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2011 Denver Broncos season

January 01, 1970

The 2011 season was the Denver Broncos' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their 52nd overall. It also marked their first season under head coach John Fox, as well as the first with John Elway as the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations.

2011 Denver Broncos season
OwnerPat Bowlen
General managerBrian Xanders
Head coachJohn Fox
Home fieldSports Authority Field at Mile High
Local radioKOA 850 AM
Results
Record8–8
Division place1st AFC West
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs
(vs. Steelers) 29–23 (OT)
Lost Divisional Playoffs
(at Patriots) 10–45
Pro BowlersCB Champ Bailey
DE Elvis Dumervil
RB Willis McGahee
LB Von Miller
FS Brian Dawkins
OT Ryan Clady
AP All-ProsLB Von Miller (2nd team)

On July 25, the NFLPA and NFL owners agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified on August 4.[1] The Broncos training camp began on July 28 at the team headquarters in Dove Valley, Colorado, and the preseason and regular season started on time.[2]

This was the first of five consecutive AFC West titles for the Broncos. The first five weeks of the season were dominated by a quarterback controversy involving Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow, with fans voicing their displeasure with the play of Orton, which resulted in a 1–4 start, and the public outcry for Tebow to be moved to starter. On October 11, Tebow was named the starting quarterback beginning with the team's Week 7 game at the Miami Dolphins on October 23. Tebow compiled an 8–5 record (including the playoffs, with a six-game win streak from Weeks 9–14) after replacing Orton, including game-winning drives in the fourth quarter and/or overtime in six of those games, despite constant criticism of his unorthodox mechanics and abilities as a passer.[3] Orton was later waived on November 22.[4] Another notable roster change was the trade that sent wide receiver Brandon Lloyd to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for a conditional 2012 draft selection.[5]

The Broncos doubled their win total from 2010, finishing in a three-way tie with the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers for the AFC West division title, with an 8–8 record. The Broncos, however, won the AFC West based on tiebreakers,[6] thus clinching their first playoff berth and division title since 2005.

The Broncos opened the playoffs with a 29–23 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round, but were blown out by the New England Patriots in the divisional round by a score of 45–10.

Coaching and front-office changes edit

  • January 5: Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway was hired as the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations. Brian Xanders remained as general manager, but Elway had the final word in all football matters. Joe Ellis, who served as the team's chief operating officer for the past three years, was promoted to team president.[7]
  • January 13: The Broncos named former Carolina Panthers' head coach John Fox as the team's new head coach.[8]
  • January 17: The following changes were made to the Broncos' coaching staff: Clancy Barone was moved from offensive line coach to tight ends coach, replacing Bob Ligashesky. Dave Magazu was named the new offensive line coach. Tyke Tolbert was named the new wide receivers coach. Magazu and Tolbert both previously served on John Fox's staff with the Panthers. Brian Callahan was moved to the offensive quality control position, while Jay Rodgers was moved to the defensive quality control position. Eric Studesville, who served as the team's interim head coach for the final four games of the 2010 season, retained his position as the running backs coach.[9]
  • January 20: Adam Gase, who served as the Broncos' wide receivers coach during the previous two seasons, was named the team's new quarterbacks coach, replacing Ben McDaniels. That same day, Jeff Rodgers, who served on John Fox's staff with the Panthers during the previous two seasons, was named the team's new special teams coach.[10]
  • January 24: The Broncos hired former New Orleans Saints' secondary coach Dennis Allen as the team's new defensive coordinator, replacing Don Martindale.[11]
  • January 25: Ron Milus was hired as the new secondary coach, replacing Dennis Allen, while Richard Smith was hired as the new linebackers coach. Milus previously served as the Broncos' secondary coach in 2000, while Smith previously served as the Broncos' special teams coach and linebackers coach in the mid-1990s, and both previously served on John Fox's staff with the Panthers during the past two seasons.[12]
  • January 27: The coaching staff was finalized, when Keith Burns was brought back as the assistant special teams coach and Sam Garnes was hired as the teams' new assistant secondary coach. Garnes served on John Fox's staff with the Panthers last season.[13]
  • July 22: The Broncos hired Jerry Butler as the team's director of player development. Butler previously served in the same capacity with the Cleveland Browns from 2001 to 2010, and was a wide receiver with the Buffalo Bills from 1979 to 1986.[14]

Pre-lockout roster changes edit

The Broncos made the following roster moves prior to the decertification of the NFLPA on March 11 and subsequent 2011 NFL Lockout:

Draft edit

Main article: 2011 NFL draft

Despite the 2011 NFL Lockout, the 2011 NFL draft was held from April 28–30. However, no undrafted free agents were signed until after the lockout ended on July 25.[22]

2011 Denver Broncos Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes Trades
1 2 Von Miller LB Texas A&M signed July 28[23]
2 45 Rahim Moore S UCLA signed July 28[24] [dr 1] [dr 2]
46 Orlando Franklin OT Miami signed July 29[27]
3 67 Nate Irving LB NC State signed July 29[27]
4 108 Quinton Carter S Oklahoma signed July 29[27] [dr 3] [dr 4]
129 Julius Thomas TE Portland State signed July 27[29] [dr 5]
5 None [dr 6] [dr 7]
6 189 Mike Mohamed LB California signed July 27,[29] waived September 22,[33]
promoted to the active roster on November 28[34]		 [dr 8] [dr 9]
7 204 Virgil Green TE Nevada signed July 27[29] [dr 10]
247 * Jeremy Beal DE Oklahoma signed July 27,[29] waived September 3[36]

Draft trades

  1. ^ The Broncos traded their original second-round selection (No. 36 overall) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 49ers' second- (No. 45 overall), fourth- (No. 108 overall) and fifth- (No. 141 overall; later traded to the Green Bay Packers) round selections.[25]
  2. ^ The Broncos acquired this second-round selection as part of an April 2010 trade that sent wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins.[26]
  3. ^ The Broncos traded their original fourth-round selection (No. 99 overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for the Patriots' sixth-round selection (No. 189 overall) and running back Laurence Maroney in September 2010.[28]
  4. ^ See draft note 1.
  5. ^ The Broncos acquired this fourth-round selection and a seventh-round selection (No. 204 overall) in a trade that sent a fifth-round selection (No. 141 overall; see draft note 1) and a sixth-round selection (No. 186 overall; previously acquired along with TE Dan Gronkowski in a September 2010 trade that sent CB Alphonso Smith and the team's original seventh-round selection – No. 205 overall – to the Detroit Lions) to the Green Bay Packers.[30][31]
  6. ^ See draft notes 1 & 5.
  7. ^ The Broncos traded their original fifth-round selection (No. 135 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for two 2010 seventh-round selections.[32]
  8. ^ The Broncos traded their original sixth-round selection (No. 168 overall), a 2012 conditional draft selection and FB Peyton Hillis to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for QB Brady Quinn in March 2010.[35]
  9. ^ See draft note 3.
  10. ^ See draft note 5.

Post-lockout roster changes edit

Free agents edit

The following free agents were left unsigned after the beginning of the 2011 NFL Lockout in March (cornerback Champ Bailey and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson were re-signed before the lockout):

Position Player Tag 2011 Team Notes
FB Kyle Eckel UFA None
NT Ronald Fields UFA Carolina Panthers signed with the Panthers on September 13[38]
OT Ryan Harris UFA Philadelphia Eagles signed with the Eagles on August 2,[39]
re-signed by the Broncos on January 2, 2012[40]
RB Laurence Maroney UFA None
DE Ryan McBean ERFA Denver Broncos signed tender July 29[41]
PK Matt Prater RFA Denver Broncos signed tender July 29[41]
DT/NT Marcus Thomas UFA Denver Broncos re-signed July 31[42]
LB Wesley Woodyard RFA Denver Broncos signed tender July 29[41]

Undrafted free agents edit

All undrafted free agents were signed on July 27, two days after the end of the 2011 NFL Lockout.[43]

2011 Denver Broncos Undrafted Free Agents
Player Position College Notes
CB Brandon Bing Rutgers waived September 3[36]
DT Ronnell Brown James Madison waived September 3[36]
WR Mark Dell Michigan State designated as waived/injured on August 13[44]
LB Derek Domino South Dakota State designated as waived/injured on August 15,[45]
released from the waived/injured list on December 13[46]
RB Mario Fannin Auburn designated as waived/injured on August 6[47]
WR D'Andre Goodwin Washington waived September 3,[36]
assigned to practice squad September 4,[48]
promoted to the active roster on January 10, 2012,[49]
on final roster
OT Adam Grant Arizona waived September 3,[36]
assigned to practice squad on September 4[48]
CB Chris Harris, Jr. Kansas on final roster
WR Jamel Hamler Fresno State placed on injured reserve September 3,[36]
waived September 12[50]
LB A. J. Jones Florida waived August 16[51]
LB Deron Mayo Old Dominion waived August 29[17]
OT Curt Porter Jacksonville State waived August 29[17]
CB James Rogers Michigan released August 1[52]
FB Austin Sylvester Washington waived September 3,[36]
assigned to practice squad September 4,[48]
promoted to the active roster on December 27,[53]
waived January 13, 2012[54]
QB Adam Weber Minnesota waived September 3,[36]
assigned to practice squad on September 4[48]
DT Colby Whitlock Texas Tech released August 2[55]
WR Marshall Williams Wake Forest released August 1[56]

