Chiefs edge Broncos in OT thriller

Lin Elliot OT hero Mile High Stadium - This classic Monday Night Football matchup between AFC West rivals did not disappoint. The first quarter, like the opening round in a heavyweight title fight, was a feeling out process. With the 1st 7 possessions ending in punts even the casual viewer had a suspicion that this was not going to be a day for offensive fireworks. By the middle of the 2nd quarter Elway had had enough of KC's stifling defense. He was able to orchestrate a huge 10 play 90 yard drive that culminated in a 14 yard toss to Rod Smith to break the ice. KC's Steve "don't call me Sonny" Bono answered back immediately with a 8 play 77 yard scoring drive. Thinking pass the Broncos were trapped in nickle D as Kimbal Anders rambled in from the six to deadlock the game at 7. Before the half ended Elway engineered one of his great 2 minute drills. KC made a terrible mistake going conservative and giving the blonde bomber enough time to weave his magic. 5 plays later Elway threaded the needle and the double covered Rod Smith for a quick 6 point. KC took a few knees and the halftime score was DEN, 14, KC 7. Elway opened up the 2nd half like he finished the first, on fire. He engineered a 9 minute drive that finally stalled on KC's 3. Jason Elam came in to nail a 20 yard chip shot, but in this game of football nothing is a given. Pellom McDaniels got his hand on the low kick and blocked the ball. With the chance to go up by 10 the Broncos lost a golden opportunity. The begging of the 4th saw Tamarick Vanover return a Tom Rouen punt 30 yards to the Bronco 47. Bono went almost exclusively to the run as Greg Hill and Marcus Allen were able to cut through Denver's pass defense. Once inside the red zone the Broncos decided to key the run and Bono tossed a beautiful play action pass to Allen who scored from the 8 to tie the game at 14. The next 2 possessions saw both offenses shoot themselves in their collective feet. First the normally sure handed Terrell Davis fumbled on KC's 40 after an 8 yard run, then Bono threw an untimely pick to John Mobley on Denvers's 29. Both defenses were committed to not allowing another point to be scored and the game was forced into OT. Denver won the toss and was forced to start from their 20 after Kin Elliott booted the kickoff out of the endzone. Elway was able to move his squad to his own 42 before the drive stalled and Rouen came in to punt. Starting on their own 27 the Chiefs began to drive. Bono mixed his offense up beautifully keeping the Broncos off guard. There were no big plays on this drive, just a lot of 5-8 yard gains. Denver began resorting to the blitz and Bono began tossing screens, with the final one netting 9 yards by Webster Slaughter. On 3rd and 1 from Denver's 10, Lin Elliott came in and booted a 27 yard game winner in this opening day classic.