Mahomes Returns, Walker Runs Wild as Chiefs Rout Broncos 31-10
Patrick Mahomes is back. The Kansas City Chiefs closed out Week 1 with a 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos on Monday night, powered by their quarterback's return and a huge debut from running back Kenneth Walker III The Guardian.
It was nine months to the day since Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee. He played with a brace on the surgically repaired knee after taking part in the entire offseason program and every training camp practice.
Mahomes did not look limited. He threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score. Kansas City needed only the opening drive to make a statement, with Mahomes keeping the ball for a 15-yard touchdown run.
Then Walker took over. The former Seattle Seahawks back, signed in free agency on a three-year, $43.1 million deal, carried 23 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns. He added three catches for 18 yards. His 173 rushing yards were the most by a Chiefs player since Jamaal Charles ran for 226 against the Colts in 2012.
Denver briefly answered. Bo Nix found Evan Engram for a 19-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. Kansas City went back in front before halftime when Mahomes hit Rashee Rice for a touchdown and a 14-7 lead.
The third quarter broke it open. Facing fourth-and-one (one snap to gain a yard or turn the ball over), Walker burst through for a 60-yard touchdown run to start the half. Denver's lone highlight after the break came when Brandon Jones intercepted Mahomes to set up a Wil Lutz field goal.
Mahomes answered with his arm. He connected with Travis Kelce for 59 yards to set up a Harrison Butker field goal, and he also slipped a Denver blitz for a 31-yard loft to DeAndre Hopkins.
Denver never found rhythm. The Broncos finished with 176 yards of offense. Nix threw for 131 yards with one interception and one lost fumble. Newcomer Jaylen Waddle was held to one catch for two yards, while Engram led the team with four catches for 43 yards and the touchdown. Davis Webb was calling plays as Denver's offensive coordinator for the first time.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Kansas City against Denver. It also came after the Broncos ended the Chiefs' nine-year run as division champions last season.
What makes this stand out is the balance. Kansas City won for years on Mahomes magic. On Monday night, the run game carried the load and the defense kept Denver quiet.
