Fallon’s Josh Mauga picks off Denver’s Manning

Josh Mauga’s first regular-season interception came from the hand of a quarterback bound for the Hall of Fame once his career ends.

The ex-Fallon and Nevada linebacker recorded his first interception on Sunday when he picked off Denver’s Peyton Manning as Kansas City defeated Denver, 29-13, for the first time since Manning came on board. Mauga, who had an interception during the preseason in 2011 with the Jets, and the Chiefs’ defense rebounded from the last meeting with the Broncos after they let Manning storm down the field and come back to steal a win in Kansas City two months ago.

After Manning broke Brett Favre’s record for career passing yards, the future Hall of Famer threw his third pick of the game. Waiting in the middle of the field was Mauga, who also finished with two solo tackles. Manning ended the night with four interceptions and leaving early in the second half because of an injury.

With the Broncos losing their second game of the season, it’s opened the door for AFC West contenders Kansas City and San Diego. While it not be that big of an opening, Kansas City (4-5) is playing its best ball of the season, thanks to the defense, which hasn’t allowed 20 or more points since giving up 36 to Cincinnati a month ago.