Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had a difficult return from an ankle fracture on Monday night, completing 17 of 28 passes for 128 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Nix, who missed the AFC Championship game last season due to the injury, also fumbled the ball once as the Broncos offense struggled to gain traction. The team's offensive struggles were compounded by penalties, negative plays, and turnovers, contributing to the lopsided defeat.
"We let ourselves down and shot ourselves in the foot and literally gave ourself no chance to succeed today," Nix said after the game. "Made it easier for them. We know we have to be better. Just a nasty wake-up call today."
The Broncos' troubles began early when Nix was sacked on the first play and threw an interception that the Chiefs turned into an early touchdown. While Denver responded with a touchdown drive on the subsequent possession, it marked the offense's only significant success of the night.
Despite a second-half defensive interception that gave the Broncos a chance to close the gap, they failed to score from the 5-yard line. The game was further out of reach when Nix lost the ball on a sack, leading to another Chiefs touchdown.
The offensive struggles extended to Denver's receiving corps, with new star receiver Jaylen Waddle managing only one catch for two yards and veteran Courtland Sutton recording two receptions for 11 yards.
Coach Sean Payton acknowledged the Chiefs' dominance, citing the Broncos' difficulties on third down (2-for-12) and their limited rushing attack (61 rushing yards). The game also marked the first under new offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
The Broncos will look to rebound in their home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are coming off a decisive Week 1 victory.