Signings edit

Position Player 2010 Team Notes
WR David Anderson Houston Texans signed July 30,[57] waived September 3[36]
LS David Binn San Diego Chargers signed January 13, 2012,[54] on final roster
LB Alvin Bowen Jacksonville Jaguars signed August 15,[45] waived September 3[36]
S Rafael Bush Atlanta Falcons signed October 17,[58] on final roster
CB Tony Carter Practice squad player promoted to the active roster on December 13,[46]
on final roster
WR/RS Quan Cosby Cincinnati Bengals signed September 20,[59] waived December 27[53]
TE Daniel Fells St. Louis Rams signed August 1,[52] on final roster
RB C. J. Gable New Orleans Saints signed August 6,[47] waived August 29[17]
DE Derrick Harvey Jacksonville Jaguars signed August 1,[52] on final roster
OT Tony Hills Pittsburgh Steelers signed September 6,[18] on final roster
LB Brian Iwuh Chicago Bears signed January 3, 2012,[60] on final roster
RB Jeremiah Johnson Practice squad player promoted to the active roster on September 16,[61]
waived September 20,[59]
promoted to the active roster on November 14,[62]
on final roster
FB Quinn Johnson Tennessee Titans signed October 10,[63] waived December 17[64]
S Kyle McCarthy Practice squad player promoted to the active roster on November 28,[34]
waived December 13,[46]
promoted to the active roster on December 17,[64]
waived January 3, 2012[60]
RB Willis McGahee Baltimore Ravens signed July 31,[65] on final roster
WR Greg Orton Spokane Shock (AFL) signed August 13,[44] waived September 3[36]
DT DeMario Pressley Houston Texans signed August 17,[66] waived September 3[36]
TE Dante Rosario Carolina Panthers signed August 1,[56] released September 3,[36]
re-signed September 22,[33] on final roster
DT Ty Warren New England Patriots signed August 2,[67]
placed on injured reserve September 17[68]
CB Jonathan Wilhite New England Patriots signed September 4,[48] on final roster
Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2010 season.

Departures edit

Position Player Notes
RB Correll Buckhalter released July 29[16]
G Stanley Daniels waived September 3[36]
TE Daniel Coats released July 29[16]
CB Perrish Cox waived September 3[36]
G Stanley Daniels waived September 3[36]
WR Britt Davis waived September 3[36]
LB Dominic Douglas waived July 31[69]
TE Dan Gronkowski waived September 3[36]
PK Steven Hauschka waived September 3[36]
S Renaldo Hill released July 30[70]
CB Chevis Jackson waived August 4[71]
CB Nate Jones released August 29[17]
LB Braxton Kelley waived August 29[17]
DT Louis Leonard released August 15[45]
S Darcel McBath released September 4[48]
G Eric Olsen waived September 3[36]
QB Kyle Orton waived November 22[4]
S Nick Polk released August 1[52]
TE Richard Quinn designated as waived/injured on August 22,[72]
released from injured reserve on August 26[73]
LB Lee Robinson waived September 3[36]
DE David Veikune waived August 29[17]
RB LenDale White released August 16[51]

Trades edit

Injuries edit

  • July 27: Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was placed on the non-football injury list. Thomas suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon shortly after the end of the 2010 season, and had surgery back in February.[77] Thomas later suffered a broken finger during practice on September 8, and missed the first six weeks of the regular season.[78]
  • August 15: Defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Ty Warren each sustained separate injuries in practice. Thomas suffered a strained pectoral muscle, and missed the first four weeks of the regular season. Warren suffered torn triceps, and was initially expected to return in November, but was placed on the season-ending injured reserve on September 17.[68][79]
  • August 27: Linebacker D. J. Williams suffered a dislocated elbow during the team's third preseason game vs. the Seattle Seahawks, and missed the first three weeks of the regular season.[80]
  • September 2: Cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the team's last preseason game at the Arizona Cardinals, and missed the entire 2011 season.[81]
  • October 10: Defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson was placed on injured reserve, after suffering an ankle injury during the team's Week 5 loss to the San Diego Chargers the previous day.[63]
  • November 14: Running back Knowshon Moreno was placed on injured reserve, after he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the team's Week 10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs the previous day.[62]
  • November 28: Cornerback/return specialist Cassius Vaughn was placed on injured reserve, after suffering a broken bone in his leg during the team's Week 12 win over the San Diego Chargers the previous day.[34]
  • January 2, 2012: Guard Chris Kuper was placed on injured reserve, after suffering a broken leg during the team's regular season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs the previous day.[40]
  • January 10, 2012: Fullback Spencer Larsen was placed on injured reserve.[49]

Staff edit

2011 Denver Broncos staff

Front office

  • Owner/chairman/CEO – Pat Bowlen
  • President – Joe Ellis
  • Executive vice president of football operations – John Elway
  • general manager – Brian Xanders
  • Director of football administration – Mike Bluem
  • Director of college scouting – Matt Russell
  • Director of pro personnel – Keith Kidd
  • Assistant director of college scouting – Lenny McGill
  • Assistant director of pro personnel – Anthony Kelly
  • Director of player development – Jerry Butler

Head coaches

  • Head coach – John Fox
  • Assistant to head coach – Mark Thewes

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Rich Tuten
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Justin Lovett
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Greg Saporta

Final roster edit

2011 Denver Broncos final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 active, 8 inactive, 8 practice squad

Preseason edit

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 11 at Dallas Cowboys L 23–24 0–1 Cowboys Stadium Recap
2 August 20 Buffalo Bills W 24–10 1–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
3 August 27 Seattle Seahawks W 23–20 2–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
4 September 1 at Arizona Cardinals L 7–26 2–2 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap

Regular season edit

Schedule edit

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 12 Oakland Raiders L 20–23 0–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
2 September 18 Cincinnati Bengals W 24–22 1–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
3 September 25 at Tennessee Titans L 14–17 1–2 LP Field Recap
4 October 2 at Green Bay Packers L 23–49 1–3 Lambeau Field Recap
5 October 9 San Diego Chargers L 24–29 1–4 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
6 Bye
7 October 23 at Miami Dolphins W 18–15 (OT) 2–4 Sun Life Stadium Recap
8 October 30 Detroit Lions L 10–45 2–5 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
9 November 6 at Oakland Raiders W 38–24 3–5 O.co Coliseum Recap
10 November 13 at Kansas City Chiefs W 17–10 4–5 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
11 November 17 New York Jets W 17–13 5–5 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
12 November 27 at San Diego Chargers W 16–13 (OT) 6–5 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
13 December 4 at Minnesota Vikings W 35–32 7–5 Mall of America Field Recap
14 December 11 Chicago Bears W 13–10 (OT) 8–5 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
15 December 18 New England Patriots L 23–41 8–6 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
16 December 24 at Buffalo Bills L 14–40 8–7 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
17 January 1 Kansas City Chiefs L 3–7 8–8 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries edit

Week 1: vs. Oakland Raiders edit

Week One: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 16 0723
Broncos 3 0 10720

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

The Broncos donned their alternate orange jerseys and kicked off their 2011 season at home against their AFC West rival Oakland Raiders, the Broncos' first Week 1 home opener since 2004. The Broncos took an early lead in the first quarter, with a 28-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. The Raiders reeled off 16 unanswered points in the second quarter, with a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jason Campbell to fullback Marcel Reece, followed by three field goals of 37, 21 and 63 yards by placekicker Sebastian Janikowski, the latter of which tied the record for the longest field goal in NFL history. The Broncos responded in the third quarter, with kick returner Eric Decker returning a punt 90 yards for a touchdown, followed by a 30-yard field goal by Prater. The Raiders increased their lead in the fourth quarter, with a 1-yard touchdown run by Campbell. The Broncos tried to rally, with quarterback Kyle Orton throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Lance Ball. However, Oakland ran out the clock.[82]

This would be the last time the Broncos lost their season opener and home opener until 2019; their opener that year was also against the Raiders.

Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals edit

Week Two: Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 3 12722
Broncos 7 3 7724

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

Following their Monday Night loss to the Raiders, the Broncos remained on home turf to face the Cincinnati Bengals. The Broncos took the lead in the first quarter, with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Willis McGahee. The Bengals got on the board in the second quarter, with a 45-yard field goal by placekicker Mike Nugent. The Broncos responded, with a 34-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater just before halftime. In the third quarter, the Broncos extended their lead, with a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Orton to wide receiver Eric Decker. The Bengals reeled off 12 unanswered points, with a 37-yard field goal by Nugent, a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andy Dalton to wide receiver Andre Caldwell (with a failed two-point conversion attempt), followed by a 23-yard field goal by Nugent, narrowing the Broncos' lead to 17–15. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos once again increased their lead, with a 52-yard touchdown pass from Orton to Decker, but the Bengals responded, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Dalton to wide receiver A. J. Green. The Broncos' defense prevented any more scoring.[83]

Week 3: at Tennessee Titans edit

Week Three: Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 0 7014
Titans 0 10 0717

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: September 25
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/11:00 am. MDT
  • Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 69,143
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Following their close win over the Bengals, the Broncos traveled to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. The Broncos took the lead in the first quarter, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Orton to wide receiver Matthew Willis. The Titans responded in the second quarter, with a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to wide receiver Nate Washington, followed by a 46-yard field goal by placekicker Rob Bironas. The Broncos re-claimed the lead in the third quarter, when Orton connecting with running back Willis McGahee on a 5-yard touchdown pass. However, after recovering a Hasselbeck fumble in Titans' territory late in the third quarter, the Broncos failed to capitalize on the turnover, as Tennessee's defense denied the Broncos from extending their lead with a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter. The Titans later claimed the lead, when Hasselbeck, playing on his 36th birthday, threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Graham, who played with the Broncos from 2007 to 2010. Tennessee's defense thwarted the Broncos' final drive.[84]

Week 4: at Green Bay Packers edit

Week Four: Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 3 14 0623
Packers 14 14 14749

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: October 2
  • Game time: 3:15 pm. CDT/2:15 pm. MDT
  • Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 70,529
  • Referee: Scott Green
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Hoping to avenge their loss at Tennessee, the Broncos traveled to Lambeau Field to face the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers. The Broncos took the early lead, with a 27-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. However, the Packers responded, with a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to wide receiver Jordy Nelson, followed by cornerback Charles Woodson returning an interception off Broncos' quarterback Kyle Orton 30 yards for a touchdown. After recovering an onside kick, the Packers added to their lead early in the second quarter, with Rodgers scrambling 11 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos responded, with Orton throwing two touchdown passes to wide receiver Eric Decker: a 5-yarder, followed by a 33-yarder. The Packers responded just before halftime, when Rodgers connected on a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings. The Packers increased their lead on the opening possession of the third quarter, with Rodgers scrambling for an 8-yard touchdown run, followed by a 16-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to wide receiver James Jones. The Packers continued their onslaught in the fourth quarter, with Rodgers hooking up with wide receiver Donald Driver on an 8-yard touchdown pass. The Broncos scored a late touchdown, when Orton connected with tight end Daniel Fells on a 7-yard touchdown pass (with a failed two-point conversion attempt), but the outcome of the game had already been decided in Green Bay's favor.[85] The loss drops the Broncos to 0–4–1 all-time in Green Bay.

