2008 Denver Broncos season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Denver Broncos
season was the franchise's 49th season for the team (their 39th season in the National Football League
). They improved from their 7–9 record from 2007 but failed to make the playoffs with an 8–8 record. On December 30, 2008, two days after the regular season ended, Mike Shanahan was fired as the Broncos head coach.
's 14th year (1995 to 2008) with the Broncos. Shanahan was fired at the end of the season, a move considered surprising at the time.
and WR Javon Walker
were released by the Denver Broncos
in preparation for the NFL Draft and free agency. Walker was signed by the Oakland Raiders
. Long-time Broncos kicker Jason Elam
was not resigned by the Broncos, and was then signed by the Atlanta Falcons
.
On June 2, 2008, RB Travis Henry
was cut by the team. Seventh Round pick Josh Barrett signed on June 12, the first draft pick to sign with the team. Wide receiver Rod Smith, a veteran of both of the Broncos Super Bowl victories, retired on the first day of training camp.
his release. The following day, head coach Mike Shanahan
, asked about the upcoming season on talk radio, said “We’re not going to miss the playoffs.” Later in the day, Shanahan backed off a bit, saying “I didn’t make a guarantee . . . . you’ve got to be lucky and don’t have the injuries we’ve had. If we don’t have the injuries, I’d be very disappointed if we didn’t make the playoffs."
Exhibition
, in the second game of ESPN's Monday Night Football
doubleheader. In the first quarter, Denver ran out of the gates early as QB Jay Cutler
completed a 26-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
(who was filling in for WR Brandon Marshall
, due to his 1-game suspension). In the second quarter, the Broncos continued their domination as kicker Matt Prater
got a 26-yard field goal, while FB Michael Pittman
got a 3-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Denver ran away with the game as Cutler completed a 48-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
, while Prater nailed a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders spoiled the Broncos' bid for a shutout as QB JaMarcus Russell
completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Ashley Lelie
. Denver ended its domination with RB Selvin Young
's 5-yard TD run and Pittman's 1-yard TD run. Oakland ended the scoring with Russell completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Ronald Curry
.
With the dominating win, the Broncos began their season at 1–0; with the rest of the division suffering losses, Denver, in Week 1, is in sole possession of 1st place.
Eddie Royal, in his NFL debut, had the best Week 1 stats of any wide receiver, getting 9 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown.
. In the first quarter, Denver was first out of the gate as FB Michael Pittman
got a 1-yard TD run. The Chargers would respond with kicker Nate Kaeding
getting a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Denver replied with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 3-yard and a 14-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
. San Diego would immediately respond with RB Darren Sproles
returning the kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, yet the Broncos replied with rookie kicker Matt Prater
getting a 52-yard field goal. The Chargers would strike as their lead as QB Philip Rivers
completed a 48-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers
, yet Denver retaliated with Cutler completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
.
In the third quarter, San Diego started to rally as Rivers completed a 15-yard TD pass to Chambers, whil Kaeding kicked a 21-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers took the lead with Kaeding's 28-yard field goal and Rivers' 66-yard TD pass to Sproles. Fortunately, the Broncos responded with a 12-play, 80-yard drive (which included a controversial officiating call that turned a Cutler fumble into an incomplete pass) that was capped off with Cutler's 4-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
, followed by Cutler's successful 2-point conversion pass to Royal.
With an exciting win, Denver improved to 2–0.
Brandon Marshall's 18 receptions would become a single-game franchise record and tie for 2nd most in league history.
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood as QB Jay Cutler
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Nate Jackson
. The Saints answered with kicker Martín Gramática
getting a 43-yard field goal, yet Denver replied with Cutler completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
. In the second quarter, the Broncos increased its lead as LB Nate Webster
returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown. The Saints started to rally as RB Pierre Thomas
got a 5-yard TD run, while RB Reggie Bush
got a 23-yard TD run, yet Denver answered with kicker Matt Prater
getting a 27-yard field goal. New Orleans closed out the half with DE Charles Grant
tackling RB Andre Hall
in his endzone for a safety.
In the third quarter, the Broncos replied with RB Michael Pittman
getting a 2-yard TD run. The Saints answered with QB Drew Brees
completing a 6-yard TD pass to Bush, yet Denver responded with Prater nailing a 34-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans tried to rally as Thomas got a 10-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). The Saints recovered a fumble, but Gramática's go-ahead 43-yard field goal went wide right, preserving the victory for Denver.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 3–0.
got off to a good start after they forced the Denver Broncos
to punt. This was followed with a 65-yard run by Larry Johnson to set up a 23-yard field goal kick by Nick Novak
, putting the Chiefs on top 3–0. After recovering an Eddie Royal
fumble early on Denver's next drive, Kansas City again failed to make it to the end zone and a 21-yard field goal by Novak put the Chiefs up 6–0.
