Interim Denver Broncos head coach Jack Del Rio has praised his side's offensive line after they protected quarterback Peyton Manning in last night's AFC West showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Broncos had allowed Manning to be hit on a number of occasions in recent weeks, while the Chiefs defense led the league in sacks going into the match.
However, the veteran quarterback was not caught once during Denver's 27-17 victory, and Del Rio paid tribute to the "great job" carried out by his offensive linemen.
"They were under fire last week because Peyton got hit a few times but they've done a great job all year," Del Rio told The AP.
"We knew this was going to be a game you had to play well in the trenches to have a chance."
The result sees the final unbeaten record of the season fall and also draws the Broncos level with the Chiefs at the top of the AFC West, both with 9-1 records.
