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Denver Broncos: Top 4 performances in Thanksgiving games

By Travis Wakeman

IRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Running back Ron Dayne #33 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Roy Williams #31 of the Dallas Cowboys on November 24, 2005 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
IRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Running back Ron Dayne #33 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Roy Williams #31 of the Dallas Cowboys on November 24, 2005 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Ron Dayne, Denver Broncos
IRVING, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Running back Ron Dayne #33 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball for 55 yards in overtime against the Dallas Cowboys on November 24, 2005 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The Broncos defeated the Cowboys 24-21 in overtime. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Ron Dayne

The Broncos faced a much better Cowboys team on Thanksgiving in 2005  and the two teams engaged in a fierce, exciting battle. Of all players to be the hero for the Broncos that day was Ron Dayne.

Dayne was a first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2000 but signed with the Broncos as a free agent prior to the 2005 season.

In this game, the Broncos chose to turn to him as Anderson was ineffective at the running back position and on the day, Dayne gained 98 yards on just seven carries for a healthy 14-yard average per tote. But it was one run that stood out.

Dayne had already scored on a 16-yard touchdown run earlier in the game, but with the contest now in overtime, the Broncos were facing a 2nd-and-3 from their own 39-yard line. The handoff went to Dayne and he found a quick hole, shook off one tackle and then raced toward the end zone.

He was finally pulled down at the Dallas 6-yard line, setting up and easy field goal for Jason Elam on the very next play. At the time, it was just the fourth overtime game played on Thanksgiving and it propelled the Broncos to a 9-2 record.

Dayne spent  just one season with the Broncos and this was by far his best performance. In fact, when you look back on Thanksgiving memories for the Broncos, this game (video) and that run are probably at the top of the list.

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