The Broncos responded with an 8-play, 9-minute drive in the second quarter that ended in a touchdown pass from Jay Cutler
to Brandon Marshall
, putting the Broncos briefly in the lead, 7–6. Later in the quarter, a fumble by Marshall was returned to the Broncos' 2-yard line by the Chiefs, followed 2 plays later by a Johnson touchdown run, putting the Chiefs up 13–7. The Broncos got the ball back, but a 28-yard field goal by Matt Prater
went wide right. After forcing the Chiefs to punt, the Broncos got the ball back and Prater hit a 56-yarder near the end of the half, drawing the Broncos within 13–10.
The second half began with a Denver drive that resulted in a 51-yard Prater field goal, tying the game at 13–13. The Chiefs answered with a 43-yard Novak field goal, putting them back on top 16–13. On the next drive, Cutler threw an interception. However, Kansas City's very next play was a Larry Johnson fumble recovered by Denver, although 2 plays later Cutler threw another interception. Despite this exchange of turnovers (3 turnovers in 4 plays), there was no scoring for the rest of the 3rd quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs extended their lead to 23–13 with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Damon Huard
to Tony Gonzalez. The Broncos, however, failed to capitalize on a sustained 16-play, 75-yard drive and settled with a Prater field goal, cutting the lead to 23–16. The Chiefs and Broncos then each got field goals on their next drives, bringing the score to 26–16. The Chiefs got a good return after the Prater field goal and put the game away with a 16-yard touchdown run from Johnson. With the 33–19 victory, the Chiefs snapped a league-leading 12 game losing streak dating back to week 7 of the 2007 season
.
Larry Johnson carried the Chiefs with 198 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Huard managed the game well for the Chiefs, throwing 21/28 for 160 yards and 1 touchdown. Denver was hurt by 4 turnovers compared to just 1 for the Chiefs, but despite 2 interceptions, Cutler still was able to throw for 361 yards on 29/49 passing.
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Bucs kicker Matt Bryant
got a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Broncos took the lead as kicker Matt Prater
got a 55-yard and a 40-yard field goal. Tampa Bay would tie the game at halftime as Bryant kicked a 31-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Denver took a big lead as QB Jay Cutler
completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos increased its lead as Prater nailed a 27-yard field goal. The Buccaneers would try to rally as QB Jeff Garcia
completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR Ike Hilliard
. Fortunately, Denver recovered the onside kick and drained the clock.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 4–1.
. In the first quarter, Denver struck first as QB Jay Cutler
completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
. The Jaguars would respond as kicker Josh Scobee
got a 48-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Jacksonville took the lead as RB Maurice Jones-Drew
got a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Jacksonville increased their lead as Jones-Drew got a 46-yard TD run. The Broncos tried to catch up as kicker Matt Prater
got a 39-yard field goal, yet the Jaguars answered with QB David Garrard
completing a 30-yard TD pass to TE Mercedes Lewis. In the fourth quarter, Denver tried to come back as Cutler completed an 11-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
, but Jacksonville's defense stiffened, preventing any further scoring opportunities.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 4–2.
for a Week 7 Monday Night duel with the New England Patriots
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski
nailed a 31-yard and a 40-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New England increased its lead with RB Sammy Morris
getting a 4-yard TD run, along with QB Matt Cassel
completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
. In the third quarter, the Broncos continued to struggle as Cassel hooked up with Moss again on a 27-yard TD pass, along with completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Wes Welker
. In the fourth quarter, Denver avoided a shutout loss as QB Jay Cutler
completing a 10-yard TD pass to former Patriots TE Daniel Graham
. The Patriots would then seal the win with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
getting a 1-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Broncos went into their bye week at 4–3.
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter
got a 45-yard and a 47-yard field goal, along with CB Will Allen returning an interception 32 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos would answer with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 2-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
. In the second quarter, Miami answered with Carpenter getting a 23-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver tried to rally as kicker Matt Prater
got a 50-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins replied with Carpenter nailing a 41-yard field goal. The Broncos tried to come back as Cutler completed a 1-yard TD pass to rookie FB Peyton Hillis
. However, Miami pulled away as RB Ronnie Brown
got a 2-yard TD run.
With their third-straight loss, Denver fell to 4–4.
for a Week 10 Thursday night duel with the Cleveland Browns
. In the first quarter, Denver struck first as rookie RB Ryan Torain
got a 1-yard TD run. The Browns responded with QB Brady Quinn
completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow II
. In the second quarter, Cleveland took the lead as kicker Phil Dawson
got a 24-yard field goal and Quinn hooking up with Winslow again on a 16-yard TD pass. The Broncos would answer with kicker Matt Prater
getting a 35-yard field goal. The Browns would close out the half with Dawson making a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver continued to struggle as Dawson gave Cleveland a 33-yard field goal. Denver would reply with Prater making a 30-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos regained the lead as QB Jay Cutler
completed a 93-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
and a 27-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
. The Browns would answer with RB Jamal Lewis
getting a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Denver sealed the win as Cutler completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 5–4.