Week 5: vs. San Diego Chargers edit

Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 6 17 0629
Broncos 7 3 01424

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 9
  • Game time: 2:15 pm. MDT
  • Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), mostly sunny
  • Game attendance: 74,895
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Hoping to rebound from their blowout loss at Green Bay, the Broncos returned home for an AFC West duel with the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers took the early lead in the first quarter, with a 24-yard field goal by placekicker Nick Novak. The Broncos grabbed the lead, when cornerback Cassius Vaughn returned an interception off Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers 55 yards for a touchdown. The Chargers responded, with a 32-yard field goal by Novak. The Broncos extended their lead in the second quarter, with a 32-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. However, the Chargers reclaimed the lead, with a 2-yard touchdown run by Rivers, a 28-yard field goal by Novak, followed by a 42-yard touchdown pass from Rivers to wide receiver Malcom Floyd, giving San Diego a 23–10 halftime lead. The Broncos benched quarterback Kyle Orton in favor of Tim Tebow. After a scoreless third quarter, the Chargers added to their lead, with a 51-yard field goal by Novak. The Broncos responded, when Tebow scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown (with a two-point conversion run by running back Willis McGahee), then threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to running back Knowshon Moreno (with a failed two-point conversion attempt), to pull the Broncos to within 26–24 with just over three minutes left in the game. The Chargers responded, with a 35-yard field goal by Novak. The Broncos tried to rally with 24 seconds remaining in regulation, but Tebow's last-second desperation pass into the end zone was unsuccessful, sealing the win for San Diego.[86]

Injuries

Defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson suffering an ankle injury early in the game. Though he later returned, he was placed on injured reserve one day later (October 10).[63]

Week 7: at Miami Dolphins edit

Week Seven: Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Broncos 0 0 015318
Dolphins 0 6 09015

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

Hoping to snap their three-game losing streak, and coming off their bye week, the Broncos traveled to face the Miami Dolphins in Sun Life Stadium, where the Broncos had never won in their franchise history except against another team, the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII. After a scoreless first quarter, the Dolphins grabbed the lead in the second quarter, with field goals of 38 and 36 yards by kicker Dan Carpenter. After a scoreless third quarter, the Dolphins extended their lead in the fourth quarter, with quarterback Matt Moore throwing a 16-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Fasano (with a failed two-point conversion attempt), followed by a 43-yard field goal by Carpenter, giving Miami a 15–0 lead. However, after each team traded punts, the Broncos staged a rally with just over five minutes remaining, with quarterback Tim Tebow throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to pull to within 15–7 with 2:44 remaining. After the Broncos recovered an onside kick, they subsequently marched down the field, with Tebow connecting on a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Fells, followed by Tebow scrambling for the two-point conversion to send the game into overtime. On the Dolphins' second possession in overtime, Broncos' linebacker D. J. Williams forced a fumble off Moore, giving the Broncos possession at the Dolphins' 36-yard line. Four plays later, kicker Matt Prater, who had missed two field goals in the first half, nailed the game-winning 52-yard field goal.

Notes

With the win, the Broncos earned their 400th win in franchise history, their first-ever win over the Dolphins at Miami in eight tries, and became the first team in NFL history since the AFL–NFL merger to win a game after trailing by 15 or more points with less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.[87][88]

Week 8: vs. Detroit Lions edit

Week Eight: Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 7 17 14745
Broncos 3 0 0710

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 30
  • Game time: 2:05 pm. MDT
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 74,977
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jaime Maggio
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Hoping to build on the momentum of their comeback win at Miami, the Broncos donned their alternate orange jerseys and returned home for an interconference duel with the Detroit Lions. The Broncos grabbed the early lead in the first quarter, with a 39-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. However, the Lions dominated the remainder of the game, beginning with a 41-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Titus Young, followed in the second quarter by a 50-yard field goal by placekicker Jason Hanson, a 1-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to tight end Tony Scheffler and a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Maurice Morris, giving Detroit a 24–3 halftime lead. The Lions continued their domination in the third quarter, with a 24-yard fumble return for a touchdown by defensive end Cliff Avril, a 56-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to wide receiver Calvin Johnson, followed in the fourth quarter by cornerback Chris Houston returning an interception off Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow 100 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos finally got into the end zone, with Tebow throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Decker, but the outcome of the game had already been decided in Detroit's favor.[89]

Week 9: at Oakland Raiders edit

Week Nine: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 0 171438
Raiders 3 14 7024

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: November 6
  • Game time: 2:05 pm. MST/1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 58,125
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Hoping to rebound from their disastrous home loss to the Lions, the Broncos traveled to the O.co Coliseum for an AFC West rematch with the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, the Raiders grabbed the early lead, with a 48-yard field goal by placekicker Sebastian Janikowski. The Broncos responded, with quarterback Tim Tebow hooking up with wide receiver Eric Decker on a 27-yard touchdown pass. The Raiders re-claimed the lead in the second quarter, with quarterback Carson Palmer throwing two touchdown passes: an 11-yarder to running back Michael Bush, followed by a 40-yarder to fullback Marcel Reece. In the third quarter, the Broncos cut into the Raiders' lead, with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Tebow to wide receiver Eddie Royal. The Raiders responded, with Palmer throwing an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jacoby Ford, giving Oakland a 24–14 lead. However, the Broncos dominated the remainder of the game, beginning with a 43-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater, followed by running back Willis McGahee rushing for a 60-yard touchdown at the end of the third quarter. The Broncos grabbed the lead with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, when Royal returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown, then pulled away with a 24-yard touchdown run by McGahee.[90]

Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs edit

Week Ten: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 3 0717
Chiefs 0 0 7310

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 13
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST/11:00 am. MST
  • Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 72,908
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Coming off their win at Oakland, the Broncos traveled to Arrowhead Stadium for an AFC West duel with the Kansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter, the Broncos grabbed the early lead, with quarterback Tim Tebow scrambling for a 7-yard touchdown, followed in the second quarter by a 38-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. The Chiefs got on the board in the third quarter, with a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Cassel to fullback Le'Ron McClain. The Broncos responded in the fourth quarter, with Tebow throwing a 56-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Decker. The Chiefs tried to rally, with placekicker Ryan Succop nailing a late 32-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining, but the ensuing onside kickoff was unsuccessful, sealing the win for the Broncos.[91]

Notes

With the win, the Broncos matched their win total from 2010.

Injuries

Running back Knowshon Moreno suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the first quarter, and was placed on injured reserve.[62]

Week 11: vs. New York Jets edit

Week Eleven: New York Jets at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 3 7313
Broncos 3 0 7717

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: November 17
  • Game time: 6:20 pm. MST
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 74,746
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (NFLN): Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Coming off their win at Kansas City, the Broncos returned home for an AFC duel against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football. The Broncos grabbed the lead in the first quarter, with a 37-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. The Jets tied the game in the second quarter, with a 21-yard field goal by placekicker Nick Folk, then grabbed the lead in the third quarter, when guard Matt Slauson returned a fumble off Jets' running back Bilal Powell into the end zone for a touchdown. The Broncos tied the game, when cornerback André Goodman returned an interception off Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez 26 yards for a touchdown. The Jets re-claimed the lead in the fourth quarter, with a 45-yard field goal by Folk. After each team traded punts, the Broncos got the ball with 5:54 remaining, when quarterback Tim Tebow led the Broncos on a 12-play, 95-yard drive, culminating with Tebow scrambling 20 yards for a touchdown with 58 seconds remaining. The Broncos' defense thwarted Sanchez' last-second desperation pass toward the end zone.[92]

Notes

With the win, the Broncos exceeded their win total from 2010.

Week 12: at San Diego Chargers edit

Week Twelve: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Broncos 0 7 33316
Chargers 3 7 30013

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 27
  • Game time: 2:15 pm. MST/1:15 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 64,436
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Coming off their win over the Jets, the Broncos traveled to Qualcomm Stadium for an AFC West rematch with the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers jumped out to a 10–0 lead, with a 53-yard field goal by kicker Nick Novak in the first quarter, followed in the second quarter by a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Philip Rivers to tight end Antonio Gates. The Broncos responded just before halftime, with an 18-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Tebow to wide receiver Eric Decker. The Chargers added to their lead in the third quarter, with a 25-yard field goal by Novak. The Broncos countered just before the end of the third quarter, with a 41-yard field goal by kicker Matt Prater. Novak missed a 48-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. Trailing 13–10 with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Broncos marched down the field and tied the game with a 24-yard field goal by Prater. The Broncos' defense subdued San Diego's final drive of the fourth quarter, sending the game to overtime. On the Chargers' second possession in overtime, Novak's potential game-winning 53-yard field goal was blocked. However, head coach John Fox had called a timeout prior to the kick. Novak missed the second attempt wide right. The Broncos' third possession in overtime began with 2:31 remaining, and Prater nailed the game-winning 37-yard field goal with 29 seconds left in overtime.[93]

Notes

With the win, the Broncos swept their AFC West division rivals on the road for the second time in three seasons.

