Notes, thoughts and anecdotes from the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ clash with the Indianapolis Colts:

4:21 P.M. MST: Actual attendance: 76,067. A rousing, organic chant of “Here We Go Broncos” rises from the stands, rocks the stadium and rouses the fans, who are now spending the post-kickoff stoppage working themselves into a noisy lather.

4:25 P.M. MST: A huge third-and-3 from the Denver 44 went in the Colts favor, as Peyton Manning snagged a 17-yard grab after getting past Sam Brandon to move the Colts into Denver territory for the third time in as many second-half possessions.

Notes, thoughts and anecdotes from the third quarter of the Broncos’ clash with the Indianapolis Colts:

3:42 P.M. MST: Brian Clark makes the first return of his NFL career, a 27-yarder to set the Broncos up for their opening second-half possession at their 26.

3:43 P.M. MST: Mike Bell gets the Broncos’ first carry of the second half, going right for 5 yards on a second-and-10. Indianapolis’ Nick Harper, meanwhile, is slow to arise after the play.

Notes, thoughts and anecdotes from the second quarter of the Broncos’ clash with the Indianapolis Colts:

2:52 P.M. MST: The first-quarter stats — and they’re not too kind for the Broncos:

• Total yardage: Indianapolis 118, Denver 28.
• Yardage per play: Indianapolis 6.2, Denver 3.5.
• Passing yardage: Indianapolis 79, Denver 13.
• Passing yardage: Indianapolis 39, Denver 15.

2:53 P.M. MST: Attempt No. 2 at the deep ball is a successful one, as Plummer rolls right, David Kircus scoots left, and the two connect for a 45-yard gain — the longest pass play against Indianapolis so far in 2006.

Notes, thoughts and anecdotes from the first quarter of the Broncos’ clash with the Indianapolis Colts:

2:09 P.M. MST: The Broncos opt to come onto the field as a unit, bypassing individual introductions once again.

2:10 P.M. MST: Jake Plummer, Keith Burns and John Lynch venture to midfield for the game-opening coin toss. Indianapolis wins the toss, calling heads; Denver will kick off to the north goal.

2:16 P.M. MST: The standard starting defense is in place, with the exception of Demetrin Veal for Gerard Warren. Al Wilson stuffed Dominic Rhodes for no gain on the game’s first play; the crowd, roaring at jet-engine level, forced a Colts false start penalty before the game’s second play, knocking the Hoosier Staters into second-and-15.