This also marked Denver's eighth-straight victory over Cleveland.
Cutler would have a career game, as he completed 24 of 42 passes for a career-best 447 yards, along with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.
for a Week 11 interconference duel with the Atlanta Falcons
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood as rookie FB Peyton Hillis
got a 7-yard TD run. The Falcons answered with former Broncos kicker Jason Elam
getting a 46-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta took the lead as Elam made a 36-yard field goal, while RB Michael Turner got a 9-yard TD run. This is still Matt Ryan's only loss at the Georgia Dome to date.
In the third quarter, Denver regained the lead as Hillis got a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos increased their lead as kicker Matt Prater
nailed a 20-yard field goal. The Falcons tried to rally as Turner got a 28-yard TD run, yet Denver replied as QB Jay Cutler
completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 6–4.
On a side note, rookie FB Spencer Larsen
became the first player in franchise history to start on offense and defense. In addition to his fullback duties, he also started as middle linebacker, along with his special teams responsibilities.
. After a scoreless first quarter, Denver trailed in the second quarter as Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski
got a 26-yard field goal. The Broncos would respond with kicker Matt Prater
getting a 44-yard field goal, yet the Raiders got the halftime lead as WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, Denver tied the game again as rookie FB Peyton Hillis
got a 6-yard TD run. However, Oakland replied with RB Darren McFadden
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders pulled away as QB JaMarcus Russell
completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Ashley Lelie
(a former Bronco), while McFadden got another 1-yard TD run.
With the surprising loss, Denver fell to 6–5.
for a Week 13 duel with the New York Jets
, considered one of the best teams in the league, fresh off their victory over the undefeated Tennessee Titans
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood as safety Vernon Fox
returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown. The Jets would respond with RB Thomas Jones getting a 59-yard TD run. The Broncos would answer with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 59-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
, along with kicker Matt Prater
getting a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York drew close as Jones got a 29-yard TD run. The Broncos would reply with rookie RB Peyton Hillis
getting a 1-yard TD run, while Prater got a 35-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Jets tried to rally as kicker Jay Feely
nailed a 30-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Denver pulled away as Cutler completed a 36-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 7–5.
. Denver trailed early in the first quarter as Chiefs kicker Connor Barth
made a 26-yard field goal, along with CB Maurice Leggett
returning an interception 27 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos would close out the period with rookie RB Peyton Hillis
getting an 18-yard touchdown run. Kansas City answered in the second quarter as QB Tyler Thigpen
completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to TE Tony Gonzalez, but Denver did close out the half with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 12-yard touchdown pass to WR Brandon Marshall
.
The Broncos would tie the game in the third quarter as kicker Matt Prater
nailed a 33-yard field goal. Afterwards, in the fourth quarter, Denver took the lead as Cutler hooked up with Marshall again on a 6-yard touchdown pass. From there, the defense prevented any possible rally from the Chiefs.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 8–5.
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood as QB Jay Cutler
completes a 7-yard TD pass to RB P.J. Pope. Carolina soon responded with QB Jake Delhomme
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith, yet Denver answered with kicker Matt Prater
nailing a 43-yard field goal. Carolina kicker John Kasay
ties the game with a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Carolina took the lead with rookie RB Jonathan Stewart
getting a 2-yard TD run, while Kasay closed out the half with a 44-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Carolina increased its lead with RB DeAngelo Williams
's 56-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Carolina sealed the win with Kasay's 42-yard field goal.
With the loss, Denver fell to 8–6.
. Denver stormed out to an early first-quarter lead as quarterback Jay Cutler
got a 2-yard touchdown run, while kicker Matt Prater
got a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Broncos extended their lead as Prater made a 30-yard field goal. The Bills got on the board with a 37-yard field goal from kicker Rian Lindell
, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Marshawn Lynch
.
Buffalo took the lead in the third quarter as Lindell got a 49-yard and a 28-yard field goal, yet Denver regained the lead with Cutler getting a 6-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills answered with quarterback Trent Edwards
completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Johnson
. The Broncos would tie the game with Prater nailing a 43-yard field goal, but Buffalo got the lead again as running back Fred Jackson made an 8-yard touchdown run. Denver put together a late-game drive, but it ended up fizzling down the stretch.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 8–7.
in a crucial Week 17 AFC West rematch with the San Diego Chargers
.
Denver would trail early in the first quarter as Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding
got a 28-yard field goal. The Broncos would respond with running back Tatum Bell
's 26-yard touchdown run (with a failed PAT), but San Diego took the lead again as running back LaDainian Tomlinson
got a 1-yard touchdown run. Denver's deficit would increase in the second quarter as quarterback Philip Rivers
completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brandon Manumaleuna
, along with Tomlinson's 4-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, the Broncos tried to rally as Bell got a 37-yard touchdown run, yet the Chargers replied again as Rivers completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles
, followed by Tomlinson's 14-yard touchdown run. Denver tried to come back in the fourth quarter as quarterback Jay Cutler
completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Scheffler
and ran into the endzone for the 2-point conversion. However, San Diego ran away with the division crown with Sproles' 2-yard touchdown run and fullback Jacob Hester
's 4-yard touchdown.
