Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos: When, where, odds ... plus Broncos’ new coach
It would be difficult to imagine the Broncos coming off a more discouraging loss than the 51-14 defeat against the L.A. Rams on Christmas Day.
Quarterback Russell Wilson threw three interceptions and was sacked six times. Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield looked like an All-Pro against what had been a stout Broncos defense.
It was just a miserable performance all around for the Broncos, who play at the Chiefs on Sunday, and the organization reacted by firing first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday. The move was a announced in a statement by the Broncos’ new ownership — the Walton-Penner Group, led by Walmart heir Rob Walton, his daughter Carrie Walton Penner and son-in-law Greg Penner.
“Following extensive conversations with [general manager] George [Paton] and our ownership group, we determined a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos,” Greg Penner said. “This change was made now out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin the search for a new head coach.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the team has installed senior assistant coach Jerry Rosburg as the interim coach.
Wilson, acquired in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks after last season, said blame for a 4-11 record starts with him.
“We’re at a low moment right now,” Wilson said after the game. “I don’t fear low moments because I know every time I’ve always come out the other side. All I know how to do is to keep fighting, keep battling. The reality is, it’s been a storm. It’s been a storm all year. It’s not what we hoped for, not what we dreamed for. But it doesn’t mean it’s going to end that way for years to come. We got to change it and ... it starts with me.”
The Chiefs will look to keep pace with the Buffalo Bills for the top spot in the AFC playoff picture. The teams are 12-3 with the Bills holding the tie-breaker.
The details
When: Sunday
Kickoff time: noon
Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
TV: CBS (Channel 5 in Kansas City, Ch. 12 in Wichita)
Radio: WDAF (106.5 FM) or streamed on Chiefs mobile app
Series: Chiefs lead 70-55 including playoffs. The Chiefs have won 14 straight
Opening betting line: Chiefs by 10
This story was originally published December 26, 2022 at 9:20 AM.