Injuries

Cornerback Cassius Vaughn suffered a broken bone in his leg, and was placed on injured reserve the following day.[34]

Week 13: at Minnesota Vikings edit

Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 0 141435
Vikings 5 10 71032

at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Coming off their overtime win at San Diego, the Broncos traveled to the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for an interconference duel with the Minnesota Vikings. The game's first points came from the Vikings, when defensive end Jared Allen tackled running back Willis McGahee in the end zone for a safety. The Broncos grabbed the lead when linebacker Mario Haggan returned an interception off Vikings' quarterback Christian Ponder 16 yards for a touchdown. Vikings' kicker Ryan Longwell made a 40-yard field goal, then the Vikings reclaimed the lead in the second quarter, on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Ponder to tight end Kyle Rudolph, followed by another field goal by Longwell, this time from 25 yards, just before halftime. The Broncos narrowed Minnesota's lead in the third quarter, with a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Tebow to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, but the Vikings countered with a 52-yard touchdown pass from Ponder to wide receiver Percy Harvin. The Broncos responded with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Tebow to Thomas. Ponder then threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Harvin to give Minnesota a 29–21 lead. On the Broncos' next possession, McGahee rushed 24 yards for a touchdown and Tebow scrambled for a two-point conversion to tie the game at 29. The Vikings subsequently reclaimed the lead on Longwell's 39-yard field goal with 3:06 left in the game. The Broncos answered with kicker Matt Prater's 46-yard field goal with 1:33 left to tie the game at 32. On the Vikings' ensuing possession, Broncos' cornerback André Goodman returned an interception off Ponder to the Vikings' 15-yard line. Six plays later, Prater nailed the game-winning 23-yard field goal as time expired to give the Broncos their fifth consecutive win.[94]

Week 14: vs. Chicago Bears edit

Week Fourteen: Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Bears 0 0 73010
Broncos 0 0 010313

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

Coming off their last-second win at Minnesota, the Broncos returned home for an interconference duel with the Chicago Bears. After a scoreless first half, which included Bears' defensive end Julius Peppers blocking a 28-yard field goal attempt by kicker Matt Prater in the second quarter, the Bears grabbed the lead in the third quarter, with running back Marion Barber rushing for a 9-yard touchdown. The Bears extended their lead to 10–0 early in the fourth quarter, with a 57-yard field goal by kicker Robbie Gould. With 4:34 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Broncos put together a 7-play, 63-yard drive, and finally got on the scoreboard with 2:08 remaining, when quarterback Tim Tebow threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. With no timeouts remaining, the Broncos tried an onside kick, but Chicago recovered prior to the two-minute warning. After one running play, the two-minute warning stopped the clock. On the next play, Broncos' linebacker D. J. Williams was able to push Barber out of bounds, saving 40 seconds of time. The Bears eventually punted to the Broncos' 20-yard line with 56 seconds remaining. Tebow subsequently led the Broncos on an 8-play, 39-yard drive, with Prater nailing a game-tying 59-yard field goal to send the game to overtime. This was the first game in NFL history that had two field goals of 57 yards or more. Chicago won the overtime coin toss, however, they deferred, and the Broncos went three-and-out on their first possession. The Bears drove into field goal range on their first overtime possession, but Broncos' linebacker Wesley Woodyard forced a fumble off Barber, with defensive end Elvis Dumervil recovering the fumble. Nine plays later, Prater nailed the game-winning 51-yard field goal.[95]

Notes

In the fourth quarter and overtime, Tim Tebow was 18 of 24 with 191 yards passing and one touchdown.[96] In his first 11 starts, Tebow has six game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime. This is more than any other quarterback since the AFL–NFL merger, and breaks the previous record of five, last accomplished by Jake Delhomme in 1999.[95]

Week 15: vs. New England Patriots edit

Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 20 7741
Broncos 13 3 0723

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: December 18
  • Game time: 2:15 pm. MST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), mostly sunny
  • Game attendance: 76,556
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Coming off their overtime win over the Bears, the Broncos remained on home ground for an AFC duel with the New England Patriots. The Broncos grabbed the early lead, with quarterback Tim Tebow scrambling for a 9-yard touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion attempt after a botched extra-point snap). The Patriots responded, with quarterback Tom Brady throwing a 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. The Broncos countered, with a 32-yard touchdown run by running back Lance Ball, followed in the second quarter by a 26-yard field goal by kicker Matt Prater. However, New England reeled off 27 unanswered points, 17 of which came off three Broncos' turnovers in the second quarter. Brady connected with tight end Aaron Hernandez on a 1-yard touchdown pass, placekicker Stephen Gostkowski nailed a 21-yard field goal, Brady ran a 1-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown and Gostkowski nailed a 34-yard field goal at the end of the first half. The Patriots added to their lead in the third quarter, with a 10-yard touchdown run by running back Danny Woodhead. The Broncos tried to cut into New England's lead in the fourth quarter, with Tebow scrambling for a 2-yard touchdown, but a 1-yard touchdown run by Patriots' running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis and a sack of Tebow for a loss of 28 yards put the game out of reach.[97]

Week 16: at Buffalo Bills edit

Week Sixteen: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 0 7014
Bills 0 17 61740

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/11:00 am. MST
  • Game weather: 30 °F (−1 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 45,112
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Patriots, the Broncos traveled to Ralph Wilson Stadium for an AFC duel with the Buffalo Bills. The Broncos grabbed the early lead in the first quarter, with quarterback Tim Tebow scrambling for a 1-yard touchdown. The Bills stormed back, reeling off 17 unanswered points in the second quarter, with a 28-yard field goal by placekicker Dave Rayner, an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown by Leodis McKelvin and a 4-yard touchdown run by running back C. J. Spiller. The Broncos cut into Buffalo's lead early in the third quarter, with Tebow throwing a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Fells. However, the Broncos were held scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Bills added to their lead, with three field goals by Rayner—a pair of 25-yarders in the third quarter, followed by a 29-yarder early in the fourth quarter. The Bills pulled further away, converting two turnovers off Tebow into touchdowns—a 37-yard interception return by safety Jairus Byrd, followed by a 17-yard fumble return by linebacker Spencer Johnson.[98]

Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs edit

Week Seventeen: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 7 0 007
Broncos 0 0 303

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: January 1
  • Game time: 2:15 pm. MST
  • Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 76,005
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Hoping to rebound from their tough loss at Buffalo and keep their playoff hopes alive, the Broncos returned home for an AFC West rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, in the team's regular season finale. This was Chiefs' quarterback Kyle Orton's first visit to Denver since he was waived by the Broncos on November 22. The Chiefs grabbed the early lead in the first quarter, with a 21-yard touchdown run by running back Dexter McCluster. After a scoreless second quarter, which included a fumble by Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow deep in Chiefs' territory, the Broncos got on the scoreboard in the third quarter, with a 38-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. However, both teams were held scoreless for the remainder of the game. Kansas City's defense thwarted the Broncos' last drive.[99]

Notes

With the loss, the Broncos finished the regular season with an 8–8 record for the third time in four seasons, and were swept at home by their division rivals for the second time in three seasons. The Broncos finished tied with the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers for the AFC West division title. However, the Broncos won the tiebreakers over both teams based on record against common opponents (5–5 to the Raiders' and Chargers' 4–6), thus clinching their first playoff berth and division title since 2005.[6] This was the team's last loss to a division opponent until Week 15 of the 2013 season and last loss to the Chiefs until Week 10 of the 2015 season.

Injuries Guard Chris Kuper suffered a broken leg during the first quarter, and was placed on injured reserve the following day (January 2).[40]

Standings edit

AFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Denver Broncos 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 309 390 L3
San Diego Chargers 8 8 0 .500 3–3 7–5 406 377 W1
Oakland Raiders 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 359 433 L1
Kansas City Chiefs 7 9 0 .438 3–3 4–8 212 338 W1
AFC[100]
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division winners
1 New England Patriots East 13 3 0 .813 5–1 10–2 .449 .423 W8
2[a] Baltimore Ravens North 12 4 0 .750 6–0 9–3 .477 .484 W2
3 Houston Texans South 10 6 0 .625 4–2 8–4 .453 .413 L3
4[b] Denver Broncos West 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 .520 .445 L3
Wild cards
5[a] Pittsburgh Steelers North 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 .492 .411 W2
6[c] Cincinnati Bengals North 9 7 0 .563 2–4 6–6 .492 .326 L1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[c] Tennessee Titans South 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 .461 .396 W2
8[d] New York Jets East 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 .500 .395 L3
9[b][d][e] San Diego Chargers West 8 8 0 .500 3–3 7–5 .516 .430 W1
10[b][e] Oakland Raiders West 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 .504 .438 L1
11 Kansas City Chiefs West 7 9 0 .438 3–3 4–8 .512 .464 W1
12[f] Miami Dolphins East 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 .504 .417 W1
13[f] Buffalo Bills East 6 10 0 .375 1–5 4–8 .520 .510 L1
14 Jacksonville Jaguars South 5 11 0 .313 3–3 4–8 .500 .363 W1
15 Cleveland Browns North 4 12 0 .250 0–6 3–9 .531 .313 L6
16 Indianapolis Colts South 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 .539 .594 L1
Tiebreakers[g]
  1. ^ a b Baltimore clinched the AFC North title based on a head-to-head sweep over Pittsburgh.
  2. ^ a b c Denver clinched the AFC West title instead of San Diego or Oakland based on record versus common opponents (5–5 to San Diego's and Oakland's 4–6).
  3. ^ a b Cincinnati clinched the AFC 6 seed instead of Tennessee based on a head-to-head victory.
  4. ^ a b New York Jets finished ahead of San Diego based on head-to-head victory.
  5. ^ a b San Diego finished ahead of Oakland in the AFC West based on better conference record (7–5 to 6–6).
  6. ^ a b Miami finished in third place in the AFC East based on a head-to-head sweep over Buffalo.
  7. ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Postseason edit

See also: 2011–12 NFL playoffs

Schedule edit

Round Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
Wild Card January 8, 2012 Pittsburgh Steelers (5) W 29–23 (OT) 1–0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
Divisional January 14, 2012 at New England Patriots (1) L 10–45 1–1 Gillette Stadium Recap

Game summaries edit

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. (5) Pittsburgh Steelers edit

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (5) Pittsburgh Steelers at (4) Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Steelers 6 0 710023
Broncos 0 20 03629

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: January 8, 2012
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 75,970
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
  • Gamebook
Game information
 
Sports Authority Field shortly after the game winning touchdown in overtime.