With the loss, the Broncos' season ended at 8–8. In the process, they would be the first team in NFL history to enter the final three weeks of a regular season with a three-game lead and lose all three games.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
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 franchise's 49th season for the team (their 39th season 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...
). They improved from their 7–9 record from 2007 but failed to make the playoffs with an 8–8 record. On December 30, 2008, two days after the regular season ended, Mike Shanahan was fired as the Broncos head coach.
Coaching staff
2008 marked 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 14th year (1995 to 2008) with the Broncos. Shanahan was fired at the end of the season, a move considered surprising at the time.
Offseason moves
On February 29, 2008, LB Ian GoldIan Gold
Ian Maurice Gold is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
and WR Javon Walker
Javon Walker
Javon Lataff Walker is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 20th overall of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State....
were released by the 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...
in preparation for the NFL Draft and free agency. Walker was signed by 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...
. Long-time Broncos 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....
was not resigned by the Broncos, and was then signed by the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
On June 2, 2008, 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...
was cut by the team. Seventh Round pick Josh Barrett signed on June 12, the first draft pick to sign with the team. Wide receiver Rod Smith, a veteran of both of the Broncos Super Bowl victories, retired on the first day of training camp.
Draft
| Round/Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/12 | Ryan Clady Ryan Clady -Denver Broncos:Following Week 12 of the 2008 NFL season, Peter King of Sports Illustrated said Clady was the third-best rookie overall. On December 12, 2008, Clady won the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award, after his game against the Kansas City Chiefs... |
Offensive tackle | Boise State |
| 2/42 | Eddie Royal Eddie Royal William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League... |
Wide Receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... |
| 4/108 | Kory Lichtensteiger Kory Lichtensteiger Kory Adam Lichtensteiger is an American football center currently playing for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Center Center (American football) Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense... |
Bowling Green Bowling Green State University Bowling Green State University, often referred to as Bowling Green or BGSU, is a public, coeducational research university located in Bowling Green, Ohio, United States. The institution was granted a charter in 1910 by the State of Ohio as part of the Lowry Bill, which also established Kent State... |
| 4/119 (From Washington) | Jack Williams Jack Williams (American football) Jack Williams is an American football cornerback who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kent State.... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Kent State |
| 5/139 (From Oakland) | Ryan Torain Ryan Torain Ryan Devon Torain is an American football running back for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:... |
Running back Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
Arizona State |
| 5/148 | Carlton Powell Carlton Powell -First stint with Broncos:Powell was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He was placed on the PUP list on July 25, 2008 with a ruptured Achilles tendon... |
Defensive Tackle | Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... |
| 6/183 (From Houston) | Spencer Larsen Spencer Larsen Spencer Larsen is an American football fullback and linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Arizona Arizona Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix... |
| 7/220 | Josh Barrett Josh Barrett Joshua Robert Barrett is an American football safety for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:Barrett was born in Reno, Nevada... |
Safety | Arizona State |
| 7/227 (From Tampa Bay) | Peyton Hillis Peyton Hillis Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback... |
Fullback Fullback (American football) A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback... |
Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River... |
Training camp
The Broncos opened training camp on July 24, 2008. On July 31, 2008, the Broncos granted safety John LynchJohn 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...
his release. The following day, head coach Mike Shanahan
Mike 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...
, asked about the upcoming season on talk radio, said “We’re not going to miss the playoffs.” Later in the day, Shanahan backed off a bit, saying “I didn’t make a guarantee . . . . you’ve got to be lucky and don’t have the injuries we’ve had. If we don’t have the injuries, I’d be very disappointed if we didn’t make the playoffs."
ExhibitionNational Football League exhibition seasonThe National Football League preseason refers to the period each year during which NFL teams play several not-for-the-record exhibition games before the actual "championship" or "regular" season starts. Beginning with the featured Pro Football Hall of Fame game in early August, five weekends of...
