2007 Denver Broncos season
Encyclopedia
The 2007
Denver Broncos
season was the 48th season for the team in the National Football League
. A loss to the Houston Texans
in Week 15 and a win by the San Diego Chargers
the following Sunday knocked them out of playoff contention, marking the second year in a row they failed to make the playoffs. The Broncos' 7–9 record was the worst since 1999, their last losing season (when they went 6–10).
's 13th year (1995 to present) with the Broncos. Joining him was Mike Heimerdinger
& Jeremy Bates
as assistant head coaches, Rick Dennison as offensive coordinator, Bob Slowik
as defensive coordinator and Scott O'Brien
as special teams coordinator.
was shot and killed in his H2 limousine on New Years Day, just a few hours after the Broncos last game of the 2006 season. Soon after, Broncos 3rd string running back Damien Nash
collapsed and died in a pick-up basketball game.
The Broncos traded running back Tatum Bell
and offensive tackle George Foster
to the Detroit Lions
for former Pro Bowl
cornerback Dre' Bly to compensate for the unfortunate loss of Williams. In addition to the trade for Bly, the Broncos had made a trade to the Miami Dolphins
for Dan Wilkinson
, only to have that trade voided because Wilkinson did not show up to Denver for his scheduled physical.
Denver added running back Travis Henry
, fullback Thump Belton
, and tight end Daniel Graham
through free agency. The team released linebacker Al Wilson
during the month of April for health and salary cap reasons.
Denver also signed backup WR Brandon Stokley from the Indianapolis Colts and P/Kickoff Specialist Todd Sauerbrun.
Signed K Brandon Pace (Virginia Tech) and C Mark Fenton (Colorado
) on May 7. Released OL Tim Duckworth on May 7.
led a 67-yard scoring drive on one of his only series for the Broncos, and new Running Back Travis Henry
punched in another touchdown. Back-up Quarterback
Patrick Ramsey
played most of the game. The previous match-up between Denver and the San Francisco 49ers
was the last game of the 2006–2007 season, when the 49ers beat Denver in overtime, 26–23, and kept them from entering the play-offs.
In game two, The Broncos were in Texas to play the Dallas Cowboys
. The game had a lot of buzz, due to the pairing of Dallas
wide-receiver Terrell Owens
and Denver cornerback Champ Bailey
. Also, the mother of Darrent Williams
attended the game.
* Pending the NFL's
flexible schedule policy
. Denver then answered with a 10 play drive that led to a field goal by Jason Elam
, making it 7–3.
In the second quarter Denver scored first with a 48 yard field goal. Bills kicker Rian Lindell
then missed a 45 yard field goal. The Broncos drove deep into Bills territory at the close of the half but Cutler threw an interception to end the drive. The Bills then drove into Denver territory and tried a long field goal but failed due to a false start, then ended the half with an interception thrown to Elvis Dumervil
.
On the opening kickoff for the second half, a scary injury occurred to Bills TE Kevin Everett
, as he suffered a cervical spine injury
while making a tackle on Domenik Hixon
. Everett later underwent surgery that day and is currently in intensive care. He does have feeling and partial movement in his extremities and it is believed he will walk again.
The Broncos began the second half with a drive that ended with a missed 50 yard field goal. The Bills then made a nine play drive that ended with a 23 yard touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch
. The Broncos responded with a drive ending with a touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall
. They then attempted to tie the game with a two-point conversion
but failed with an incomplete pass to Javon Walker.
The fourth quarter had little scoring. Elam missed a field goal, but the Bills failed to score or run out the clock, giving Denver the ball with a little over two minutes to play. After an ill-advised lateral bounced free, (saved by rookie back Selvin Young smartly batting the loose ball out of bounds) the Bronco's faced a seemingly insurmountable 3rd and 23 to go. Cutler immediately turned in the best clutch performance of his NFL career to date, one that drew comparisons to John Elway by both sportswriters and teammates.
Cutler's drive included two fourth down conversions to drive deep into Bills' territory, where, with no time outs, they rushed the field goal unit onto the field with ten seconds left and the clock ticking down. Execution by the field goal unit allowed Jason Elam to kick the game winning 42 yard field goal just as the clock ticked to 0:00. Buffalo ended up leading the game for over 51 minutes of the contest. Denver lead for one second.
kick) (7–0 BUF)
Q1 – DEN – 0:33 – Jason Elam
21-yard FG (7–3 BUF)
Q2 – DEN – 7:51 – Elam 48-yard field goal (7–6 BUF)
Q3 – BUF – 6:24 – 23-yard TD run by Marshawn Lynch
(Lindell kick) (14–6 BUF)
Q3 – DEN – 0:54 – 5-yard TD pass from Jay Cutler
to Brandon Marshall
(Two-Point Conversion Failed) (14–12 BUF)
Q4 – DEN – 0:00 – Elam 42-yard FG (15–14 DEN)
after taking the ball from the Raiders with an interception by Alex Ludwig. The second quarter began with another interception by Marcus Thomas after a deflection by John Lynch
. The game was then halted due to lightning
, but resumed after several minutes. Denver failed to capitalize however, with Cutler throwing an interception that led to a Raider field goal by Sebastian Janikowski
. Later however the Broncos capitalized on a 40 yard run by Selvin Young
, finishing the drive with a 4 yard touchdown by Cecil Sapp
. The Broncos then forced a punt by Oakland and drove for a 23 yard field goal by Elam, putting them up 17–3 at the half.
Denver began the second half with a drive that ended with a missed field goal by Elam. The Raiders responded with a 46 yard touchdown pass from Josh McCown
to Jerry Porter. They then kicked an onside kick
which they recovered but failed to drive due to penalties. However Gerard Warren then sacked Cutler in the end zone for a safety to begin the fourth quarter.