The Broncos opened the 2011–12 NFL Playoffs at home with a Wild Card matchup against the #5 seed Pittsburgh Steelers, the Broncos' first playoff game since 2005. The only points of the first quarter came from the Steelers, with field goals of 45 and 38 yards by placekicker Shaun Suisham. The Broncos reeled off 20 unanswered points in the second quarter, with quarterback Tim Tebow throwing a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eddie Royal, then scrambling for an 8-yard touchdown run, followed by field goals of 20 and 28 yards by placekicker Matt Prater. A 1-yard touchdown run by Steelers' wide receiver Mike Wallace on an end-around was the only scoring play of the third quarter. The Broncos added to their lead early in the fourth quarter, with a 35-yard field goal by Prater. The Steelers countered with a 37-yard field goal by Suisham. On the Broncos' following possession, running back Willis McGahee fumbled, and the Steelers subsequently tied the game with a 7-play, 55-yard drive, culminating with a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. Each team traded punts on subsequent possessions, sending the game to overtime. The Broncos won the overtime coin toss, and on their first play, Tebow fired the game-winning 80-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.[101] It was not only the longest scoring play in NFL overtime playoff history, but Thomas also set a new Broncos' franchise record for receiving yards in a playoff game, with 204 yards.[102]

With the win, the Broncos advanced to face the New England Patriots in the divisional round.

AFC Divisional Playoffs: at (1) New England Patriots edit

AFC Divisional Playoffs: (4) Denver Broncos at (1) New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 7 3010
Patriots 14 21 7345

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: January 14, 2012
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. EST/6:00 pm. MST
  • Game weather: 24 °F (−4 °C), partly cloudy and cold
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Following their overtime win over the Steelers in the wild-card round of the 2011–12 NFL Playoffs, the Broncos traveled to Foxborough, Massachusetts to face the #1 seed New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, in the divisional round. The Patriots jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter, with quarterback Tom Brady throwing a pair of touchdown passes—a 7-yarder to wide receiver Wes Welker and a 10-yarder to tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Broncos responded at the beginning of the second quarter, with running back Willis McGahee rushing for a 5-yard touchdown, but the Patriots subsequently added to lead, with Brady throwing three more touchdown passes—a 12-yarder to Gronkowski, a 61-yarder to wide receiver Deion Branch followed by a 19-yarder to Gronkowski just before halftime. The Patriots continued their onslaught in the third quarter, with a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez. A 41-yard field goal by Broncos' placekicker Matt Prater made the score 42–10. The Patriots added to their lead early in the fourth quarter, with a 20-yard field goal by placekicker Stephen Gostkowski, which was the last scoring play of the game by either team, sealing the win for New England.[103]

Statistics edit

Team leaders edit

Category Player(s) Value
Passing yards Tim Tebow 1,729
Passing touchdowns Tim Tebow 12
Rushing yards Willis McGahee 1,199
Rushing touchdowns Tim Tebow 6
Receptions Eric Decker 44
Receiving yards Eric Decker 612
Receiving touchdowns Eric Decker 8
Points Matt Prater 87
Kickoff return yards Quan Cosby 457
Punt return yards Quan Cosby 269
Tackles Wesley Woodyard 97
Sacks Von Miller 11.5
Forced fumbles D. J. Williams
Wesley Woodyard		 3
Interceptions André Goodman
Champ Bailey		 2

Source for this section: Denver Broncos' official website.[104]

League rankings edit

Offense
Category Value NFL rank
(out of 32)
Total yards 316.6 YPG 23rd
Yards per play 5 25th
Rushing yards 164.5 YPG 1st
Yards per rush 4.8 6th
Passing yards 152.1 YPG 31st
Yards per pass 6.3 28th
Scoring 19.3 PPG 25th
Pass completions 217/429 (.506) 32nd
Third downs 66/214 (.308) 30th
Possession average 29:43 21st
Fewest sacks allowed 42 T−23rd
Turnover differential −12 26th
Defense
Category Value NFL rank
(out of 32)
Total yards 357.8 YPG 20th
Yards per play 5.4 16th
Rushing yards 126.3 YPG 22nd
Yards per rush 4.1 12th
Passing yards 231.5 YPG 15th
Yards per pass 7.5 20th
Scoring 24.4 PPG 24th
Pass completions 333/534 (.624) 23rd
Third downs 73/218 (.335) 27th
Sacks 41 T−10th
Forced fumbles 11 T−26th
Fumble recoveries 9 T–18th
Interceptions 9 T−28th
Special Teams
Category Value NFL rank
(out of 32)
Kickoff returns 24.5 YPR 11th
Punt returns 12.7 YPR 3rd
Gross punting 47.4 YPP 7th
Net punting 41.6 YPP 6th
Kickoff coverage 24.6 YPR 20th
Punt coverage 11.5 YPR 13th

Source for this section: NFL.com.[105]

Awards and honors edit

Recipient Award(s)
Champ Bailey Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster[106]
Ryan Clady Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster[106]
Brian Dawkins Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster[106]
Eric Decker Named to the USA Football All Fundamentals Team[107]
Elvis Dumervil Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster[106]
Orlando Franklin Named to the Football Outsiders All-Rookie Team[108]
Chris Harris, Jr. Named to the Football Outsiders All-Rookie Team[108]
Named to the Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team[109]
Willis McGahee Week 9: FedEx Ground Player of the Week[110]
Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster[106]
Von Miller First half of the season: Sports Illustrated Defensive Rookie of the Year.[111]
Week 10: AFC Defensive Player of the Week[112]
November: Defensive Rookie of the Month[113]
Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster[106]
Named to the Football Outsiders All-Rookie Team[108]
Voted to The Associated Press 2011 NFL All-Pro Team[114]
Named to the Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team[109]
2011 season: Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year[115]
Matt Prater Week 14: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week[116]
December: AFC Special Teams Player of the Month[117]
Eddie Royal Week 9: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week[118]
Tim Tebow Week 14: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year (come-from-behind/overtime win)[115]
Demaryius Thomas Best Moment at 2012 ESPY Awards (80-yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow in the Wild Card playoffs)[119]
Wesley Woodyard Named as the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year[120]
Team Week 7: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind/overtime win)[121]
Week 10: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (touchdown pass from Tim Tebow to Eric Decker)[122]
Week 11: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind win),[123]
Week 12: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind/overtime win)[124]
Week 14: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind/overtime win)[125]

Other news and notes edit

  • On August 16, Sports Authority, a sporting goods retailer based in Englewood, Colorado, took over the naming rights of INVESCO Field at Mile High. Invesco held the original naming rights to the Denver Broncos' stadium since it opened in 2001, and Invesco's naming rights agreement was set to expire in 2021. INVESCO Field at Mile High officially became known as Sports Authority Field at Mile High, in time for the Broncos' first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 20.[126]
  • This season was the last in which the Broncos wore their navy blue jerseys as their primary home jersey. The team used the alternate orange jerseys for games in Weeks 1 (vs. the Oakland Raiders) and 8 (vs. the Detroit Lions).[82][89] Beginning with the 2012 season, the Broncos announced that the orange jerseys – the team's alternate colored jersey since 2002 – will become the primary home jersey, while the navy blue jerseys, which had been the team's primary home jersey since their introduction in 1997, will switch to alternate designation. The change was made due to overwhelming popularity with fans, who clamored for the team to return to wearing orange at home, which was the team's predominant home jersey color from 1962 to 1996.[127][128]

References edit

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External links edit

  • Official website
  • The Denver Post – Complete Broncos Coverage
  • 2011 Season page on Pro Football Reference
  • 2011 Denver Broncos at ESPN