schedule
| Week | Date | 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... ) |
Opponent | Result | Game site | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 9, 2008 | 8:00 p.m. | 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... |
L 19–16 | 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.... |
Recap |
| 2 | August 16, 2008 | 7:00 p.m. | 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... |
W 23–13 | 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... |
Recap |
| 3 | August 22, 2008 | 7:00 p.m. | 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... |
L 27–24 | 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... |
Recap |
| 4 | August 29, 2008 | 8:00 p.m. | 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 28–14 | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
Recap |
Schedule
| Week | Date | 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... ) |
Opponent | Result | Game site | TV | NFL Recap | Record | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 8, 2008 | 8:15 p.m. | 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... |
W 41–14 | McAfee Coliseum McAfee Coliseum O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area... |
ESPN | Recap | 1–0 | |
| 2 | September 14, 2008 | 2:15 p.m. | 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... |
W 39–38 | Invesco Field | CBS | Recap | 2–0 | |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | 2:05 p.m. | New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
W 34–32 | Invesco Field | Fox | Recap | 3–0 | |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | 11 a.m. | 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... |
L 33–19 | Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.... |
CBS | Recap | 3–1 | |
| 5 | October 5, 2008 | 2:05 p.m. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
W 16–13 | Invesco Field | Fox | Recap | 4–1 | |
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | 2:05 p.m. | 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... |
L 24–17 | Invesco Field | CBS | Recap | 4–2 | |
| 7 | October 20, 2008 | 6:30 p.m. | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
L 41–7 | Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution... |
ESPN | Recap | 4–3 | |
| 8 | Bye week | ||||||||
| 9 | November 2, 2008 | 2:05 p.m. | 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... |
L 26–17 | Invesco Field | CBS | Recap | 4–4 | |
| 10 | November 6, 2008 | 6:15 p.m. | 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... |
W 34–30 | Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland Browns Stadium -See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity... |
NFLN | Recap | 5–4 | |
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | 11 a.m. | Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 24–20 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... |
CBS | Recap | 6–4 | |
| 12 | November 23, 2008 | 2:05 p.m. | 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... |
L 31–10 | Invesco Field | CBS | Recap | 6–5 | |
| 13 | November 30, 2008 | 2:15 p.m. | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 34–17 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
CBS | Recap | 7–5 | |
| 14 | December 7, 2008 | 2:05 p.m. | 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... |
W 24–17 | Invesco Field | CBS | Recap | 8–5 | |
| 15 | December 14, 2008 | 2:15 p.m. | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
L 30–10 | Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East... |
CBS | Recap | 8–6 | |
| 16 | December 21, 2008 | 2:05 p.m. | 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... |
L 30–23 | Invesco Field | CBS | Recap | 8–7 | |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | 8:15 p.m. | 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... |
L 52–21 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
NBC NBC The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago... |
Recap | 8–8 | |
Week 1: at Oakland Raiders
The Broncos began their 2008 campaign on the road against their AFC West rival, the Oakland RaidersOakland 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 second game of ESPN's Monday Night Football
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...
doubleheader. In the first quarter, Denver ran out of the gates early 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 26-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
(who was filling in for 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...
, due to his 1-game suspension). In the second quarter, the Broncos continued their domination as kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
got a 26-yard field goal, while FB Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State....
got a 3-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Denver ran away with the game as Cutler completed a 48-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
Darrell Jackson
Darrell Lamont Jackson is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for nine seasons...
, while Prater nailed a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders spoiled the Broncos' bid for a shutout as QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Ashley Lelie
Ashley Lelie
Ashley Jovon Lelie [] is a retired American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 19th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
. Denver ended its domination with 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...
's 5-yard TD run and Pittman's 1-yard TD run. Oakland ended the scoring with Russell completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Ronald Curry
Ronald Curry
Ronald Antonio Curry is an American football wide receiver, currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at North Carolina....
.
With the dominating win, the Broncos began their season at 1–0; with the rest of the division suffering losses, Denver, in Week 1, is in sole possession of 1st place.
Eddie Royal, in his NFL debut, had the best Week 1 stats of any wide receiver, getting 9 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown.
Week 2: vs San Diego Chargers
Coming off their dominating divisional road win over the Raiders, the Broncos played their Week 2 home opener against the AFC West foe, 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 was first out of the gate as FB Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State....
got a 1-yard TD run. The Chargers would respond 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 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Denver replied 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 3-yard and 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,...
. San Diego would immediately respond with RB Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles
Darren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
returning the kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, yet the Broncos replied with rookie kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
getting a 52-yard field goal. The Chargers would strike as their lead as 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...
completed a 48-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers
Chris Chambers
Christopher J. "Chris" Chambers is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, yet Denver retaliated with Cutler completing a 6-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 third quarter, San Diego started to rally as Rivers completed a 15-yard TD pass to Chambers, whil Kaeding kicked a 21-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers took the lead with Kaeding's 28-yard field goal and Rivers' 66-yard TD pass to Sproles. Fortunately, the Broncos responded with a 12-play, 80-yard drive (which included a controversial officiating call that turned a Cutler fumble into an incomplete pass) that was capped off with Cutler's 4-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
, followed by Cutler's successful 2-point conversion pass to Royal.
With an exciting win, Denver improved to 2–0.
Brandon Marshall's 18 receptions would become a single-game franchise record and tie for 2nd most in league history.
Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints
Coming off their last-second win over the Chargers, the Broncos stayed at home, donned their alternate uniforms, and played a Week 3 interconference duel with the New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. 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 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...
