Broncos honor Demaryius Thomas, run all over Lions to get to 7-6

Dec 12, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III (25) carries for a touchdown past Detroit Lions linebacker Rashod Berry (43) in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III (25) carries for a touchdown past Detroit Lions linebacker Rashod Berry (43) in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos had two objectives on Sunday in Week 14: To honor the late Demaryius Thomas and beat up on the Detroit Lions. They were successful on both of those.

The Broncos improved to 7-6 on the season to stay in the AFC playoff hunt by beating the Lions 38-10. They were paced by their rushing attack.

Melvin Gordon led the way with what was his best game of the season, carrying the ball 24 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Javonte Williams had a good day as well, rushing for another 73 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. He also had a 10-yard receiving touchdown on the day.

The Broncos looked better in every phase of the game than they did against the Kansas City Chiefs last week, and perhaps that was inspired by a desire to play well for their former teammate Demaryius Thomas, who sadly passed away earlier this week.

The field had a big number 88 on it, which several Broncos went to during the game, but there was a very special moment to honor Thomas just as the game got started. Take a look:

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1470140820514910214?s=20

The crowd rose in appreciation for one of the best players in team history before breaking into a loud “DT” chant. The Broncos played at a high level throughout, overwhelming the Lions from start to finish.

Teddy Bridgewater played the kind of efficient ball he has played when the team has won games this year, completing 18 of 25 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns. The defense played a solid game too, holding the Lions to just 10 points and forcing two turnovers. Dre’Mont Jones also registered two sacks.

Looking back at some of DT's best moments in Denver. dark. Next

The Broncos needed the win to keep pace in a wild AFC playoff race and now must prepare for a big game with the Cincinnati Bengals next week.