January 01, 1970
2011, denver, broncos, season, 2011, season, denver, broncos, 42nd, national, football, league, their, 52nd, overall, also, marked, their, first, season, under, head, coach, john, well, first, with, john, elway, team, executive, vice, president, football, oper. The 2011 season was the Denver Broncos 42nd in the National Football League NFL and their 52nd overall It also marked their first season under head coach John Fox as well as the first with John Elway as the team s Executive Vice President of Football Operations 2011 Denver Broncos seasonOwnerPat BowlenGeneral managerBrian XandersHead coachJohn FoxHome fieldSports Authority Field at Mile HighLocal radioKOA 850 AMResultsRecord8 8Division place1st AFC WestPlayoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs vs Steelers 29 23 OT Lost Divisional Playoffs at Patriots 10 45Pro BowlersCB Champ BaileyDE Elvis DumervilRB Willis McGaheeLB Von Miller FS Brian DawkinsOT Ryan CladyAP All ProsLB Von Miller 2nd team 2010 Broncos seasons 2012 On July 25 the NFLPA and NFL owners agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement which was ratified on August 4 1 The Broncos training camp began on July 28 at the team headquarters in Dove Valley Colorado and the preseason and regular season started on time 2 This was the first of five consecutive AFC West titles for the Broncos The first five weeks of the season were dominated by a quarterback controversy involving Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow with fans voicing their displeasure with the play of Orton which resulted in a 1 4 start and the public outcry for Tebow to be moved to starter On October 11 Tebow was named the starting quarterback beginning with the team s Week 7 game at the Miami Dolphins on October 23 Tebow compiled an 8 5 record including the playoffs with a six game win streak from Weeks 9 14 after replacing Orton including game winning drives in the fourth quarter and or overtime in six of those games despite constant criticism of his unorthodox mechanics and abilities as a passer 3 Orton was later waived on November 22 4 Another notable roster change was the trade that sent wide receiver Brandon Lloyd to the St Louis Rams in exchange for a conditional 2012 draft selection 5 The Broncos doubled their win total from 2010 finishing in a three way tie with the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers for the AFC West division title with an 8 8 record The Broncos however won the AFC West based on tiebreakers 6 thus clinching their first playoff berth and division title since 2005 The Broncos opened the playoffs with a 29 23 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild card round but were blown out by the New England Patriots in the divisional round by a score of 45 10 Contents 1 Coaching and front office changes 2 Pre lockout roster changes 3 Draft 4 Post lockout roster changes 4 1 Free agents 4 2 Undrafted free agents 4 3 Signings 4 4 Departures 4 5 Trades 4 6 Injuries 5 Staff 6 Final roster 7 Preseason 8 Regular season 8 1 Schedule 8 2 Game summaries 8 2 1 Week 1 vs Oakland Raiders 8 2 2 Week 2 vs Cincinnati Bengals 8 2 3 Week 3 at Tennessee Titans 8 2 4 Week 4 at Green Bay Packers 8 2 5 Week 5 vs San Diego Chargers 8 2 6 Week 7 at Miami Dolphins 8 2 7 Week 8 vs Detroit Lions 8 2 8 Week 9 at Oakland Raiders 8 2 9 Week 10 at Kansas City Chiefs 8 2 10 Week 11 vs New York Jets 8 2 11 Week 12 at San Diego Chargers 8 2 12 Week 13 at Minnesota Vikings 8 2 13 Week 14 vs Chicago Bears 8 2 14 Week 15 vs New England Patriots 8 2 15 Week 16 at Buffalo Bills 8 2 16 Week 17 vs Kansas City Chiefs 8 3 Standings 9 Postseason 9 1 Schedule 9 2 Game summaries 9 2 1 AFC Wild Card Playoffs vs 5 Pittsburgh Steelers 9 2 2 AFC Divisional Playoffs at 1 New England Patriots 10 Statistics 10 1 Team leaders 10 2 League rankings 11 Awards and honors 12 Other news and notes 13 References 14 External linksCoaching and front office changes editJanuary 5 Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway was hired as the team s Executive Vice President of Football Operations Brian Xanders remained as general manager but Elway had the final word in all football matters Joe Ellis who served as the team s chief operating officer for the past three years was promoted to team president 7 January 13 The Broncos named former Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox as the team s new head coach 8 January 17 The following changes were made to the Broncos coaching staff Clancy Barone was moved from offensive line coach to tight ends coach replacing Bob Ligashesky Dave Magazu was named the new offensive line coach Tyke Tolbert was named the new wide receivers coach Magazu and Tolbert both previously served on John Fox s staff with the Panthers Brian Callahan was moved to the offensive quality control position while Jay Rodgers was moved to the defensive quality control position Eric Studesville who served as the team s interim head coach for the final four games of the 2010 season retained his position as the running backs coach 9 January 20 Adam Gase who served as the Broncos wide receivers coach during the previous two seasons was named the team s new quarterbacks coach replacing Ben McDaniels That same day Jeff Rodgers who served on John Fox s staff with the Panthers during the previous two seasons was named the team s new special teams coach 10 January 24 The Broncos hired former New Orleans Saints secondary coach Dennis Allen as the team s new defensive coordinator replacing Don Martindale 11 January 25 Ron Milus was hired as the new secondary coach replacing Dennis Allen while Richard Smith was hired as the new linebackers coach Milus previously served as the Broncos secondary coach in 2000 while Smith previously served as the Broncos special teams coach and linebackers coach in the mid 1990s and both previously served on John Fox s staff with the Panthers during the past two seasons 12 January 27 The coaching staff was finalized when Keith Burns was brought back as the assistant special teams coach and Sam Garnes was hired as the teams new assistant secondary coach Garnes served on John Fox s staff with the Panthers last season 13 July 22 The Broncos hired Jerry Butler as the team s director of player development Butler previously served in the same capacity with the Cleveland Browns from 2001 to 2010 and was a wide receiver with the Buffalo Bills from 1979 to 1986 14 Pre lockout roster changes editThe Broncos made the following roster moves prior to the decertification of the NFLPA on March 11 and subsequent 2011 NFL Lockout On January 7 five days after the end of the 2010 season the team signed fullback Mike McLaughlin guards Shawn Murphy and Manny Ramirez and offensive tackle Herb Taylor to future contracts 15 McLaughlin was waived on July 29 16 Murphy was waived on August 29 17 and Taylor was waived on September 6 18 On February 22 unrestricted free agent cornerback Champ Bailey was re signed 19 On March 2 tight end Daniel Graham was released 20 On March 3 unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson was re signed while defensive tackles Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams were released 21 Draft editMain article 2011 NFL draft Despite the 2011 NFL Lockout the 2011 NFL draft was held from April 28 30 However no undrafted free agents were signed until after the lockout ended on July 25 22 2011 Denver Broncos Draft Round Selection Player Position College Notes Trades 1 2 Von Miller LB Texas A amp M signed July 28 23 2 45 Rahim Moore S UCLA signed July 28 24 dr 1 dr 2 46 Orlando Franklin OT Miami signed July 29 27 3 67 Nate Irving LB NC State signed July 29 27 4 108 Quinton Carter S Oklahoma signed July 29 27 dr 3 dr 4 129 Julius Thomas TE Portland State signed July 27 29 dr 5 5 None dr 6 dr 7 6 189 Mike Mohamed LB California signed July 27 29 waived September 22 33 promoted to the active roster on November 28 34 dr 8 dr 9 7 204 Virgil Green TE Nevada signed July 27 29 dr 10 247 Jeremy Beal DE Oklahoma signed July 27 29 waived September 3 36 Compensatory selection 37 Draft trades The Broncos traded their original second round selection No 36 overall to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 49ers second No 45 overall fourth No 108 overall and fifth No 141 overall later traded to the Green Bay Packers round selections 25 The Broncos acquired this second round selection as part of an April 2010 trade that sent wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins 26 The Broncos traded their original fourth round selection No 99 overall to the New England Patriots in exchange for the Patriots sixth round selection No 189 overall and running back Laurence Maroney in September 2010 28 See draft note 1 The Broncos acquired this fourth round selection and a seventh round selection No 204 overall in a trade that sent a fifth round selection No 141 overall see draft note 1 and a sixth round selection No 186 overall previously acquired along with TE Dan Gronkowski in a September 2010 trade that sent CB Alphonso Smith and the team s original seventh round selection No 205 overall to the Detroit Lions to the Green Bay Packers 30 31 See draft notes 1 amp 5 The Broncos traded their original fifth round selection No 135 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for two 2010 seventh round selections 32 The Broncos traded their original sixth round selection No 168 overall a 2012 conditional draft selection and FB Peyton Hillis to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for QB Brady Quinn in March 2010 35 See draft note 3 See draft note 5 Post lockout roster changes editFree agents edit The following free agents were left unsigned after the beginning of the 2011 NFL Lockout in March cornerback Champ Bailey and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson were re signed before the lockout Position Player Tag 2011 Team Notes FB Kyle Eckel UFA None NT Ronald Fields UFA Carolina Panthers signed with the Panthers on September 13 38 OT Ryan Harris UFA Philadelphia Eagles signed with the Eagles on August 2 39 re signed by the Broncos on January 2 2012 40 RB Laurence Maroney UFA None DE Ryan McBean ERFA Denver Broncos signed tender July 29 41 PK Matt Prater RFA Denver Broncos signed tender July 29 41 DT NT Marcus