. The Saints answered with kicker Martín Gramática
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
getting a 43-yard field goal, yet Denver replied with Cutler completing a 35-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 Broncos increased its lead as 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...
returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown. The Saints started to rally as RB Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
got a 5-yard TD run, while RB Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 23-yard TD run, yet Denver answered with kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
getting a 27-yard field goal. New Orleans closed out the half with DE Charles Grant
Charles Grant (American football)
Charles Gabriel Grant is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
tackling 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...
in his endzone for a safety.
In the third quarter, the Broncos replied with RB Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State....
getting a 2-yard TD run. The Saints answered with QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completing a 6-yard TD pass to Bush, yet Denver responded with Prater nailing a 34-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans tried to rally as Thomas got a 10-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). The Saints recovered a fumble, but Gramática's go-ahead 43-yard field goal went wide right, preserving the victory for Denver.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 3–0.
Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs
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...
got off to a good start after they forced the 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...
to punt. This was followed with a 65-yard run by Larry Johnson to set up a 23-yard field goal kick by Nick Novak
Nick Novak
Nicholas Ryan "Nick" Novak is an American football placekicker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, putting the Chiefs on top 3–0. After recovering an Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
fumble early on Denver's next drive, Kansas City again failed to make it to the end zone and a 21-yard field goal by Novak put the Chiefs up 6–0.
The Broncos responded with an 8-play, 9-minute drive in the second quarter that ended in a touchdown 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...
, putting the Broncos briefly in the lead, 7–6. Later in the quarter, a fumble by Marshall was returned to the Broncos' 2-yard line by the Chiefs, followed 2 plays later by a Johnson touchdown run, putting the Chiefs up 13–7. The Broncos got the ball back, but a 28-yard field goal by Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
went wide right. After forcing the Chiefs to punt, the Broncos got the ball back and Prater hit a 56-yarder near the end of the half, drawing the Broncos within 13–10.
The second half began with a Denver drive that resulted in a 51-yard Prater field goal, tying the game at 13–13. The Chiefs answered with a 43-yard Novak field goal, putting them back on top 16–13. On the next drive, Cutler threw an interception. However, Kansas City's very next play was a Larry Johnson fumble recovered by Denver, although 2 plays later Cutler threw another interception. Despite this exchange of turnovers (3 turnovers in 4 plays), there was no scoring for the rest of the 3rd quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs extended their lead to 23–13 with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Damon Huard
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Washington....
to Tony Gonzalez. The Broncos, however, failed to capitalize on a sustained 16-play, 75-yard drive and settled with a Prater field goal, cutting the lead to 23–16. The Chiefs and Broncos then each got field goals on their next drives, bringing the score to 26–16. The Chiefs got a good return after the Prater field goal and put the game away with a 16-yard touchdown run from Johnson. With the 33–19 victory, the Chiefs snapped a league-leading 12 game losing streak dating back to week 7 of the 2007 season
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....
.
Larry Johnson carried the Chiefs with 198 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Huard managed the game well for the Chiefs, throwing 21/28 for 160 yards and 1 touchdown. Denver was hurt by 4 turnovers compared to just 1 for the Chiefs, but despite 2 interceptions, Cutler still was able to throw for 361 yards on 29/49 passing.
Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Chiefs, the Broncos went home for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Tampa Bay BuccaneersTampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Bucs kicker Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
got a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Broncos took the lead as kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
got a 55-yard and a 40-yard field goal. Tampa Bay would tie the game at halftime as Bryant kicked a 31-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Denver took a big lead 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 10-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 fourth quarter, the Broncos increased its lead as Prater nailed a 27-yard field goal. The Buccaneers would try to rally as QB Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia
Jeffrey Jason "Jeff" Garcia is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at San Jose State University....
completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR Ike Hilliard
Ike Hilliard
Isaac Jason "Ike" Hilliard is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver for twelve seasons in the National Football League during the 1990s and 2000s. He played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for...
. Fortunately, Denver recovered the onside kick and drained the clock.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 4–1.
Week 6: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Coming off their win over the Buccaneers, the Broncos stayed at home for a Week 6 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...
. In the first quarter, Denver struck first 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 an 11-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...
. The Jaguars would respond as kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
got a 48-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Jacksonville took the lead as RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew is a professional American football player who currently plays running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Jacksonville increased their lead as Jones-Drew got a 46-yard TD run. The Broncos tried to catch up as kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
got a 39-yard field goal, yet the Jaguars answered with 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...
completing a 30-yard TD pass to TE Mercedes Lewis. In the fourth quarter, Denver tried to come back as Cutler completed an 11-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...
, but Jacksonville's defense stiffened, preventing any further scoring opportunities.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 4–2.
