On a fourth-down play near midfield, defensive end Elvis Dumervil sacked Tom Brady and forced a fumble. After a 20-yard loss, the Broncos took over on the New England 43-yard line.
The Broncos converted on a third-down two plays later as Peyton Manning hit Eric Decker near the sideline.
Manning then found Willis McGahee for a 22-yard pickup, setting Denver up with a first-and-goal from the 5.
The next play was a 5-yard touchdown pass from Manning to wide receiver Brandon Stokley. It was Manning’s third touchdown pass of the day — marking his 66th career game with three passing touchdowns, and the second in a row.
Matt Prater’s extra point was successful, cutting the New England lead to 10 points by a score of 31-21.