Prater Wins It In OTFor the third consecutive week, kicker Matt Prater has kicked the game-winning field goal for the Broncos on the final play of the game.
After tying the game with two seconds left in regulation with a 59-yard field goal, Prater won it in overtime with a 51-yard attempt. The score capped a nine-play, 33-yard drive that started when Wesley Woodyard recovered a fumble by Marion Barber.
Final score: Broncos 13, Bears 10
-Kenny Legan
Broncos Recover Fumble in OTThe Broncos defense came up with the big play it needed.
On third-and-7 from the Broncos 38-yard line, linebacker Joe Mays hit Bears running back Marion Barber, forcing a fumble that linebacker Wesley Woodyard recovered.
The Broncos start with the ball on their own 34-yard line, needing just a field goal to win. Denver is 2-0 in overtime this year, with wins in Miami and San Diego.
-Kenny Legan
Prater Ties Game, Nails 59-Yard FGWith eight seconds remaining in the game, kicker Matt Prater trotted onto the field to attempt a 59-yard field goal.
He drilled it — right down the middle with room to spare.
And the game is now tied at 10 with just three seconds left.
The Denver defense forced a three-and-out after failing to recover an onside kick and Tim Tebow and the offense took over with 53 seconds left.
In seven plays the Broncos moved into Chicago territory and Prater came on for the game-tying attempt.
Click here to listen to the audio highlight of the play from AM 850 KOA.
Tebow Finds Thomas For TDTim Tebow completed a 10-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas in the corner of the end zone to cut the Chicago lead to 10-7.
Tebow completed seven straight passes for 63 yards to move the ball down the field and find the end zone with 2:08 remaining in the game.
The Broncos then attempted an onside kick but it was recovered by the Bears.
Click here to listen to the audio highlight of the play from AM 850 KOA.
Bears Add 3Bears Take 7-0 LeadMarion Barber scored on a 9-yard run and Robbie Gould added the PAT to give Chicago a 7-0 lead over the Broncos with 5:19 to go in the third quarter.
A 26-yard punt return from Devin Hester set the Bears up at the Denver 42-yard line. From there, Barber ran the ball for 36 yards on five carries, the last of which ended with the 9-yard score.
After a touchback, the Broncos are now taking over at the 20.
Miller Ties Broncos Rookie RecordWith his third-quarter takedown of Bears quarterback Caleb Hanie, Von Miller increased his season sack total to 11.5.
That ties Miller with Rulon Jones for most sacks in team history by a rookie.
The Broncos now have three sacks — the other two came via D.J. Williams — in a game that remains scoreless with 10:29 remaining in the third quarter.
Click here to listen to the audio highlight from AM 850 KOA.
First Half RecapWe’ve got a defensive battle here today between the Broncos and Bears.
The first half has come to an end and it’s still scoreless, with both defenses controlling the game.
The Denver defense hasn’t allowed a third down conversion, with Chicago 0-for-5 in that category and the Bears have been limited to just 84 total yards of offense. D.J. Williams has two sacks and Chris Harris nearly came up with an interception in the closing moments of the half.
Offensively, the Broncos have amassed 135 total yards and they set up Matt Prater for a 28-yard field goal attempt. But the Bears blocked Prater’s effort at the 7:27 mark of the second quarter to keep the game tied 0-0.
It’s the eighth time in team history the Broncos and their opponent have been scoreless at half and Denver is 5-2 in those games.
Here are first half audio highlights courtesy of AM 850 KOA.
Broncos vs. Bears: Injury UpdatesBrian Dawkins has a neck injury and his return is questionable.
David Bruton is questionable to return as well with a calf injury.
Marcus Thomas is probable to return with a knee injury. UPDATE: Thomas has returned to the game.
Andre’ Goodman will not return to the game after suffering a concussion.
We’ll keep this blog updated with any further injury news.
Williams Notches Two SacksMidway through the second quarter, D.J. Williams has spearheaded a Broncos defense that has allowed just two first downs to the Bears offense.
Part of that effort has been Williams’ two sacks of quarterback Caleb Hanie.
It’s Williams’ second career multi-sack game, and he now has five quarterback takedowns on the season.
In addition, it marks the 12th consecutive game the Broncos have recorded at least two sacks, the longest active streak in the NFL this season.
Courtesy of 850 KOA, here is the play-call from Williams’ first sack, and here’s the second.