Linebacker Mario Haggan, starting in place of the injured Von Miller, has put the Broncos on the board with an interception returned for a touchdown.
On 2nd-and-8 from the Minnesota 9-yard line, Ponder dropped back and threw a pass which Haggan jumped in front of for his first career interception. He returned it 16 yards for his first career touchdown, carrying a few Vikings players into the end zone during the process.
It was the third defensive touchdown of the year for the Broncos, who now lead 7-2 with 5:50 remaining in the first quarter. It capped a strong opening three series for the defense, who forced a punt, fumble and interception. Denver’s three interceptions returned for touchdowns this season are tied for the most in the NFL in 2011.
The Vikings started the series on their own 7-yard line, thanks to a well-placed punt by Britton Colquitt and a great play by Matthew Willis as he jumped and batted the ball just as it bounced towards the end zone.
Click here to listen to the audio highlight of the play, courtesy of AM 850 KOA.
-Kenny Legan
Tags: Defensive Touchdown, First Quarter, Gameday Coverage, interception, Mario Haggan, Minnesota Vikings, Week 13