Week 7: at New England Patriots
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Jaguars, the Broncos flew to Gillette StadiumGillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution...
for a Week 7 Monday Night duel with the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
nailed a 31-yard and a 40-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New England increased its lead with RB Sammy Morris
Sammy Morris
Samuel "Sammy" Morris III is an American football running back who is a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 4-yard TD run, along with QB Matt Cassel
Matt Cassel
Matthew Brennan "Matt" Cassel is a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
Randy Moss
Randy Gene Moss is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
. In the third quarter, the Broncos continued to struggle as Cassel hooked up with Moss again on a 27-yard TD pass, along with completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Wes Welker
Wes Welker
-San Diego Chargers :Welker, who was not drafted during the 2004 NFL Draft, signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers. Welker made the Chargers out of training camp, but was released after the first game of the season.-2004 season:...
. In the fourth quarter, Denver avoided a shutout loss 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...
completing a 10-yard TD pass to former Patriots 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...
. The Patriots would then seal the win with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Jeremy Green-Ellis is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2008. After playing college football his freshman and sophomore seasons at Indiana University, Green-Ellis...
getting a 1-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Broncos went into their bye week at 4–3.
Week 9: vs. Miami Dolphins
Coming off their bye week, the Broncos went home for a Week 9 duel with the Miami DolphinsMiami 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...
. In the first quarter, Denver trailed early as Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
got a 45-yard and a 47-yard field goal, along with CB Will Allen returning an interception 32 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos would answer 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 2-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
. In the second quarter, Miami answered with Carpenter getting a 23-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver tried to rally as kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
got a 50-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins replied with Carpenter nailing a 41-yard field goal. The Broncos tried to come back as Cutler completed a 1-yard TD pass to rookie FB Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
. However, Miami pulled away as RB Ronnie Brown
Ronnie Brown
Ronnie G. Brown, Jr. is an American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . After graduating from Cartersville High School in Georgia, Brown attended Auburn University to play college football for the Auburn Tigers...
got a 2-yard TD run.
With their third-straight loss, Denver fell to 4–4.
Week 10: at Cleveland Browns
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Dolphins, the Broncos flew to Cleveland Browns StadiumCleveland Browns Stadium
-See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity...
for a Week 10 Thursday night duel with the 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...
. In the first quarter, Denver struck first as rookie RB Ryan Torain
Ryan Torain
Ryan Devon Torain is an American football running back for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:...
got a 1-yard TD run. The Browns responded with QB Brady Quinn
Brady Quinn
Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, Cleveland took the lead as kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
got a 24-yard field goal and Quinn hooking up with Winslow again on a 16-yard TD pass. The Broncos would answer with kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
getting a 35-yard field goal. The Browns would close out the half with Dawson making a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Denver continued to struggle as Dawson gave Cleveland a 33-yard field goal. Denver would reply with Prater making a 30-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos regained the lead 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 93-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
and a 27-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...
. The Browns would answer with RB Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Denver sealed the win as Cutler completed an 11-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...
.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 5–4.
This also marked Denver's eighth-straight victory over Cleveland.
Cutler would have a career game, as he completed 24 of 42 passes for a career-best 447 yards, along with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Week 11: at Atlanta Falcons
Coming off their Thursday night road win over the Browns, the Broncos flew to the Georgia DomeGeorgia Dome
The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
for a Week 11 interconference duel with the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood as rookie FB Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
got a 7-yard TD run. The Falcons answered with former Broncos 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 46-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta took the lead as Elam made a 36-yard field goal, while RB Michael Turner got a 9-yard TD run. This is still Matt Ryan's only loss at the Georgia Dome to date.
In the third quarter, Denver regained the lead as Hillis got a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos increased their lead as kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
nailed a 20-yard field goal. The Falcons tried to rally as Turner got a 28-yard TD run, yet Denver replied 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 9-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, the Broncos improved to 6–4.
On a side note, rookie FB Spencer Larsen
Spencer Larsen
Spencer Larsen is an American football fullback and linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
became the first player in franchise history to start on offense and defense. In addition to his fullback duties, he also started as middle linebacker, along with his special teams responsibilities.
Week 12: vs. Oakland Raiders
Coming off their road win over the Falcons, the Broncos went home for a Week 12 AFC West rematch with the Oakland RaidersOakland 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...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Denver trailed in the second quarter as Raiders 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...
got a 26-yard field goal. The Broncos would respond with kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
getting a 44-yard field goal, yet the Raiders got the halftime lead as WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round out of the University of Texas at El Paso in the 2007 NFL Draft.Higgins has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles...
returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, Denver tied the game again as rookie FB Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
got a 6-yard TD run. However, Oakland replied with RB Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden is an American football running back who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Arkansas from 2005 to 2007...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders pulled away as QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Ashley Lelie
Ashley Lelie
Ashley Jovon Lelie [] is a retired American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 19th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
(a former Bronco), while McFadden got another 1-yard TD run.
With the surprising loss, Denver fell to 6–5.
Week 13: at New York Jets
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Raiders, the Broncos flew to The MeadowlandsGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for a Week 13 duel with the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, considered one of the best teams in the league, fresh off their victory over the undefeated 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...
