Grade the Broncos' 24-17 win over the Chiefs

Another three touchdown, zero interception performance by Peyton Manning, but another nailbiting victory that didn't feel like it had to be that close. It was great to see Manning so efficient and surgical in the first half, but he all but disappeared in the second (191 yards in the first half vs. 51 in the second). There wasn't a clear reason for the dropoff in production, either; Manning and the offense just seemed to lose its 'click'.

"It was a strange second half," said quarterback Peyton Manning. "Kansas City made some incredible plays on third down in the second half and stayed on the field for the long time."

You can blame the offensive playcalling, but I blame the execution. The Broncos threw three straight times at the end of the third quarter, but couldn't get a needed 15 yards. And two runs in a row isn't nightmare playcalling folks; it's just football.

The Broncos defense got eaten alive for yards in the second half as the Chiefs converted third down after third down. Defensive penalties didn't help, with the Broncos submitting at least four such penalties on third down in the second half. But at the end of the day, the Broncos defense only allowed seven second half points, and it was a fourth down, goal line stand that won the game.

"It's a bend-not-break attitude." defensive end DeMarcus Ware said. "There were some times where we didn't play perfect, but it's a 60-minute game. You always want to be out there and let the defense win those types of games."

So, were the Chiefs that good or the Broncos that bad? Are you happy? Let's not forget: the Broncos are 2-0 against conference playoff teams from a year ago.

Fans we 2-0 lol y'all just chill and be happy , We gone get it going I promise .

— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) September 15, 2014