Oaklend punted on their next possession, but Cutler threw an interception to Thomas Howard who returned it 44 yards for a score. Oakland made a two-point conversion, making it 20–17 Oakland. Later in the quarter Elam kicked a 20 yard field goal with 2:12 in time remaining to tie to score at 20–20. The Raiders failed to score, throwing an interception to Dre Bly
to send the game into overtime.
The Broncos won the coin toss to get the ball first in overtime, but failed to score, punting it to Oakland. Raider Lamont Jordan
then broke a 33 yard run to set up a 52 yard field goal attempt by Janikowski. Denver called time out just before the Raiders got the snap off and so Janikowski's successful kick did not count. On his next attempt he hooked it left, giving Denver the ball. The Broncos then drove to the Oakland 4 yard line, then kicked a game winning field goal by Elam.
Q2 – OAK – 4:34 – 38-yard FG by Sebastian Janikowski (7–3 DEN)
Q2 – DEN – 7:26 – 4-yard TD run by Cecil Sapp (Elam kick) (14–3 DEN)
Q2 – DEN – 14:42 – 23-yard FG by Elam (17–3 DEN)
Q3 – OAK – 9:41 – 46-yard TD pass from Josh McCown to Jerry Porter (Janikowski kick) (17–10 DEN)
Q4 – OAK – 0:45 – Safety, Cutler sacked by Gerard Warren in end zone (17–12 DEN)
Q4 – OAK – 6:05 – 44-yard interception return by Thomas Howard (two point conversion, Josh McCown to Ronald Curry) (20–17 OAK)
Q4 – DEN – 12:42 – 20-yard FG by Elam (20–20)
OT – DEN – 9:12 – 23-yard FG by Elam (23–20 DEN)
. After a scoreless first quarter, Denver trailed early as Jaguars QB David Garrard
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
. The Broncos would tie the game with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Nate Jackson
. However, Jacksonville would take the lead with FB Greg Jones getting a 4-yard TD run, while kicker John Carney nailed a 19-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver continued to trail as the Jaguars increased its lead with Carney's 27-yard field goal, which was the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos attempted a comeback with RB Travis Henry
getting a 6-yard TD run. However, Jacksonville sealed their win with Carney kicking a 18-yard field goal.
With the loss, Denver fell to 2–1.
for an intraconference fight with the defending-Super Bowl champions, the Indianapolis Colts
. In the first quarter, Denver galloped to an early lead with kicker Jason Elam
getting a 35-yard field goal, along with QB Jay Cutler
(Indiana native) complete a 7-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
. In the second quarter, the Colts responded with RB Joseph Addai
got a 14-yard TD run. The Broncos replied with Elam kicking a 22-yard field goal, yet Indianapolis took the lead with QB Peyton Manning
completing a 9-yard TD pass to TE Dallas Clark
.
In the third quarter, Denver began to struggle as Manning got a 1-yard TD run, along with completing a 3-yard TD pass to Clark. The Broncos got close with Cutler getting a 2-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, the Colts sealed their win with Manning completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne
, along with kicker Adam Vinatieri
nailing a 22-yard field goal.
With their second-straight loss, Denver fell to 2–2.
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Chargers QB Philip Rivers
got a 2-yard TD run, while LB Brandon Siler returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Chargers continued its offensive revival with kicker Nate Kaeding
getting a 26-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Broncos would get their only score of the game, as kicker Jason Elam
got a 30-yard field goal. San Diego would end the half with Kaeding nailing a 45-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver continued to get pounded with Rivers completing a 9-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
and a 15-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson
. In the fourth quarter, San Diego sealed their victory with RB Michael Turner getting a 74-yard TD run for the only score of the period.
With their third-straight loss, not only did the Broncos fall to 2–3 entering their bye week, but the loss marked their worse home loss since losing to the Kansas City Chiefs
56–10 on Oct. 23, 1966. The 38-point deficit also marked Denver's worst home loss since the AFL-NFL merger.
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early with Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
. Denver would respond with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
. In the second quarter, the Broncos took the lead with Cutler's 1-yard TD pass to FB Cecil Sapp
, along with rookie DE Tim Crowder returning a fumble 50 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Steelers tried to come back with Roethlisberger completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
. Fortunately, Denver answered with Cutler completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh managed to tie the game with Roethlisberger completing a 13-yard TD pass to TE Matt Spaeth
and a 12-yard TD pass to Miller. Fortunately, kicker Jason Elam
came through for the third time this year as he nailed the game-winning 49-yard field goal.
With their three-game skid snapped, the Broncos improved to 3–3.
. In the first quarter, Denver took the early lead with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
. The Packers would respond with QB Brett Favre
completing a 79-yard TD pass to WR James Jones
. In the second quarter, Green Bay took the lead with kicker Mason Crosby
getting a 19-yard and a 26-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Broncos began to rally as kicker Jason Elam
got a 45-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Denver managed to get a last-second 21-yard field goal from Elam to send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, on the Packers' first play of the period, Favre sealed the win with an 82-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings
.
With the loss, not only did the Broncos fall to 3–4, but it also marked the first time in franchise history that they lost to Green Bay at home.
for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Detroit Lions
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Lions kicker Jason Hanson
managed to get a 43-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Broncos continued to struggle as Hanson gave Detroit a 53-yard field goal, while QB Jon Kitna
completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Mike Furrey
. The Lions would end the half with Hanson kicking a 38-yard field goal. Even worse, starting QB Jay Cutler
(3/4 for 20 yards) would leave the game with a lower left leg injury.