. In the first quarter, Denver drew first blood as safety Vernon Fox
Vernon Fox
Vernon Lee Fox, III is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent after the 2002 NFL Draft...
returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown. The Jets would respond with RB Thomas Jones getting a 59-yard TD run. The Broncos would answer 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 59-yard TD pass to rookie WR Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
, along with kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
getting a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York drew close as Jones got a 29-yard TD run. The Broncos would reply with rookie RB Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
getting a 1-yard TD run, while Prater got a 35-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Jets tried to rally as kicker Jay Feely
Jay Feely
Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
nailed a 30-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Denver pulled away as Cutler completed a 36-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 win, the Broncos improved to 7–5.
Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Fresh off their road win over the Jets, the Broncos went home, donned their alternate uniforms again, and played 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...
. Denver trailed early in the first quarter as Chiefs kicker Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
made a 26-yard field goal, along with CB Maurice Leggett
Maurice Leggett
Maurice Lamar Leggett is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He entered the NFL as a free agent in May 2008. He played college football for Valdosta State University. Won the Mack Lee Hill Award as the Kansas City Chiefs top rookie for 2008. On November 25, 2009, Leggett...
returning an interception 27 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos would close out the period with rookie RB Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
getting an 18-yard touchdown run. Kansas City answered in the second quarter as QB Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler "Dirty Pigpen" Thigpen is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League . Thigpen was drafted out of Coastal Carolina University in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.Tyler Thigpen was the first quarterback to play for...
completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to TE Tony Gonzalez, but Denver did close out the half 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 touchdown 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 Broncos would tie the game in the third quarter as kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
nailed a 33-yard field goal. Afterwards, in the fourth quarter, Denver took the lead as Cutler hooked up with Marshall again on a 6-yard touchdown pass. From there, the defense prevented any possible rally from the Chiefs.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 8–5.
Week 15: at Carolina Panthers
Coming off from their divisional home win over the Chiefs, the Broncos flew to Charlotte for a Week 15 interconference duel with the Carolina PanthersCarolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
. 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...
completes a 7-yard TD pass to RB P.J. Pope. Carolina soon responded with QB Jake Delhomme
Jake Delhomme
Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997...
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith, yet Denver answered with kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
nailing a 43-yard field goal. Carolina kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
ties the game with a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Carolina took the lead with rookie RB Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
getting a 2-yard TD run, while Kasay closed out the half with a 44-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Carolina increased its lead with RB DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Williams was drafted by the Panthers 27th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
's 56-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Carolina sealed the win with Kasay's 42-yard field goal.
With the loss, Denver fell to 8–6.
Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Panthers, the Broncos went home for a Week 16 duel with the Buffalo BillsBuffalo 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...
. Denver stormed out to an early first-quarter lead as quarterback 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...
got a 2-yard touchdown run, while kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
got a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Broncos extended their lead as Prater made a 30-yard field goal. The Bills got on the board with a 37-yard field goal from 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...
, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run from running back 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...
.
Buffalo took the lead in the third quarter as Lindell got a 49-yard and a 28-yard field goal, yet Denver regained the lead with Cutler getting a 6-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills answered with quarterback Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Johnson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.His first reception came in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, and went for 8 yards. In Week 15, against the New York Jets, Johnson caught his first touchdown reception, a two-yard pass from J. P....
. The Broncos would tie the game with Prater nailing a 43-yard field goal, but Buffalo got the lead again as running back Fred Jackson made an 8-yard touchdown run. Denver put together a late-game drive, but it ended up fizzling down the stretch.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 8–7.
Week 17: at San Diego Chargers
Hoping to hold on to their divisional lead, the Broncos closed out the regular season at Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
in a crucial Week 17 AFC West rematch with 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...
.
Denver would trail early in the first quarter as Chargers 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...
got a 28-yard field goal. The Broncos would respond with 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...
's 26-yard touchdown run (with a failed PAT), but San Diego took the lead again as running back LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
got a 1-yard touchdown run. Denver's deficit would increase in the second quarter as quarterback 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...
completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brandon Manumaleuna
Brandon Manumaleuna
-St. Louis Rams:Manumaleuna was selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He signed with the team on June 21, 2001. He agreed to a three-year $1.15 million contract including a $255,000 signing bonus. In 2001, Manumaleuna only had one reception on the season...
, along with Tomlinson's 4-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, the Broncos tried to rally as Bell got a 37-yard touchdown run, yet the Chargers replied again as Rivers completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles
Darren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, followed by Tomlinson's 14-yard touchdown run. Denver tried to come back in the fourth quarter as quarterback 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 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end 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,...
and ran into the endzone for the 2-point conversion. However, San Diego ran away with the division crown with Sproles' 2-yard touchdown run and fullback Jacob Hester
Jacob Hester
Jacob Troy Hester is a fullback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
's 4-yard touchdown.
With the loss, the Broncos' season ended at 8–8. In the process, they would be the first team in NFL history to enter the final three weeks of a regular season with a three-game lead and lose all three games.