Patriots Double LeadPatriots Strike FirstSteelers Tack on Another Field GoalThe Broncos defense have once again displayed its bend-but-don’t-break attitude.
After the Steelers converted two third downs on a drive that started at its own 33-yard line, they couldn’t advance once they entered the red zone. Suisham came on to tack on a 38-yard field goal and extend Pittsburgh’s lead to 6-0 with 27 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Steelers big play on the drive came on a 13-yard run on third-and-1 from running back Issac Redman that brought them down to the Broncos 21-yard line. However, one run and two incomplete passes later, Pittsburgh found themselves with fourth-and-9 and brought on the field goal unit.
Denver will start the second quarter with the ball on its own 18-yard line after McGahee rushed for -2 yards on first down to end the opening quarter.
-Kenny Legan
Bills Miss Two FGs in FirstTwo long returns have given the Bills great position, but there are no points to show for it.
The Denver defense has held strong as both Buffalo possessions ended with missed field goals wide left from Bills kicker Dave Rayner (45 and 31-yard attempts).
The Broncos have given up 63 total yards as the first quarter comes to a close. Denver leads 7-0.
Broncos Strike FirstTim Tebow ran into the end zone from one yard out to give the Broncos a 7-0 lead in Buffalo.
The Denver defense forced a three-and-out to start the game, and the offense drove 73 yards down the field to open the scoring.
The Broncos ran for 53 total yards, 39 of which came courtesy of five carries for Willis McGahee, who topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark on the season earlier in the possession.
Tebow completed two passes on the drive, both to wide reciever Demaryius Thomas, to help set up the touchdown.
Click here for the audio highlight of the touchdown courtesy of AM 850 KOA.
Captains and StartersGameday captain Mario Haggan, who played with Buffalo from 2003-07 joined season captains Willis McGahee (who also played for the Bills from 2003-06), Chris Kuper, Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey and Wesley Woodyard for the opening coin toss today.
Denver called heads and the coin turned up tails. Buffalo chose to receive to start the game.
The Broncos started out in their base defense with linemen – Robert Ayers, Brodrick Bunkley, Marcus Thomas and Elvis Dumervil, linebackers – Joe Mays, Von Miller and D.J. Williams, defensive backs – Champ Bailey, Andre’ Goodman, Brian Dawkins and Quinton Carter.
After one first down, the defense forced Buffalo to punt, bringing out the Broncos offensive starters:
Offensive linemen – Chris Clark, Zane Beadles, J.D. Walton, Chris Kuper, Ryan Clady and Orlando Franklin, tight end – Dante Rosario, running back – Willis McGahee, wide receivers – Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker and quarterback – Tim Tebow.
Broncos Retake LeadIt took the Broncos just four plays to jump back into the lead against the New England Patriots.
From the 18-yard line — after a Quan Cosby kickoff return — Willis McGahee took a carry 29 yards to pick up an early first down. Lance Ball took a handoff on the next play before Tim Tebow found Demaryius Thomas for a 22-yard completion and another first down.
Ball took over from there, sprinting 32 yards down the sideline for the Broncos’ second touchdown of the afternoon. It’s Ball’s first career rushing touchdown.
The score was confirmed after a somewhat lengthy review.
Click here for the audio highlight of Ball’s touchdown run courtesy of AM 850 KOA.
Matt Prater’s extra point was up and good after the score, giving Denver a 13-7 lead.
The Broncos have now racked up 133 rushing yards with 5:01 remaining in the first quarter, while the defense has limited New England to just 1 yard on the ground.
Patriots Answer, Lead 7-6A 46-yard pass from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to tight end Aaron Hernandez jump-started a five-play, 80-yard scoring drive for New England.
The final play was a 33-yard strike from Brady to Chad Ochocinco for a touchdown — the receiver’s first of the season.
After the extra point, the Patriots lead 7-6.
Broncos Strike First, 6-0After winning the coin toss, the Patriots elected to defer and give the ball to the Broncos offense.
So the Broncos quickly got to work.
Three straight runs — two courtesy of Tim Tebow — gave the Broncos an early first down. Willis McGahee followed that up with a 19-yard sprint for another first. A pass from Tebow to Lance Ball picked up the next first down, and Jeremiah Johnson got involved with a 25-yard scamper on the very next play.
After a McGahee run, Tim Tebow took the final snap of the drive, avoiding a tackle by Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich in the backfield, sprinting through the middle of the line and breaking a couple more tackles before finding his way into the end zone on a 9-yard touchdown run.
Click here to listen to the audio highlight of the play courtesy of AM 850 KOA.
A botched snap on the extra point meant the Broncos took a 6-0 lead after their first drive.
First Quarter RecapThe Broncos and Bears are scoreless after the first quarter of play.
D.J. Williams recorded a sack for the Denver defense, which has forced three punts.
The Denver offense was able to move the ball into Chicago territory thanks in large part to 23-yard catch from Matt Willis, but Tim Tebow was intercepted by Charles Tillman at the Bears’ 24-yard line late in the quarter.
Britton Colquitt has punted twice and Chicago return man Devin Hester has been forced to call for two fair catches.
Denver takes over on their own 29-yard line to start the second quarter.