In the third quarter, Detroit continued to destroy Denver as DE Dewayne White
returned a fumble 3 yards for a touchdown, while Kitna completed a 49-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
. In the fourth quarter, the Lions finished their job as NT Shaun Rogers returned an interception 66 yards for a touchdown, while RB T. J. Duckett got a 3-yard TD run. The Broncos prevented a shutout when QB Patrick Ramsey
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
.
With the loss, Denver fell to 3–5.
This would be the second time this year that the Broncos lost by at least 37 points.
for an AFC West duel with the Kansas City Chiefs
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood with kicker Jason Elam
getting a 44-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with kicker Dave Rayner
getting a 38-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Broncos trailed as K.C. Safety Bernard Pollard
blocked a punt that was deep in Denver territory. The ball would roll out the back of the endzone for a safety. The Broncos would respond with Elam kicking a 50-yard field goal. However, the Chiefs would regain the lead prior to halftime as Rayner kicked a 36-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver retook the lead as rookie RB Selvin Young
got a 20-yard TD run, along with LB Nate Webster
returning a fumble 58 yards for a touchdown. Kansas City would answer with Rayner nailing a 39-yard field goal. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, the Broncos closed out the game with QB Jay Cutler
completing an 18-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
.
With the win, not only did Denver improve to 4–5, but it also marked their first win at Arrowhead Stadium since 2002.
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 48-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
, along with WR/PR Glenn Martinez
returning a punt 80 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Titans got on the board with QB Vince Young
completing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Jones. Afterwards, the Broncos regained some of their lead with kicker Jason Elam
getting a 21-yard and a 39-yard field goal. Tennessee would end the half with kicker Rob Bironas
getting a 56-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver responded with Cutler completing a 41-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
. The Titans would reply with Young getting a 4-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Tennessee drew closer as Bironas nailed a 37-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Broncos got the victory with rookie RB Andre Hall
getting a 62-yard TD run.
With the win, Denver improved to 5–5.
for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Chicago Bears
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Bears kicker Robbie Gould
managed to get a 24-yard field goal. The Broncos would reply with kicker Jason Elam
getting a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Denver took the lead with rookie RB Andre Hall
getting a 16-yard TD run, while Chicago replied with Gould kicking a 44-yard field goal. The Broncos would end the half with Elam kicking a 22-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver lost its lead as WR/KR/PR Devin Hester
returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos would answer with FB Cecil Sapp
getting a 5-yard TD run, but the Bears immediately struck back as Hester returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. Denver would regain the lead as Cutler completed a 68-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos increased their lead with Cutler completing a 14-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
. However, Chicago tied the game with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 4-yard TD run, while QB Rex Grossman
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
. In overtime, the Bears sealed Denver's fate as Gould nailed the game-winning 39-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 5–6.
for an AFC West rematch with the Oakland Raiders
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as QB Josh McCown
completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Tim Dwight
. The Broncos replied with RB Travis Henry
getting a 4-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Oakland regained the lead with TE Zach Miller
for the only score of the period.
In the third quarter, the Raiders continued their domination with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
getting a 38-yard field goal, while McCown completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Jerry Porter. The Broncos continued to try to keep up with kicker Jason Elam
getting a 29-yard and a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Denver tried to come back as Henry got a 3-yard TD run. However, Oakland sealed the win with Janikowski nailing a 44-yard field goal and RB Justin Fargas
getting a 5-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 5–7.
In the game, Denver committed 4 turnovers (2 interceptions and 2 lost fumbles), which is tied as a season-worst for the Broncos.
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood as QB Jay Cutler
completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
, while RB Travis Henry
got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Chiefs would get their only score of the game with QB Brodie Croyle
completing a 15-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. Afterwards, the Broncos took over as Cutler completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
, while kicker Jason Elam
managed to get a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Denver pulled away as Elam nailed another 37-yard field goal, while Cutler completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
, along with a 13-yard TD pass to Marshall.
With the season-sweeping win, the Broncos improved to 6–7.
Also with this win, it improved Denver's divisional home record since 2001 to 18–4.
for a Thursday night intraconference duel with the Houston Texans
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as QB Sage Rosenfels
got a 5-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Broncos would get on the board as kicker Jason Elam
managed to get a 41-yard field goal. Houston would respond with kicker Kris Brown
getting a 41-yard field goal. Denver would end the half with Elam nailing a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Texans would increase their lead as RB Ron Dayne
managed to get a 6-yard TD run. The Broncos would respond with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 12-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
. However, in the fourth quarter, Houston sealed the win as Rosenfels completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
, while FB Vonta Leach
got a 1-yard TD run.
With the loss, Denver fell to 6–8.
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the 48th season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. A loss to the Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in Week 15 and a win by the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
the following Sunday knocked them out of playoff contention, marking the second year in a row they failed to make the playoffs. The Broncos' 7–9 record was the worst since 1999, their last losing season (when they went 6–10).
Coaching staff
This was head coach Mike ShanahanMike Shanahan
Michael Edward "Mike" Shanahan is the 28th and current head coach of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. Shanahan also holds the title of Vice President of Football Operations with the Redskins, giving him full control over player personnel with the team. Shanahan previously...
's 13th year (1995 to present) with the Broncos. Joining him was Mike Heimerdinger
Mike Heimerdinger
Michael "Mike" Heimerdinger was a football coach in the National Football League.-Career:Heimerdinger was most recently the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, a position he had served in from 2000-2004 and again from 2008-2010...
