly. Furthermore, they aer going to be more challenged this week with Orton on the other side. He will know the audibles, he will know tendencies, he will be able to relay a lot of things to the defense and conversely read a lot of the things our defense is going to do. From an inside perspective. Sunday will be an interesting game. Watch however, if we drop a third straight heading into the playoffs and the Raiders happen to lose as well, people will still laud Tebow for “leading” us into the tournament.
Carnage, you are correct in stating the offense is essentially the same as the one we implemented during the winning streak. However, the problem is that other teams are smart to that offense and the play calling pattern we “run”. That being said, it is up to McCoy (and Fox) to not change the playbook, but change up the playcalling pattern to keep other teams off guard and keep them honest. I have not been a McCoy supporter at all but I’m glad he was able to do what he did. I’m willing to give the guy an offseason to see what he can shake up to improve the team but the playcalling pattern most definitely needs a change. Like perhaps not being such a predictable pattern.
This team is fine. With some minor tweaks at select positions(solidify the RBs, upgrade the WRs, solidify the secondary, and add depth to the D line) and we’ll be doing better next season.
I see this game to be low scoring yet again and a big D struggle. With the Broncos prevailing and we may actually crack 20 points but I think the more realistic would be a 17 to somethin win. With the Chiefs not scoring more than 13.