The Broncos may have lost last night’s preseason game to the Packers, but there were definitely some positives in last night’s game. After the starters for both teams played the entire first half, the Broncos had already put up 17 points to the Packers 13. Brandon Marshall made an incredible 49-yard grab for a TD and the running attack was back on track. Here’s a recap of the scoring drives from the Denver Post:
First Quarter
The Packers took the opening kickoff and drove 80 in 8 plays for the game’s first score, a 10-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Donald Driver. Rodgers was 4-of-5 for 69 yards on the drive. (Packers 7, Broncos 0)
The Broncos, starting from their own 20, drove into Packers’ territory as part of a 12-play, 58 yard drive on their opening offensive drive but could not find the end zone. Denver settled for a 40-yard field goal from Matt Prater. Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler completed 1-of-6 passes on the drive for 22 yards, while running back Selvin Young rushed twice for 24 yards, including a 21-yard run. (Packers 7, Broncos 3) Score at the end of the first quarter: Green Bay 7, Denver 3
Second Quarter
Denver took its first lead in the game as Cutler capped a 16-play, 99-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nate Jackson. The march erased 8:29 from the game clock. (Broncos 10, Packers 7)
Green Bay tied the game with 1:46 left in the first half on a 44-yard field goal by Mason Crosby, a former CU Buff. (Broncos 10, Packers 10)
The Broncos needed just one official play to regain the lead. Following a Packers touchback, Green Bay was called for a 31-yard pass interference penalty. On the next play, Cutler connected with wide receiver Brandon Marshall down the left sideline for a 49-yard touchdown pass that Marshall initially juggled before pulling it in for the score. (Broncos 17, Packers 10)
Green Bay closed out the first half with a 46-yard field goal by Crosby. (Broncos 17, Packers 13) Score at the end of the second quarter: Denver 17, Green Bay 13
Third Quarter
Green Bay took the lead on a 1-yard quarterback sneak into the end zone by Rodgers to finish off a 6-play, 40-yard drive. (Packers 20, Broncos 17) Score at the end of the third quarter: Green Bay 20, Denver 17
Fourth Quarter
Denver regains the lead on a 9-yard pass from Patrick Ramsey to Michael Pittman to finish off a 10-play, 46-yard drive. (Broncos 24, Packers 20).
The Packers take advantage of Ramsey’s interception deep in Broncos’ territory as Kregg Lumpkin jukes his way into the end zone with 3:19 left in the game. (Packers 27, Broncos 24). Final score: Green Bay 27, Denver 24
The bad news is that Elvis Dumervil and Marquand Manuel came away with injuries. Dumervil dislocated his pinkie and should not miss any time while Manuel broke his thumb and was expected to have surgery today.
I was impressed with the Broncos’ effort last night. I just hope it continues to improve as we come up on the regular season.