& Jeremy Bates
Jeremy Bates (American football)
Jeremy Bates is an American football coach. He is the former offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. He had previously served as quarterbacks coach for the NFL's Denver Broncos and the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator of the USC Trojans football team.-Personal life:His father,...
as assistant head coaches, Rick Dennison as offensive coordinator, Bob Slowik
Bob Slowik
Bob Slowik is the current defensive backs coach for the Washington Redskins, under head coach Mike Shanahan. He is a former defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears. Prior to his stint with the Bears he was a defensive assistant with the...
as defensive coordinator and Scott O'Brien
Scott O'Brien
Scott O'Brien is a current American football special teams coach for the New England Patriots of the National Football League.-Playing career:...
as special teams coordinator.
Offseason
The 2006–2007 off-season began as two members of the team died in less than two months after the season ended. Cornerback Darrent WilliamsDarrent Williams
Darrent Demarcus Williams was an American football player for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Williams was also the owner and CEO of independent record label RYNO Entertainment in Fort Worth, Texas.-High school:Born and raised in Fort Worth, Williams attended O.D...
was shot and killed in his H2 limousine on New Years Day, just a few hours after the Broncos last game of the 2006 season. Soon after, Broncos 3rd string running back Damien Nash
Damien Nash
Damien Darnell Nash was an American football player who was a running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He died after the 2006-2007 season, his only season with the Broncos....
collapsed and died in a pick-up basketball game.
The Broncos traded running back Tatum Bell
Tatum Bell
Tatum Antoine Bell is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
and offensive tackle George Foster
George Foster (American football)
George Foster was an American football offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 20th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft...
to the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
for former Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
cornerback Dre' Bly to compensate for the unfortunate loss of Williams. In addition to the trade for Bly, the Broncos had made a trade to the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
for Dan Wilkinson
Dan Wilkinson
Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson is a former defensive tackle who played 13 seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted 1st overall in the 1994 NFL Draft...
, only to have that trade voided because Wilkinson did not show up to Denver for his scheduled physical.
Denver added running back Travis Henry
Travis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, fullback Thump Belton
Thump Belton
Keith Da'Shawn "Thump" Belton is an American football fullback who was most recently with the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Syracuse.-References:...
, and tight end Daniel Graham
Daniel Graham
Daniel Lawrence Grahamhttp://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
through free agency. The team released linebacker Al Wilson
Al Wilson
Aldra Kauwa Wilson is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 31st overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
during the month of April for health and salary cap reasons.
Denver also signed backup WR Brandon Stokley from the Indianapolis Colts and P/Kickoff Specialist Todd Sauerbrun.
Signed K Brandon Pace (Virginia Tech) and C Mark Fenton (Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
) on May 7. Released OL Tim Duckworth on May 7.
Preseason
The Broncos started strong in the preseason, beating San Francisco 17–13. Jay CutlerJay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
led a 67-yard scoring drive on one of his only series for the Broncos, and new Running Back Travis Henry
Travis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
punched in another touchdown. Back-up Quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Patrick Ramsey
Patrick Ramsey
Patrick Allen Ramsey is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins 32nd overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
played most of the game. The previous match-up between Denver and the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
was the last game of the 2006–2007 season, when the 49ers beat Denver in overtime, 26–23, and kept them from entering the play-offs.
In game two, The Broncos were in Texas to play the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
. The game had a lot of buzz, due to the pairing of Dallas
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
wide-receiver Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
and Denver cornerback Champ Bailey
Champ Bailey
Roland "Champ" Bailey is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Bailey was drafted in the 1st round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Georgia.Bailey is 8th among Broncos in all-time...
. Also, the mother of Darrent Williams
Darrent Williams
Darrent Demarcus Williams was an American football player for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Williams was also the owner and CEO of independent record label RYNO Entertainment in Fort Worth, Texas.-High school:Born and raised in Fort Worth, Williams attended O.D...
attended the game.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Game site | TV | Time (MT Mountain Time Zone The Mountain Time Zone of North America keeps time by subtracting seven hours from Coordinated Universal Time, also known as Greenwich Mean Time, during the shortest days of autumn and winter , and by subtracting six hours during daylight saving time in the spring, summer, and early autumn... ) |
Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 13 | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
W 17–13 | Monster Park Monster Park Candlestick Park is an outdoor sports and entertainment stadium located in San Francisco, California, in the Bayview Heights area. The stadium was originally built as the home of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants, who played there from 1960 until moving into Pacific Bell Park in 2000... |
ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.... |
6:00pm | 1–0 |
| 2 | Aug 18 | Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
L 20–31 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
CBS 4 KCNC-TV KCNC-TV, virtual channel 4, is a CBS owned-and-operated station television station in Denver, Colorado, owned by CBS Television Stations, Inc. KCNC broadcasts on UHF channel 35 from Lookout Mountain near Golden, Colorado.- Digital programming :... |
6:00 pm | 1–1 |
| 3 | Aug 25 | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 16–17 | INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
CBS 4 KCNC-TV KCNC-TV, virtual channel 4, is a CBS owned-and-operated station television station in Denver, Colorado, owned by CBS Television Stations, Inc. KCNC broadcasts on UHF channel 35 from Lookout Mountain near Golden, Colorado.- Digital programming :... |
7:00pm | 1–2 |
| 4 | Aug 30 | Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 21–3 | INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
CBS 4 KCNC-TV KCNC-TV, virtual channel 4, is a CBS owned-and-operated station television station in Denver, Colorado, owned by CBS Television Stations, Inc. KCNC broadcasts on UHF channel 35 from Lookout Mountain near Golden, Colorado.- Digital programming :... |
7:00pm | 2–2 |
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Site | Time (MT Mountain Time Zone The Mountain Time Zone of North America keeps time by subtracting seven hours from Coordinated Universal Time, also known as Greenwich Mean Time, during the shortest days of autumn and winter , and by subtracting six hours during daylight saving time in the spring, summer, and early autumn... ) |
Result | TV | Record | Attendance | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 9 | Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
