Sunday's disappointing loss to the Chiefs, 44-24, was a fitting end to yet another disappointing season for the Broncos. With their play-off hopes on the line, the Broncos were practically run out of their own building by the 3-12 Chiefs, who were playing for nothing more than pride. The more things change, the more they stay the same. New coach, new quarterback, even new schemes, but still the same late-season collapse and another 8-8 finish. Although it is obvious that they failed their final exam, here is how the Broncos dismal performance in Sundays' season finale grades out:

Running game: C-

Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno comibined for only 68 yards on 20 attempts. Not spectacular numbers, but Moreno did have two 1-yard touchdown runs -- which was a good sign because short-yardage running is something the Broncos have struggled with all season -- and the Broncos were playing from behind for most of the game, so they never got a chance to get the run established. That said, 68 yards against the Chiefs, who own the league's worst run defense, is really pretty pathetic.

Passing game: D+

Here's the thing, Kyle Orton had one of his worst games as a Bronco and possibly of his career, yet he threw for the most yards of his career, 431. As I watched the game on Sunday, I was very pleased to see Orton throwing the ball down the field trying to make plays, instead of constantly dumping it off. It was working! In fact, even with a depleted receiving core, the Broncos were getting big chunks of yardage. But then Derrick Johnson single-handedly rained on their parade, by returning two interceptions for touchdowns. Ironically, both came on short passes from Orton. Jabar Gaffney had career highs in receptions and yards, with 14 grabs for 213 yards.

Run defense: F

I'll start by saying, that I haven't given the Broncos an "F" in any category this entire season. But, this rush defense -- or rather, lack of it -- most definitely earned the worst grade possible for its performance on Sunday. The Chiefs finished the game with 317 yards on the ground with three rushing touchdowns. The way the Broncos defenders were falling all over the place missing tackles, made Jamaal Charles look like Barry Sanders. Charles finished with a career high team-record 259 yards rushing on only 25 carries. Yes, that means he was averaging better than 10 yards per carry.

Pass defense: B-

The Broncos pass defense was actually pretty good on Sunday. Matt Cassel was 13 for 24 for 207 yards with an interception. The Chiefs had seven passing first-downs -- compared to 12 rushing -- and were only 3 for 10 on third-down conversions. The Broncos had no sacks, but had two interceptions. One by Cassel and a second on a trick pass play intended for Cassel.

Special teams: B

For the most part, it was business as usual for the Broncos special teams. By this I mean, the coverage teams didn't give up any big returns, the return teams didn't make any plays, and Matt Prater made all of his kicks. Also, early in the game, Mitch Berger had a great punt inside the Chiefs 5-yard line and David Bruton made a great play to down it at the 1.

Coaching: C

I don't think there is any coach that can motivate players who aren't already motivated. After getting beat the way the Broncos did on Sunday, it looked as though the team had already started making their off-season plans. Plans, that apperently didn't include the play-offs. For the most part, I was pleased with the job the coaches did against the Chiefs. McDaniels finally called plays designed to stretch the field -- something I felt he should have done more this season -- and also kept with the run even without having much success. My only complaint is the way McDaniels handled the Marshall situation, leading up to the game. It was a bold move that created more unneeded drama and uncertainty in the locker room, as well as likely ending Marshall's stay in Denver.

Key play of the game: With just over 10 minutes left in the game, the Broncos trailed the Chiefs by six points and were driving into Chiefs territory. On second-and-11, Kyle Orton dropped back to pass and threw the ball to Daniel Graham when Johnson suddenly jumped up from just behind the line of scrimmage and made his second interception. He returned this one for a touchdown, too, just like he did his first, and it was the final dagger in the Broncos' playoff hopes.

--- SONNY PLATT.