Mahomes Sacked on Final Snap as Broncos Extend Lead in Tight AFC West Battle
A false start flag and a final-second sack sealed a 28-24 win for Denver, tying the record for one-score games this season.
By Neha Delgado ·
Seventy-one games this season have been decided by one score or less, tying the record for the most through Week 8 since the 1970 merger. The latest addition to that list ended in Denver on Sunday afternoon.
The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 28-24 to improve their record to 6-2. Kansas City dropped to 5-2 after a final-play sack of quarterback Patrick Mahomes sealed the victory. The outcome kept the AFC West rivalry closely contested.
With 4 seconds remaining, Kansas City trailed 28-24 and held the ball at Denver's 1-yard line. Mahomes threw a pass intended for receiver Rashee Rice. The ball appeared to be caught for a go-ahead touchdown until a flag for a false start was thrown. Offensive tackle Jaylon Moore was called for moving before the snap, negating the score and backing the Chiefs up five yards.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid questioned the call. "I didn’t see it," Reid said. "I saw him move his head, but I didn’t see" a penalty. Denver's defense then held firm on the final play, sacking Mahomes as he attempted a throw.
The finish was the culmination of a tense late sequence. Kicker Harrison Butker missed a 54-yard field goal attempt with 2:36 left in regulation. Denver then drove 56 yards on two plays to take the lead. The Broncos stopped Kenneth Walker III on a short run from the 1-yard line before the false start and final sack concluded the game.
Butker's performance fueled continued discussion about his role. The kicker, who signed a four-year contract worth more than $25 million in 2024, has seen his accuracy drop to 82% over the last three years. This season, he is 2 for 6 on field goals of 50 or more yards. Kansas City signed veteran Justin Tucker to its practice squad last week to add depth.
Denver's ability to win close games remains a defining trait. The team holds a 16-2 record in one-score contests over the past two seasons, the best in the league. Broncos head coach Sean Payton credited the team's history. "It has to come from we’ve done it before," Payton said.
Source: NBC News