11:00am | W 15–14 | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
1–0 | 71,132 | Recap |
| 2 | Sep 16 | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
2:15pm | W 23–20 (OT) | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
2–0 | 76,784 | Recap |
| 3 | Sep 23 | Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
2:05pm | L 23–14 | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
2–1 | 76,463 | Recap |
| 4 | Sep 30 | Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
RCA Dome RCA Dome RCA Dome was a domed stadium, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons .... |
2:15pm | L 38–20 | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
2–2 | 57,274 | Recap |
| 5 | Oct 7 | San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
2:15pm | L 41–3 | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
2–3 | 76,879 | Recap |
| 6 | Bye week Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
||||||||
| 7 | Oct 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
6:15pm | W 31–28 | NBC NBC Sunday Night Football NBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color... |
3–3 | 77,038 | Recap |
| 8 | Oct 29 | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
6:30pm | L 19–13 (OT) | ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
3–4 | 77,160 | Recap |
| 9 | Nov 4 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
Ford Field Ford Field Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for... |
11:00am | L 44–7 | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
3–5 | 60,783 | Recap |
| 10 | Nov 11 | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.... |
11:00am | W 27–11 | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
4–5 | 77,368 | Recap |
| 11 | Nov 19 | Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
6:30pm | W 34–20 | ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
5–5 | 76,590 | Recap |
| 12 | Nov 26 | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
2:15pm | L 37–34 (OT) | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
5–6 | 62,148 | Recap* |
| 13 | Dec 2 | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
McAfee Coliseum McAfee Coliseum O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area... |
2:05pm | L 34–20 | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
5–7 | 61,990 | Recap* |
| 14 | Dec 9 | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
2:15pm | W 49–7 | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
6–7 | 75,895 | Recap* |
| 15 | Dec 13 | Houston Texans Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
6:15pm | L 31–13 | NFL Network Run to the Playoffs Thursday Night Football is the brand name used by NFL Network for its schedule of live regular season telecasts of National Football League games on Thursday nights. Also included in the package are some Saturday specials.... |
6–8 | 70,747 | Recap |
| 16 | Dec 24 | San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
6:00pm | L 23–3 | ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
6–9 | 65,477 | Recap |
| 17 | Dec 30 | Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
2:15pm | W 22–19 (OT) | FOX NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
7–9 | 76,084 | Recap* |
* Pending the NFL's
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
flexible schedule policy
Week 1: at Buffalo Bills
The Bills scored first on a 74 yard kick return by Roscoe ParrishRoscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. Denver then answered with a 10 play drive that led to a field goal by Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
, making it 7–3.
In the second quarter Denver scored first with a 48 yard field goal. Bills kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
then missed a 45 yard field goal. The Broncos drove deep into Bills territory at the close of the half but Cutler threw an interception to end the drive. The Bills then drove into Denver territory and tried a long field goal but failed due to a false start, then ended the half with an interception thrown to Elvis Dumervil
Elvis Dumervil
-Denver Broncos:Dumervil was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan stated that he planned to keep Dumervil at defensive end....
.
On the opening kickoff for the second half, a scary injury occurred to Bills TE Kevin Everett
Kevin Everett
Kevin Everett, is a former American football tight end who played for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, as he suffered a cervical spine injury
Spinal cord injury
A spinal cord injury refers to any injury to the spinal cord that is caused by trauma instead of disease. Depending on where the spinal cord and nerve roots are damaged, the symptoms can vary widely, from pain to paralysis to incontinence...
while making a tackle on Domenik Hixon
Domenik Hixon
Domenik Hixon is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Akron.-Early years:Hixon was born to an African American...
. Everett later underwent surgery that day and is currently in intensive care. He does have feeling and partial movement in his extremities and it is believed he will walk again.
The Broncos began the second half with a drive that ended with a missed 50 yard field goal. The Bills then made a nine play drive that ended with a 23 yard touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
. The Broncos responded with a drive ending with a touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall
-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
. They then attempted to tie the game with a two-point conversion
Two-point conversion
In American and Canadian football, a two-point conversion is a play a team attempts instead of kicking a one-point convert immediately after it scores a touchdown...
but failed with an incomplete pass to Javon Walker.
The fourth quarter had little scoring. Elam missed a field goal, but the Bills failed to score or run out the clock, giving Denver the ball with a little over two minutes to play. After an ill-advised lateral bounced free, (saved by rookie back Selvin Young smartly batting the loose ball out of bounds) the Bronco's faced a seemingly insurmountable 3rd and 23 to go. Cutler immediately turned in the best clutch performance of his NFL career to date, one that drew comparisons to John Elway by both sportswriters and teammates.
Cutler's drive included two fourth down conversions to drive deep into Bills' territory, where, with no time outs, they rushed the field goal unit onto the field with ten seconds left and the clock ticking down. Execution by the field goal unit allowed Jason Elam to kick the game winning 42 yard field goal just as the clock ticked to 0:00. Buffalo ended up leading the game for over 51 minutes of the contest. Denver lead for one second.
Scoring drives
Q1 – BUF – 6:17 – 74-yard TD Punt Return by Roscoe Parrish (Rian LindellRian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
kick) (7–0 BUF)
Q1 – DEN – 0:33 – Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
21-yard FG (7–3 BUF)
Q2 – DEN – 7:51 – Elam 48-yard field goal (7–6 BUF)
Q3 – BUF – 6:24 – 23-yard TD run by Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
(Lindell kick) (14–6 BUF)
Q3 – DEN – 0:54 – 5-yard TD pass from Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
to Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall
-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
(Two-Point Conversion Failed) (14–12 BUF)
Q4 – DEN – 0:00 – Elam 42-yard FG (15–14 DEN)
Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders
In the first quarter, the Broncos were the first to score with a nine yard touchdown pass from Cutler to WR Brandon StokleyBrandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
after taking the ball from the Raiders with an interception by Alex Ludwig. The second quarter began with another interception by Marcus Thomas after a deflection by John Lynch
John Lynch (American football)
John Terrence Lynch, Jr. is a former National Football League strong safety and current NFL on Fox color commentator. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Lynch earned a Super...
