Broncos’ Film Critic Helps in 30-10 Victory

The Denver Broncos went to the movies and Randy Robbins wasn’t out buying popcorn when Kansas City’s punt team was on the screen.

Robbins blocked two of Jim Arnold’s punts Sunday and the Broncos turned them into points in a 30-10 victory that inched Denver into first place in the AFC West.

The victory gave the Broncos (6-2) a one-half game lead over the Raiders (5-2), who play host to the San Diego Chargers tonight. Kansas City (3-5) has lost four straight games.

“The blocked punts obviously were a key for us,” Denver Coach Dan Reeves said. “Chan Gailey, our special teams coach, told me during the week he thought we could get to them. He saw something in the films, and Robbins did a great job.”

The two blocks helped Denver take a 24-0 lead before the Chiefs got their initial first down. Two of those touchdowns came on short runs by Gerald Willhite.

Robbins recovered his own block of Arnold’s punt at the Kansas City nine in the first quarter, and the Broncos settled for Rich Karlis’ 24-yard field goal and a 10-0 lead.

Robbins’ second block gave Denver the ball on the Kansas City 24 and, six plays later, Willhite scored to give the Broncos a 24-0 lead.

“I don’t really know what happened,” Arnold said. “My responsibility is to punt the ball. I can’t be watching what happens in the line.

“The snap was there. Everything was there. I don’t know how he got in, though I imagine we’ll find out from watching the film this week.”

Willhite dived in from the one on the Broncos’ first possession and Gene Lang went over from the one seven seconds into the second quarter.

The Chiefs finally got going and drove 75 yards leading to Ethan Horton’s one-yard touchdown run, their first in eight quarters. Karlis kicked his second of three field goals, a 22-yarder as time ran out in the half, to make it 27-7.

Nick Lowery kicked a 33-yard field goal for Kansas City in the third quarter, four plays after Bill Kenney and Stephone Paige connected on a 53-yard pass play.