The Denver Broncos knew they had no margin for error Thursday night against the defending AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs.
No one told that to either the coaching staff or special teams. Minutes after the Broncos allowed a long punt return from Chiefs rookie Mecole Hardman, they decided on a fake punt.
Down 10-6 in the second quarter, Denver attempted the fake on fourth-and-five at its own 45. Nothing about it went according to plan. Nothing.
Run-pass option with punter Colby Wadman? That’s a bold strategy, cotton. As you can see, it did not pay off.
Wadman held on to the ball too long. When he couldn’t find a receiver, he took the sack.
Kansas City ultimately scored a field goal to take a 13-6 lead. It would go up 20-6 later in the second quarter after Patrick Mahomes exited with a serious injury.