The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Denver Broncos in a highly anticipated Week 11 matchup that could change the direction of the AFC West for the remainder of the season. The Broncos may hold an 8-2 record, but the Chiefs’ quarterback has been important in the success against Denver.
In this episode of the Kansas City Chiefs Insiders Podcast, we break down how Patrick Mahomes has performed against the Denver Broncos in his career ahead of their Week 11 clash.
Below is a partial transcript from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s recent media availability, previewing their upcoming matchup.
REID: “I think Pete (Sweeney) what we’ll do is see where we’re at here. We know we’ve got a good player (Jaylon Moore) in there now (and) we know what Josh (Simmons) is capable of and all of that. So we’ll just see where we’re at when they get back.”
REID: “We’ll have to see on (Isiah) Pacheco and (Jawaan) Taylor was feeling pretty good by the time he got back here and left. We’ll probably be okay there.”
REID: “We really like Elijah (Mitchell) obviously, or he wouldn’t be here. I think that makes a big statement there. Clyde (Edwards-Helaire) is – he knows all the protections, he knows all that. Not only does he know it, he’s done it. So, we’ve seen him do it so there’s a comfort there. Not that Elijah doesn’t – he’s a very sharp kid, but we’ve seen our guy do it. That was the only reason why.”
REID: “Players are always concerned about other players’ well-being, that’s first of all. But on the other hand, they also move forward, and they don’t necessarily look back. They giddy up and go on what’s there today and let’s go and they go 100 miles an hour with that. I think it’s a blend of things that they’re not dwelling on that, but they want to make sure he’s okay as a human being.”
REID: “Not necessarily, no.”
As the 2025 NFL season intensifies, Geno Smith has made one thing abundantly clear: he’s not interested in the off-field chatter, the opinions of critics, or the narratives being spun by the media.
Smith has faced his fair share of criticism throughout his career, with his time with the Seattle Seahawks and now his tenure with the Raiders providing plenty of moments for pundits to weigh in. After a series of inconsistent performances, there’s no shortage of narratives being built around his future in the NFL. But Smith isn’t concerned with the noise — he’s determined to prove himself on the field.
A New Focus: One Play at a Time
For Smith, it’s all about his next opportunity to lead his team to victory. Despite a rough start to the season with the Raiders, Smith is focused on putting the past behind him and moving forward. His statement is a clear indication that he’s choosing to focus on what he can control — his performance, his leadership, and the results on the field.
“I’ve learned to block out the distractions,” Smith continued. “At the end of the day, it’s about what happens when you step onto that field. The rest doesn’t matter. I’m here to play ball, and that’s where my focus is.”
This mindset comes at a critical juncture for Smith. The Raiders are looking for consistency from their quarterback, and Smith knows that he needs to step up and lead this team. With a solid supporting cast around him and a coaching staff committed to his success, Smith is ready to show the world that he’s capable of more than the ups and downs he’s been labeled with in the past.
The Opportunity Ahead
Week 11 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Smith’s season. As the Raiders face a tough opponent, the quarterback’s ability to block out the noise and deliver on the field will be crucial. With his statement, Smith is making it clear that he isn’t going to be defined by the criticism or the narrative that surrounds him. His focus is laser-sharp, and he’s determined to let his play do the talking.
For the Raiders, Smith’s commitment to his role and his no-nonsense approach could be the spark they need to get back on track. His leadership will be key to executing the game plan and finding success in the high-stakes moments. And for Smith, his chance to prove himself on the field has never been more important.
No More Excuses
At this point in his career, Geno Smith has nothing left to prove to anyone except himself. He’s already overcome plenty of obstacles, and now it’s all about taking responsibility for his role in the offense and leading his team with conviction. The past is behind him, and the future is in his hands. Smith has the chance to rewrite the narrative — and he’s doing it with one clear focus: football.
As the Raiders head into the second half of the season, the pressure is on. But with Geno Smith’s mindset firmly on the field, the distractions of the outside world won’t be a factor. The only thing that matters now is what happens when he takes the snap. No distractions, no excuses — just football.