. The game was then halted due to lightning
Lightning
Lightning is an atmospheric electrostatic discharge accompanied by thunder, which typically occurs during thunderstorms, and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust storms...
, but resumed after several minutes. Denver failed to capitalize however, with Cutler throwing an interception that led to a Raider field goal by Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
. Later however the Broncos capitalized on a 40 yard run by Selvin Young
Selvin Young
Selvin Young is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
, finishing the drive with a 4 yard touchdown by Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Colorado State....
. The Broncos then forced a punt by Oakland and drove for a 23 yard field goal by Elam, putting them up 17–3 at the half.
Denver began the second half with a drive that ended with a missed field goal by Elam. The Raiders responded with a 46 yard touchdown pass from Josh McCown
Josh McCown
Joshua Treadwell McCown is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Sam Houston State.McCown has played for the Detroit Lions, Oakland...
to Jerry Porter. They then kicked an onside kick
Onside kick
In American and Canadian football, an onside kick is a type of kick used at a kickoff or other free kick, or scrimmage kick or other kick during play, in which the ball is kicked favorably for the kicking team to avoid giving away the ball...
which they recovered but failed to drive due to penalties. However Gerard Warren then sacked Cutler in the end zone for a safety to begin the fourth quarter.
Oaklend punted on their next possession, but Cutler threw an interception to Thomas Howard who returned it 44 yards for a score. Oakland made a two-point conversion, making it 20–17 Oakland. Later in the quarter Elam kicked a 20 yard field goal with 2:12 in time remaining to tie to score at 20–20. The Raiders failed to score, throwing an interception to Dre Bly
Dré Bly
Donald André "Dré" Bly is a former American football cornerback who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League. After playing college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, Bly was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
to send the game into overtime.
The Broncos won the coin toss to get the ball first in overtime, but failed to score, punting it to Oakland. Raider Lamont Jordan
LaMont Jordan
LaMont Damon Jordan is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
then broke a 33 yard run to set up a 52 yard field goal attempt by Janikowski. Denver called time out just before the Raiders got the snap off and so Janikowski's successful kick did not count. On his next attempt he hooked it left, giving Denver the ball. The Broncos then drove to the Oakland 4 yard line, then kicked a game winning field goal by Elam.
Scoring drives
Q1 – DEN – 9:58 – 9-yard TD pass from Jay Cutler to Brandon Stokley (7–0 DEN)Q2 – OAK – 4:34 – 38-yard FG by Sebastian Janikowski (7–3 DEN)
Q2 – DEN – 7:26 – 4-yard TD run by Cecil Sapp (Elam kick) (14–3 DEN)
Q2 – DEN – 14:42 – 23-yard FG by Elam (17–3 DEN)
Q3 – OAK – 9:41 – 46-yard TD pass from Josh McCown to Jerry Porter (Janikowski kick) (17–10 DEN)
Q4 – OAK – 0:45 – Safety, Cutler sacked by Gerard Warren in end zone (17–12 DEN)
Q4 – OAK – 6:05 – 44-yard interception return by Thomas Howard (two point conversion, Josh McCown to Ronald Curry) (20–17 OAK)
Q4 – DEN – 12:42 – 20-yard FG by Elam (20–20)
OT – DEN – 9:12 – 23-yard FG by Elam (23–20 DEN)
Week 3: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Following their OT win over the Raiders, the Broncos stayed at home for an intraconference duel with the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Denver trailed early as Jaguars QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
Reggie Williams (wide receiver)
Reginald "Reggie" Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currenly a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
. The Broncos would tie the game with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Nate Jackson
Nate Jackson
Nate Jackson is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Menlo...
. However, Jacksonville would take the lead with FB Greg Jones getting a 4-yard TD run, while kicker John Carney nailed a 19-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver continued to trail as the Jaguars increased its lead with Carney's 27-yard field goal, which was the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos attempted a comeback with RB Travis Henry
Travis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
getting a 6-yard TD run. However, Jacksonville sealed their win with Carney kicking a 18-yard field goal.
With the loss, Denver fell to 2–1.
Week 4: at Indianapolis Colts
Game summary
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Jaguars, the Broncos flew to the RCA DomeRCA Dome
RCA Dome was a domed stadium, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons ....
for an intraconference fight with the defending-Super Bowl champions, the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. In the first quarter, Denver galloped to an early lead with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 35-yard field goal, along with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
(Indiana native) complete a 7-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall
-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
. In the second quarter, the Colts responded with RB Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai, Jr. is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University.-Early years:Addai's family hails from Ghana in West Africa...
got a 14-yard TD run. The Broncos replied with Elam kicking a 22-yard field goal, yet Indianapolis took the lead with QB Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
completing a 9-yard TD pass to TE Dallas Clark
Dallas Clark
Dallas Dean Clark is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts 24th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Iowa...
.
In the third quarter, Denver began to struggle as Manning got a 1-yard TD run, along with completing a 3-yard TD pass to Clark. The Broncos got close with Cutler getting a 2-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, the Colts sealed their win with Manning completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne
Reggie Wayne
Reginald "Reggie" Wayne is a professional American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Wayne was selected in the 1st round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Colts...
