Broncos Star Reveals Vance Joseph's Strong Reaction to Watching Chiefs Film

The Denver Broncos have moved on from their embarrassing season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

But defensive coordinator Vance Joseph hasn't forgotten what happened.

According to star edge rusher Nik Bonitto, Joseph still has a strong reaction whenever he revisits the film from Denver's 31-10 defeat at Arrowhead Stadium.

"He's still like, damn near wants to throw up every time he has to look back at that Week 1 film," Bonitto told Andrew Mason of Denver Sports, "and it's because he knows that's not our type of football that he's used to seeing."

The Broncos were particularly ineffective at tackling during the September 14 loss.

Denver missed 28 tackles, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, allowing Kansas City's offense to repeatedly extend plays.

Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 173 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown, as Kansas City finished with 220 yards on the ground.

According to SportsRadar data cited by Mason, 161 of those rushing yards came after contact.

Bonitto said Joseph made his displeasure clear during the team's initial film review.

"It wasn't good, I'll tell you that much," Bonitto said.

Joseph was especially frustrated by the team's lack of physicality and willingness to finish tackles.

The Broncos have made significant progress since that defeat.

Pro Football Focus credited Denver with 24 missed tackles against Kansas City. That number has dropped to an average of 11.5 over the following six games, according to Mason.

Denver has also rebounded to win five of its next six games, putting itself back in contention in the AFC West.

Linebacker Alex Singleton has been particularly effective during that stretch.

Singleton missed four tackles in the opener but only five over the next six games, according to Mason's review of the PFF numbers.

He also recorded 19 tackles and a sack against Arizona on Sunday.

The Broncos' defense has continued making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks, but Sunday's rematch presents a different challenge.

Walker remains one of the league's most dangerous running backs, and Denver knows the Chiefs can exploit missed tackles.

Joseph revisited the Week 1 film with his players Wednesday, although Singleton said the coordinator also highlighted successful defensive plays.

Bonitto believes the Broncos will respond.

"We're going to play for him. We're going to play hard for him," he said.

Sunday's rematch at Empower Field at Mile High gives Denver an opportunity to show how much its defense has improved since opening night.