Thomas UFA Denver Broncos re signed July 31 42 LB Wesley Woodyard RFA Denver Broncos signed tender July 29 41 Undrafted free agents edit All undrafted free agents were signed on July 27 two days after the end of the 2011 NFL Lockout 43 2011 Denver Broncos Undrafted Free Agents Player Position College Notes CB Brandon Bing Rutgers waived September 3 36 DT Ronnell Brown James Madison waived September 3 36 WR Mark Dell Michigan State designated as waived injured on August 13 44 LB Derek Domino South Dakota State designated as waived injured on August 15 45 released from the waived injured list on December 13 46 RB Mario Fannin Auburn designated as waived injured on August 6 47 WR D Andre Goodwin Washington waived September 3 36 assigned to practice squad September 4 48 promoted to the active roster on January 10 2012 49 on final roster OT Adam Grant Arizona waived September 3 36 assigned to practice squad on September 4 48 CB Chris Harris Jr Kansas on final roster WR Jamel Hamler Fresno State placed on injured reserve September 3 36 waived September 12 50 LB A J Jones Florida waived August 16 51 LB Deron Mayo Old Dominion waived August 29 17 OT Curt Porter Jacksonville State waived August 29 17 CB James Rogers Michigan released August 1 52 FB Austin Sylvester Washington waived September 3 36 assigned to practice squad September 4 48 promoted to the active roster on December 27 53 waived January 13 2012 54 QB Adam Weber Minnesota waived September 3 36 assigned to practice squad on September 4 48 DT Colby Whitlock Texas Tech released August 2 55 WR Marshall Williams Wake Forest released August 1 56 Signings edit Position Player 2010 Team Notes WR David Anderson Houston Texans signed July 30 57 waived September 3 36 LS David Binn San Diego Chargers signed January 13 2012 54 on final roster LB Alvin Bowen Jacksonville Jaguars signed August 15 45 waived September 3 36 S Rafael Bush Atlanta Falcons signed October 17 58 on final roster CB Tony Carter Practice squad player promoted to the active roster on December 13 46 on final roster WR RS Quan Cosby Cincinnati Bengals signed September 20 59 waived December 27 53 TE Daniel Fells St Louis Rams signed August 1 52 on final roster RB C J Gable New Orleans Saints signed August 6 47 waived August 29 17 DE Derrick Harvey Jacksonville Jaguars signed August 1 52 on final roster OT Tony Hills Pittsburgh Steelers signed September 6 18 on final roster LB Brian Iwuh Chicago Bears signed January 3 2012 60 on final roster RB Jeremiah Johnson Practice squad player promoted to the active roster on September 16 61 waived September 20 59 promoted to the active roster on November 14 62 on final roster FB Quinn Johnson Tennessee Titans signed October 10 63 waived December 17 64 S Kyle McCarthy Practice squad player promoted to the active roster on November 28 34 waived December 13 46 promoted to the active roster on December 17 64 waived January 3 2012 60 RB Willis McGahee Baltimore Ravens signed July 31 65 on final roster WR Greg Orton Spokane Shock AFL signed August 13 44 waived September 3 36 DT DeMario Pressley Houston Texans signed August 17 66 waived September 3 36 TE Dante Rosario Carolina Panthers signed August 1 56 released September 3 36 re signed September 22 33 on final roster DT Ty Warren New England Patriots signed August 2 67 placed on injured reserve September 17 68 CB Jonathan Wilhite New England Patriots signed September 4 48 on final roster Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team s 2010 season Departures edit Position Player Notes RB Correll Buckhalter released July 29 16 G Stanley Daniels waived September 3 36 TE Daniel Coats released July 29 16 CB Perrish Cox waived September 3 36 G Stanley Daniels waived September 3 36 WR Britt Davis waived September 3 36 LB Dominic Douglas waived July 31 69 TE Dan Gronkowski waived September 3 36 PK Steven Hauschka waived September 3 36 S Renaldo Hill released July 30 70 CB Chevis Jackson waived August 4 71 CB Nate Jones released August 29 17 LB Braxton Kelley waived August 29 17 DT Louis Leonard released August 15 45 S Darcel McBath released September 4 48 G Eric Olsen waived September 3 36 QB Kyle Orton waived November 22 4 S Nick Polk released August 1 52 TE Richard Quinn designated as waived injured on August 22 72 released from injured reserve on August 26 73 LB Lee Robinson waived September 3 36 DE David Veikune waived August 29 17 RB LenDale White released August 16 51 Trades edit July 27 Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney was traded to the Washington Redskins in exchange for defensive end Jeremy Jarmon 74 Jarmon was later waived on September 4 36 August 1 The Broncos acquired defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for an undisclosed 2013 draft selection 75 October 17 Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd was traded to the St Louis Rams in exchange for a sixth round selection in the 2012 NFL draft 5 the selection was later upgraded to a fifth rounder after a condition was met in which Lloyd made a minimum of 30 receptions with the Rams 76 Injuries edit July 27 Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was placed on the non football injury list Thomas suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon shortly after the end of the 2010 season and had surgery back in February 77 Thomas later suffered a broken finger during practice on September 8 and missed the first six weeks of the regular season 78 August 15 Defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Ty Warren each sustained separate injuries in practice Thomas suffered a strained pectoral muscle and missed the first four weeks of the regular season Warren suffered torn triceps and was initially expected to return in November but was placed on the season ending injured reserve on September 17 68 79 August 27 Linebacker D J Williams suffered a dislocated elbow during the team s third preseason game vs the Seattle Seahawks and missed the first three weeks of the regular season 80 September 2 Cornerback Syd Quan Thompson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the team s last preseason game at the Arizona Cardinals and missed the entire 2011 season 81 October 10 Defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury during the team s Week 5 loss to the San Diego Chargers the previous day 63 November 14 Running back Knowshon Moreno was placed on injured reserve after he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the team s Week 10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs the previous day 62 November 28 Cornerback return specialist Cassius Vaughn was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken bone in his leg during the team s Week 12 win over the San Diego Chargers the previous day 34 January 2 2012 Guard Chris Kuper was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken leg during the team s regular season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs the previous day 40 January 10 2012 Fullback Spencer Larsen was placed on injured reserve 49 Staff edit2011 Denver Broncos staff Front office Owner chairman CEO Pat Bowlen President Joe Ellis Executive vice president of football operations John Elway general manager Brian Xanders Director of football administration Mike Bluem Director of college scouting Matt Russell Director of pro personnel Keith Kidd Assistant director of college scouting Lenny McGill Assistant director of pro personnel Anthony Kelly Director of player development Jerry Butler Head coaches Head coach John Fox Assistant to head coach Mark Thewes Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator Mike McCoy Quarterbacks Adam Gase Running backs Eric Studesville Wide receivers Tyke Tolbert Tight ends Clancy Barone Offensive line Dave Magazu Offensive quality control Brian Callahan Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen Defensive line Wayne Nunnely Linebackers Richard Smith Secondary Ron Milus Assistant secondary Sam Garnes Defensive quality control Jay Rodgers Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers Assistant special teams Keith Burns Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning Rich Tuten Strength and conditioning assistant Justin Lovett Strength and conditioning assistant Greg SaportaFinal roster edit2011 Denver Broncos final roster Quarterbacks 9 Brady Quinn 15 Tim Tebow Running backs 35 Lance Ball 37 Jeremiah Johnson 23 Willis McGahee 46 Spencer Larsen FB 40 Austin Sylvester Wide receivers 87 Eric Decker 19 Eddie Royal 88 Demaryius Thomas 12 Matt Willis Tight ends 86 Daniel Fells 85 Virgil Green 81 Dante Rosario 80 Julius Thomas Offensive linemen 68 Zane Beadles G 78 Ryan Clady T 75 Chris Clark T 74 Orlando Franklin T 76 Tony Hills T 71 Russ Hochstein C 73 Chris Kuper G 65 Manny Ramirez G 50 J D Walton C Defensive linemen 91 Robert Ayers DE 77 Brodrick Bunkley DT 92 Elvis Dumervil DE 95 Derrick Harvey DE 90 Jason Hunter DE 98 Ryan McBean DE 79 Marcus Thomas DT 96 Mitch Unrein DT Linebackers 57 Mario Haggan OLB 56 Nate Irving MLB 51 Joe Mays MLB 58 Von Miller OLB 53 Mike Mohamed OLB 55 D J Williams 0LB 52 Wesley Woodyard OLB MLB Defensive backs 24 Champ Bailey CB 30 David Bruton FS 36 Rafael Bush SS 28 Quinton Carter FS SS 32 Tony Carter CB 20 Brian Dawkins SS 21 Andre Goodman CB 25 Chris Harris Jr CB 34 Kyle McCarthy SS 26 Rahim Moore FS 29 Jonathan Wilhite CB Special teams 66 Lonie Paxton LS 4 Britton Colquitt P 5 Matt Prater K Reserve lists 83 Mark Dell WR IRTooltip Injured reserve nbsp 42 Mario Fannin RB IRTooltip Injured reserve nbsp Ben Garland DE Reserve Military 27 Knowshon Moreno RB IRTooltip Injured reserve nbsp 22 Syd Quan Thompson CB IRTooltip Injured reserve nbsp 41 Cassius Vaughn CB IRTooltip Injured reserve nbsp 99 Kevin Vickerson DT IRTooltip Injured reserve nbsp 94 Ty Warren DT IRTooltip Injured reserve nbsp Practice squad 97 Jeremy Beal DE 16 D Andre Goodwin WR 67 Adam Grant T 84 Cornelius Ingram TE 33 Xavier Omon RB 14 Greg Orton WR 93 Sealver Siliga DT 2 Adam Weber QB Rookies in italics 53 active 8 inactive 8 practice squadPreseason editWeek Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 August 11 at Dallas Cowboys L 23 24 0 1 Cowboys Stadium Recap 2 August 20 Buffalo Bills W 24 10 1 1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 3 August 27 