Kansas City, Mo. ? Josh McDaniels had a strong connection with Matt Cassel from their four years together in New England, and even tried to bring the quarterback with him to Denver.

Now that Cassel is playing for his new team’s rival, McDaniels wants nothing more than to beat him. Every time.

Kyle Orton outplayed Cassel, the man who hastened his move to Denver, and the Broncos used a punishing running game to manhandle the Kansas City Chiefs, 44-13, on Sunday.

“I want to win. I’m a Bronco,” McDaniels said. “We’re going to have more games against the Chiefs and Matt Cassel. It’s going to take a good effort to contain him and stop him every time we play him.”

Orton and Cassel — along with Jay Cutler — were at the center of a Melrose Place-like flurry of cold shoulders and heated exchanges during the offseason. The aftermath sent Orton to Denver and Cutler to Chicago, while Cassel ended up in Kansas City.

Denver (9-4) overcame Orton’s three turnovers to win by 30 and keep pace with San Diego in the AFC West. Kansas City (3-9) never stood a chance after Cassel’s two interceptions.