, along with kicker Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
nailing a 22-yard field goal.
With their second-straight loss, Denver fell to 2–2.
Scoring summary
- Scoring
- 1st Quarter
- DEN – Jason ElamJason ElamJason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
35 yard field goal, 11:32. Broncos 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:28. - DEN – Brandon MarshallBrandon Marshall-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
7 yard pass from Jay CutlerJay Cutler (American football)Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
(Elam kick), 2:19. Broncos 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 5:28.
- DEN – Jason Elam
- 2nd Quarter
- IND – Joseph AddaiJoseph AddaiJoseph Addai, Jr. is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University.-Early years:Addai's family hails from Ghana in West Africa...
14 yard run (VinatieriAdam VinatieriAdam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
kick), 14:23. Broncos 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:56. - DEN – Jason Elam 22 yard field goal, 8:29. Broncos 13–7. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 5:54.
- IND – Dallas ClarkDallas ClarkDallas Dean Clark is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts 24th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Iowa...
9 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 3:49. Colts 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:40.
- IND – Joseph Addai
- 3rd Quarter
- IND – Peyton Manning 1 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 11:46. Colts 21–13. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:14.
- IND – Dallas Clark 3 yard pass (Vinatieri kick), 8:55. Colts 28–13. Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards, 2:03.
- DEN – Jay Cutler 2 yard run (Elam kick), 1:10. Colts 28–20. Drive: 14 plays, 79 yards, 7:45.
- 4th Quarter
- IND – Reggie WayneReggie WayneReginald "Reggie" Wayne is a professional American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Wayne was selected in the 1st round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Colts...
5 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 10:56. Colts 35–20. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 5:14. - IND – Adam Vinatieri 22 yard field goal, 2:34. Colts 38–20. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 5:59.
- IND – Reggie Wayne
- 1st Quarter
Week 5: vs San Diego Chargers
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Colts, the Broncos went home for a Week 5 divisional duel with the San Diego ChargersSan Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Chargers QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
got a 2-yard TD run, while LB Brandon Siler returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Chargers continued its offensive revival with kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
getting a 26-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Broncos would get their only score of the game, as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
got a 30-yard field goal. San Diego would end the half with Kaeding nailing a 45-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver continued to get pounded with Rivers completing a 9-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
and a 15-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
. In the fourth quarter, San Diego sealed their victory with RB Michael Turner getting a 74-yard TD run for the only score of the period.
With their third-straight loss, not only did the Broncos fall to 2–3 entering their bye week, but the loss marked their worse home loss since losing to the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
56–10 on Oct. 23, 1966. The 38-point deficit also marked Denver's worst home loss since the AFL-NFL merger.
Week 7: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Coming off their bye week, the Broncos stayed at home for a Sunday night intraconference duel with the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early with Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
. Denver would respond with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Broncos took the lead with Cutler's 1-yard TD pass to FB Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Colorado State....
, along with rookie DE Tim Crowder returning a fumble 50 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Steelers tried to come back with Roethlisberger completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
. Fortunately, Denver answered with Cutler completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler
-Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,...
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh managed to tie the game with Roethlisberger completing a 13-yard TD pass to TE Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
and a 12-yard TD pass to Miller. Fortunately, kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
came through for the third time this year as he nailed the game-winning 49-yard field goal.
With their three-game skid snapped, the Broncos improved to 3–3.
Week 8: vs. Green Bay Packers
Coming off their Sunday night home win over the Steelers, the Broncos stayed at home for a Monday Night interconference fight with the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. In the first quarter, Denver took the early lead with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler
-Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,...
. The Packers would respond with QB Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
completing a 79-yard TD pass to WR James Jones
James Jones (wide receiver)
James Deandre Jones is an American football wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, Green Bay took the lead with kicker Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
getting a 19-yard and a 26-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Broncos began to rally as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
got a 45-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Denver managed to get a last-second 21-yard field goal from Elam to send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, on the Packers' first play of the period, Favre sealed the win with an 82-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
.
With the loss, not only did the Broncos fall to 3–4, but it also marked the first time in franchise history that they lost to Green Bay at home.
Week 9: at Detroit Lions
Hoping to rebound from their Monday Night loss to the Packers, the Broncos flew to Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Lions kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
managed to get a 43-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Broncos continued to struggle as Hanson gave Detroit a 53-yard field goal, while QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Mike Furrey
Mike Furrey
Michael Thomas Furrey is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Northern Iowa and Ohio State University.Furrey has also played for the...
. The Lions would end the half with Hanson kicking a 38-yard field goal. Even worse, starting QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
(3/4 for 20 yards) would leave the game with a lower left leg injury.
In the third quarter, Detroit continued to destroy Denver as DE Dewayne White
DeWayne White
DeWayne White is an American defensive end for the Omaha Nighthawks who is currently a free agent. He entered the league as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers top overall selection in the 2003 NFL Draft. White tied a team record by recording at least half-a-sack in six consecutive games in 2004. He has...
returned a fumble 3 yards for a touchdown, while Kitna completed a 49-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
Shaun McDonald
Shaun Terrance McDonald is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, the Lions finished their job as NT Shaun Rogers returned an interception 66 yards for a touchdown, while RB T. J. Duckett got a 3-yard TD run. The Broncos prevented a shutout when QB Patrick Ramsey
Patrick Ramsey
Patrick Allen Ramsey is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins 32nd overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
.
With the loss, Denver fell to 3–5.
This would be the second time this year that the Broncos lost by at least 37 points.
Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs
Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Broncos flew to Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
for an AFC West duel with the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 44-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with kicker Dave Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 38-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Broncos trailed as K.C. Safety Bernard Pollard
Bernard Pollard
Bernard Karmell Pollard is an American football safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
blocked a punt that was deep in Denver territory. The ball would roll out the back of the endzone for a safety. The Broncos would respond with Elam kicking a 50-yard field goal. However, the Chiefs would regain the lead prior to halftime as Rayner kicked a 36-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver retook the lead as rookie RB Selvin Young
Selvin Young
Selvin Young is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
got a 20-yard TD run, along with LB Nate Webster
Nate Webster
Nate Webster is a former American football linebacker who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
returning a fumble 58 yards for a touchdown. Kansas City would answer with Rayner nailing a 39-yard field goal. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, the Broncos closed out the game with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing an 18-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
Daniel Graham
Daniel Lawrence Grahamhttp://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
.
With the win, not only did Denver improve to 4–5, but it also marked their first win at Arrowhead Stadium since 2002.
Week 11: vs. Tennessee Titans
Coming off an impressive divisional road win over the Chiefs, the Broncos went home for a Week 11 Monday Night intraconference duel with the Tennessee TitansTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 48-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
, along with WR/PR Glenn Martinez
Glenn Martinez
Glenn Martínez is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
returning a punt 80 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Titans got on the board with QB Vince Young
Vince Young
Vincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
completing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Jones. Afterwards, the Broncos regained some of their lead with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 21-yard and a 39-yard field goal. Tennessee would end the half with kicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
getting a 56-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver responded with Cutler completing a 41-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall
-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
. The Titans would reply with Young getting a 4-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Tennessee drew closer as Bironas nailed a 37-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Broncos got the victory with rookie RB Andre Hall
Andre Hall
Andre Hall is an American football running back for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
getting a 62-yard TD run.
With the win, Denver improved to 5–5.
Week 12: at Chicago Bears
Coming off their home win over the Titans, the Broncos flew to Soldier FieldSoldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Bears kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
managed to get a 24-yard field goal. The Broncos would reply with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Denver took the lead with rookie RB Andre Hall
Andre Hall
Andre Hall is an American football running back for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
getting a 16-yard TD run, while Chicago replied with Gould kicking a 44-yard field goal. The Broncos would end the half with Elam kicking a 22-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver lost its lead as WR/KR/PR Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos would answer with FB Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Colorado State....
getting a 5-yard TD run, but the Bears immediately struck back as Hester returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. Denver would regain the lead as Cutler completed a 68-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall
-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos increased their lead with Cutler completing a 14-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler
-Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,...
. However, Chicago tied the game with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 4-yard TD run, while QB Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In overtime, the Bears sealed Denver's fate as Gould nailed the game-winning 39-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 5–6.
Week 13: at Oakland Raiders
Coming off their embarrassing road loss to the Bears, the Broncos went to home McAfee ColiseumMcAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
for an AFC West rematch with the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as QB Josh McCown
Josh McCown
Joshua Treadwell McCown is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Sam Houston State.McCown has played for the Detroit Lions, Oakland...
completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Tim Dwight
Tim Dwight
Timothy Deutch Dwight, Jr. is an American football wide receiver and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
. The Broncos replied with RB Travis Henry
Travis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
getting a 4-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Oakland regained the lead with TE Zach Miller
Zach Miller
Zachary Joseph Miller is an American football tight end for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:Miller Attended Desert Vista High School in...
for the only score of the period.
In the third quarter, the Raiders continued their domination with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
getting a 38-yard field goal, while McCown completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Jerry Porter. The Broncos continued to try to keep up with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 29-yard and a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Denver tried to come back as Henry got a 3-yard TD run. However, Oakland sealed the win with Janikowski nailing a 44-yard field goal and RB Justin Fargas
Justin Fargas
Justin Fargas is an American football running back who is a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
getting a 5-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 5–7.
In the game, Denver committed 4 turnovers (2 interceptions and 2 lost fumbles), which is tied as a season-worst for the Broncos.
Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Broncos went home for a Week 14 AFC West rematch with the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood as QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
, while RB Travis Henry
Travis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Chiefs would get their only score of the game with QB Brodie Croyle
Brodie Croyle
John Brodie Croyle is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football for the University of Alabama from 2002 to 2005...
completing a 15-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. Afterwards, the Broncos took over as Cutler completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall
-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
, while kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
managed to get a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Denver pulled away as Elam nailed another 37-yard field goal, while Cutler completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
Daniel Graham
Daniel Lawrence Grahamhttp://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, along with a 13-yard TD pass to Marshall.
With the season-sweeping win, the Broncos improved to 6–7.
Also with this win, it improved Denver's divisional home record since 2001 to 18–4.
Week 15: at Houston Texans
Coming off their dominating home win over the Chiefs, the Broncos flew to Reliant StadiumReliant Stadium
Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface....
for a Thursday night intraconference duel with the Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as QB Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Iowa State before he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolphins from 2002–2005, the Houston Texans from...
got a 5-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Broncos would get on the board as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
managed to get a 41-yard field goal. Houston would respond with kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
getting a 41-yard field goal. Denver would end the half with Elam nailing a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Texans would increase their lead as RB Ron Dayne
Ron Dayne
Ron Dayne is a former American football running back who is currently a free agent. He holds the NCAA record for career rushing yards, and he won the 1999 Heisman Trophy.-Early life:...
managed to get a 6-yard TD run. The Broncos would respond with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 12-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler
-Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,...
. However, in the fourth quarter, Houston sealed the win as Rosenfels completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Through the 2010–11 NFL season, Johnson currently ranks first all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game for a career...
, while FB Vonta Leach
Vonta Leach
Terzell Vonta Leach is an American football fullback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
got a 1-yard TD run.
With the loss, Denver fell to 6–8.