DC Steve Spagnuolo called the shots during the final drive for Chiefs' defense and it won the game
The Kansas City Chiefs got another memorable win over their AFC West foe Denver Broncos in their legendary matchup history. It was all but over for the Chiefs as Denver lined up for a game-winning 35-yard field goal with just one second left to go in the game. However, Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal wouldn't be denied as […]
The Kansas City Chiefs got another memorable win over their AFC West foe Denver Broncos in their legendary matchup history.
It was all but over for the Chiefs as Denver lined up for a game-winning 35-yard field goal with just one second left to go in the game. However, Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal wouldn't be denied as he got a tremendous push and blocked the kick, securing a 16-14 victory for Kansas City.
It was a helpless feeling for the Chiefs when the Broncos got the final first down of the game and was able to drain the clock and set up their field goal opportunity. Desperate scenarios for K.C. to somehow have a chance to hold on for the win were running through everyone's minds.
According to NBC's Football Night in America, one of those scenarios was to allow the Broncos to score a touchdown, which would leave time on the clock for the Chiefs' offense to have an opportunity to win the game. However, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo nixed that idea as he was confident that they would make a stop.
Spagnuolo, who has been a coach for over four decades and is arguably the best defensive coordinator of all-time, has a lot of authority and respect among his players and fellow coaches. Not allowing Denver to score was also smart because the Broncos may have had the wherewithal to slide down before the goal line as we've seen several instances of over the years, including by the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
There was also no guarantee the Chiefs' offense would have been able to go get a score the way they were struggling throughout the game. Spagnuolo showing confidence in his players is in part why his defense has been one of the best in the league over the last few seasons.
Chenal was convinced based off earlier PAT attempts by Denver that he and others could get a strong enough push to bust through and have a chance to block the field goal. He, of course, was correct, and the confidence that Spagnuolo and other coaches showed in him not only resulted in a win, but will strengthen an already great Chiefs defensive and special teams units.