Chiefs Beat Broncos in Overtime Thriller

The Kansas City Chiefs played the Denver Broncos in an important AFC West contest Sunday Night in primetime, and the game did not disappoint. Rookie wide receiver Tyreek Hill scored three touchdowns for the Chiefs, but the game itself was decided by the kicking game of both teams.

Hill scored his first touchdown on a kick return following a second quarter Broncos’ safety. He rushed for a second touchdown in the third quarter, and then had a three yard touchdown reception with 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter. It was the first time in 51 years that a player scored three touchdowns in one game in these three ways; Hall of Famer Gale Sayers of the Bears was the last to do it back in 1965.

The Chiefs were successful on a two point conversion attempt after Hill’s third touchdown, tying the score 24-24 at the end of regulation. The teams traded field goals in overtime. Then, on fourth down with the Broncos on the Chiefs’ 44 yard line and 61 seconds remaining in overtime, Denver coach Gary Kubiak decided to attempt a 62 yard field goal for the win. Broncos kicker Brandon McManus is good at long range– no doubt the high altitude in Denver helps– but really, 62 yards and with a minute left to play and a miss resulting in excellent field position for the Chiefs?

So McManus kicked it and missed– by quite a bit actually. The Chiefs took over, drove to the Denver 16, and attempted a 34 yard field goal with time running out. Chiefs kicker Carlos Santos booted it, the kick hit the inside of left upright and went sideways– and just enough back to make it behind the right upright, giving the Chiefs a 30-27 victory.