Wil Lutz played a key role in the Denver Broncos’ 22-19 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, making all five of his field-goal attempts. After the game, Lutz told Special Teams Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach Darren Rizzi, “Special teams changed that game.”
Lutz’s performance included a 54-yard kick to tie the game and a 35-yarder to secure the win. He received a game ball for his efforts and said he had been “waiting for a game like that” after scoring 16 points.
Head Coach Sean Payton commented on Lutz’s contribution: “He had a great night. I saw it in New Orleans. That’s why he’s here.”
The Broncos also excelled in the return game. Marvin Mims Jr., returning to action, recorded a career-long 70-yard punt return that set up Denver’s second field goal. He later added a 24-yard return during the drive that tied the game. Lutz praised Mims, saying, “We created short fields for our offense, and that’s huge. Marv’s a two-time All-Pro. We’re happy to have him back.”
Denver’s coverage units limited Kansas City’s starting field position throughout the contest. Rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw averaged 52.8 yards per punt and pinned the Chiefs inside their own 20-yard line three times, with drives beginning at their own 11-, 10-, 24-, and 12-yard lines following punts.
Lutz acknowledged Crawshaw’s resilience: “It’s tough to come back when you come back from a game like last week, when you have a little bit of a mishit earlier in the game,” he said. “To be able to stay levelheaded and come back from that is impressive. That’s when you know you have the right guy in the room. I’m proud of Jeremy for sticking with it.”
On kickoff coverage, Denver held Kansas City short of its own 35-yard line on every possession after kickoffs; five out of six such drives started before their own 30.
A significant moment came when offensive tackle Frank Crum blocked an extra-point attempt by Kansas City after they took the lead with a touchdown, keeping Denver within three points instead of four.
“Frank Crum stepping up and blocking that PAT was insane,” Lutz said. “Quite honestly, five field goals is great, but that changed the game.”
The special teams unit contributed across all phases as Denver secured an important division win.
