Much like the Broncos did several weeks back, the Falcons are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their Super Bowl XXXIII team today. Interesting that they picked the game against the Broncos to do so. But nonetheless, players like Chris Chandler, Chuck Smith, Terrence Mathis, Jamal Anderson — who did the “Dirty Bird” as he was announced — came out to a large ovation. Although the loudest cheers may have been for the coach of that team and former Broncos head man Dan Reeves.
15:00: The second half is getting ready to start. Back deep is Eddie Royal and Tatum Bell. Royal already has two big returns, let’s see if he can get a third. Not a lot of room as he gets it back to the 23.
13:50: After two short carries by Bell and Jay Cutler, the Broncos face third and two… Cutler hits Peyton Hillis on the swing pass for the first down.
Looked like Daniel Graham may have been banged up on the first play of the drive.
12:56: On first down, Cutler lasers one to Royal for 18-yards and another first down. Cutler follows up that first down with one to Nate Jackson.
Graham is back.
11:56: Three plays, three first downs. This one by Hillis, who rumbles 12 yards. Broncos inside the Atlanta 20-yard line.
11:27: After an incompletion to Brandon Marshall, Cutler hands off to P.J. Pope who scoots up the middle for the first down. First and goal at the 4-yard line. 15-yard gain for Pope.
10:37: Pope drives his legs, but is just short of the goalline. Third down, Cutler with Hillis behind him, pitches it to Hillis who races in the endzone. Hillis’ second touchdown of the day and following the Matt Prater extra point, the Broncos retake the lead.
Broncos 14 – Falcons 13, 9:59 remaining.
9:59: Jerious Norwood is back for Atlanta as he waits for Prater’s kick. Vernon Fox ensures Norwood doesn’t get to far and stops him at the Atlanta 14-yard line.
9:54: Michael Turner breaks a long run for a first down, but there is a flag down. Holding on the Falcons, and it will push them back. Second and 12.
8:40: Matt Ryan and Norwood move the Falcons to a short third down… Which the duo picks up with a short reception. First and ten at the 29-yard line.
7:40: It looked like the Broncos had sniffed out that run, but Turner keeps chugging falling just short of the first down. On third down, Ryan keeps it and gains the first down.
5:03: The defense stops two Atlanta runs and the Falcons face third and 10 at the Broncos 45-yard line… Broncos show blitz and come, Ryan throws it up and Dre’ Bly comes down with the pick. First down Broncos.
4:03: The Broncos start out fast, Cutler hits Nate Jackson for 17 yards to move the ball inside Falcons territory… On the next play, Cutler finds Marshall who reverses field and get 14 yards for another first down.
2:10: Following Ryan Clady, Pope gets another big gain. This one 15 yards. Broncos at the Atlanta 11. Cutler looks for Royal who is covered by Keith Brooking. Flag… Brooking is nailed with a pass interference call, much to the home crowds chagrin.
0:17: On second and goal, Cutler just overshoots Graham… third down. Jumbo package, but Hillis is stopped short bringing up fourth down and out comes the field goal unit. But before that can happen, it’s the end of the third quarter.
Broncos 14 – Falcons 13.
Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Kyle Sonneman, Live Blog, Third Quarter
Cutler is like a laser so far starting off the 2nd half. The offense is getting it together and playing like a team… ha what a concept!! We’re getting first downs like there’s no tomorrow. Where was that in the 1st half? If Cutler can just stay calm, cool and collected we will be just fine. They’ve got so much talent they don’t need to try so hard.
And its a TOUCHDOWN DENVER!!! Hillis you’re amazing… I love it!!
GO BRONCOS!!!!!
anyone whos watching the game. is Pope a power or speed back?
great opening drive, finished off by Hillis for TD #2
vinster572 – I personally would say he’s a bit of both. I mean if you want a comparison… he’s got more power if you compare him to Royal. Royal is obvious – he’s all about speed. I’d have to see Pope play more than maybe 1 or 2 games to honestly tell you if he’s definitely one or the other. I’d say he’s leaning more towards power than speed.
Let’s go defense… get a quick 3 and out.
GO BRONCOS!!!
I like the way Hillis handled that. M.J.D’s display in Denver’s end-zone was disrespectful. Glad to see our guys NOT do that crap.
there goes our d..
thanks kage and 07elway
whoa.
that was a miracle.
okay i take back all the critism about dre bly i have said this year
YEAh!!!!!! Dr. DRE !!!!!!! Hes been due to have a great game
Anyone knows if Scheffler is out?
waaaahaaaa dre bly is steppin up!!!!
kage, I seriously doubt any more (or alot fewer) negative things will be said about Larsen and definitely about Bly. That INTERCEPTION was just wild. Dre is worth something even when Champ isn’t out there. Give the guy some credit.
Nice try by Hillis to get another TD. Hey, at least we got an INT in our favor. I haven’t seen that in so long almost forgot what it was like to get a turnover that would benefit us in some way.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!
You know, i’ve been down on Dre for a year and a half. But has anybody else noticed how he’s stepped up the last few weeks without champ? He really won the game for us in cleveland, with the strip, and he held Braylon Edwards to almost nothing. He woulda had a pic in the second, too, if he wouldn’t have stumbled. keep it up Dre!!!
Bly still has a long way to go before I’m satisfied with his overall contribution to the team. That interception was a gimmee, and you can credit it 90% to the rush on that play. I do give him props for that takeaway VS the Browns, however. It was nice to see the Broncos on the receiving end of a strip for a change.