Seattle Seahawks W 23 20 2 1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 4 September 1 at Arizona Cardinals L 7 26 2 2 University of Phoenix Stadium RecapRegular season editSchedule edit Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 September 12 Oakland Raiders L 20 23 0 1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 2 September 18 Cincinnati Bengals W 24 22 1 1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 3 September 25 at Tennessee Titans L 14 17 1 2 LP Field Recap 4 October 2 at Green Bay Packers L 23 49 1 3 Lambeau Field Recap 5 October 9 San Diego Chargers L 24 29 1 4 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 6 Bye 7 October 23 at Miami Dolphins W 18 15 OT 2 4 Sun Life Stadium Recap 8 October 30 Detroit Lions L 10 45 2 5 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 9 November 6 at Oakland Raiders W 38 24 3 5 O co Coliseum Recap 10 November 13 at Kansas City Chiefs W 17 10 4 5 Arrowhead Stadium Recap 11 November 17 New York Jets W 17 13 5 5 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 12 November 27 at San Diego Chargers W 16 13 OT 6 5 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 13 December 4 at Minnesota Vikings W 35 32 7 5 Mall of America Field Recap 14 December 11 Chicago Bears W 13 10 OT 8 5 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 15 December 18 New England Patriots L 23 41 8 6 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 16 December 24 at Buffalo Bills L 14 40 8 7 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap 17 January 1 Kansas City Chiefs L 3 7 8 8 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap Note Intra division opponents are in bold text Game summaries edit Week 1 vs Oakland Raiders edit Week One Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalRaiders 0 16 0723Broncos 3 0 10720 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver Colorado Date September 12Game time 8 15 p m MDTGame weather 75 F 24 C partly cloudyGame attendance 75 671Referee Jerome BogerTV announcers ESPN Brad Nessler and Trent DilferRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter DEN 9 55 Matt Prater 28 yard FG Drive 4 plays 5 yards 0 55 DEN 3 0 Second quarter OAK 13 28 Marcel Reece 3 yard TD pass from Jason Campbell Sebastian Janikowski kick Drive 8 plays 42 yards 4 34 OAK 7 3 OAK 11 14 Sebastian Janikowski 37 yard FG Drive 4 plays 4 yards 2 09 OAK 10 3 OAK 1 27 Sebastian Janikowski 21 yard FG Drive 11 plays 51 yards 2 45 OAK 13 3 OAK 0 00 Sebastian Janikowski 63 yard FG Drive 3 plays 31 yards 0 24 OAK 16 3 Third quarter DEN 12 31 Eric Decker 90 yard punt return for a TD Matt Prater kick OAK 16 10 DEN 1 55 Matt Prater 30 yard FG Drive 12 plays 77 yards 4 56 OAK 16 13 Fourth quarter OAK 12 33 Jason Campbell 1 yard TD run Sebastian Janikowski kick Drive 3 plays 65 yards 1 38 OAK 23 13 DEN 3 43 Lance Ball 9 yard TD pass from Kyle Orton Matt Prater kick Drive 12 plays 80 yards 3 56 OAK 23 20 Top passers OAK Jason Campbell 13 22 105 yards 1 TD DEN Kyle Orton 24 26 304 yards 1 TD 1 INT Top rushers OAK Darren McFadden 22 rushes 150 yards DEN Knowshon Moreno 8 rushes 22 yards Top receivers OAK Darrius Heyward Bey 4 receptions 44 yards DEN Brandon Lloyd 6 receptions 89 yards Top tacklers OAK Tyvon Branch Chris Johnson and Quentin Groves 5 tackles each 1 assist by Branch DEN Brian Dawkins 7 tackles 2 assists The Broncos donned their alternate orange jerseys and kicked off their 2011 season at home against their AFC West rival Oakland Raiders the Broncos first Week 1 home opener since 2004 The Broncos took an early lead in the first quarter with a 28 yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater The Raiders reeled off 16 unanswered points in the second quarter with a 3 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jason Campbell to fullback Marcel Reece followed by three field goals of 37 21 and 63 yards by placekicker Sebastian Janikowski the latter of which tied the record for the longest field goal in NFL history The Broncos responded in the third quarter with kick returner Eric Decker returning a punt 90 yards for a touchdown followed by a 30 yard field goal by Prater The Raiders increased their lead in the fourth quarter with a 1 yard touchdown run by Campbell The Broncos tried to rally with quarterback Kyle Orton throwing a 9 yard touchdown pass to running back Lance Ball However Oakland ran out the clock 82 This would be the last time the Broncos lost their season opener and home opener until 2019 their opener that year was also against the Raiders Week 2 vs Cincinnati Bengals edit Week Two Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalBengals 0 3 12722Broncos 7 3 7724 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver Colorado Date September 18Game time 2 15 pm MDTGame weather 69 F 21 C sunnyGame attendance 73 281Referee Ed HochuliTV announcers CBS Spero Dedes and Steve BeuerleinRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter DEN 6 30 Willis McGahee 1 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 15 plays 80 yards 8 30 DEN 7 0 Second quarter CIN 6 33 Mike Nugent 45 yard FG Drive 6 plays 14 yards 3 02 DEN 7 3 DEN 0 12 Matt Prater 34 yard FG Drive 16 plays 64 yards 6 21 DEN 10 3 Third quarter DEN 10 57 Eric Decker 25 yard TD pass from Kyle Orton Matt Prater kick Drive 5 plays 59 yards 2 12 DEN 17 3 CIN 8 54 Mike Nugent 37 yard FG Drive 7 plays 61 yards 2 03 DEN 17 6 CIN 3 36 Andre Caldwell 10 yard TD pass from Andy Dalton two point pass failed Drive 6 plays 72 yards 3 14 DEN 17 12 CIN 1 05 Mike Nugent 23 yard FG Drive 4 plays 9 yards 1 13 DEN 17 15 Fourth quarter DEN 13 30 Eric Decker 52 yard TD pass from Kyle Orton Drive 5 plays 80 yards 2 35 DEN 24 15 CIN 11 17 A J Green 5 yard TD pass from Andy Dalton Drive 4 plays 80 yards 2 13 DEN 24 22 Top passers CIN Andy Dalton 27 41 332 yards 2 TD DEN Kyle Orton 15 25 195 yards 2 TD Top rushers CIN Cedric Benson 16 rushes 59 yards DEN Willis McGahee 28 rushes 101 yards Top receivers CIN Jerome Simpson 4 receptions 136 yards DEN Eric Decker 5 receptions 113 yards Top tacklers CIN Thomas Howard and Michael Johnson 7 tackles each 1 assist by Howard DEN Wesley Woodyard 10 tackles 3 assists Following their Monday Night loss to the Raiders the Broncos remained on home turf to face the Cincinnati Bengals The Broncos took the lead in the first quarter with a 1 yard touchdown run by running back Willis McGahee The Bengals got on the board in the second quarter with a 45 yard field goal by placekicker Mike Nugent The Broncos responded with a 34 yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater just before halftime In the third quarter the Broncos extended their lead with a 25 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Orton to wide receiver Eric Decker The Bengals reeled off 12 unanswered points with a 37 yard field goal by Nugent a 10 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andy Dalton to wide receiver Andre Caldwell with a failed two point conversion attempt followed by a 23 yard field goal by Nugent narrowing the Broncos lead to 17 15 In the fourth quarter the Broncos once again increased their lead with a 52 yard touchdown pass from Orton to Decker but the Bengals responded with a 5 yard touchdown pass from Dalton to wide receiver A J Green The Broncos defense prevented any more scoring 83 Week 3 at Tennessee Titans edit Week Three Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalBroncos 7 0 7014Titans 0 10 0717 at LP Field Nashville Tennessee Date September 25Game time 12 00 p m CDT 11 00 am MDTGame weather 73 F 23 C sunnyGame attendance 69 143Referee John ParryTV announcers CBS Bill Macatee and Steve TaskerRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter DEN 3 45 Matthew Willis 5 yard TD pass from Kyle Orton Matt Prater kick Drive 8 plays 50 yards 3 51 DEN 7 0 Second quarter TEN 11 37 Nate Washington 14 yard TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck Rob Bironas kick Drive 9 plays 85 yards 4 05 tied 7 7 TEN 1 11 Rob Bironas 46 yard FG Drive 8 plays 29 yards 2 39 TEN 10 7 Third quarter DEN 1 17 Willis McGahee 5 yard TD pass from Kyle Orton Matt Prater kick Drive 16 plays 80 yards 8 09 DEN 14 10 Fourth quarter TEN 4 24 Daniel Graham 4 yard TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck Rob Bironas kick Drive 7 plays 95 yards 3 30 TEN 17 14 Top passers DEN Kyle Orton 24 29 173 yards 1 TD 2 INT TEN Matt Hasselbeck 27 36 311 yards 2 TD Top rushers DEN Willis McGahee 22 rushes 52 yards TEN Chris Johnson 13 rushes 21 yards Top receivers DEN Eric Decker 7 receptions 48 yards TEN Nate Washington 8 receptions 92 yards 1 TD Top tacklers DEN Jonathan Wilhite and Wesley Woodyard 6 tackles each 3 assists by Woodyard 1 sack by Wilhite TEN Jordan Babineaux 6 tackles 2 assists Following their close win over the Bengals the Broncos traveled to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans at LP Field The Broncos took the lead in the first quarter with a 5 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Orton to wide receiver Matthew Willis The Titans responded in the second quarter with a 14 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to wide receiver Nate Washington followed by a 46 yard field goal by placekicker Rob Bironas The Broncos re claimed the lead in the third quarter when Orton connecting with running back Willis McGahee on a 5 yard touchdown pass However after recovering a Hasselbeck fumble in Titans territory late in the third quarter the Broncos failed to capitalize on the turnover as Tennessee s defense denied the Broncos from extending their lead with a goal line stand in the fourth quarter The Titans later claimed the lead when Hasselbeck playing on his 36th birthday threw a 4 yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Graham who played with the Broncos from 2007 to 2010 Tennessee s defense thwarted the Broncos final drive 84 Week 4 at Green Bay Packers edit Week Four Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalBroncos 3 14 0623Packers 14 14 14749 at Lambeau Field Green Bay Wisconsin Date October 2Game time 3 15 pm CDT 2 15 pm MDTGame weather 67 F 19 C sunnyGame attendance 70 529Referee Scott GreenTV announcers CBS Jim Nantz and Phil SimmsRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter DEN 5 22 Matt Prater 27 yard FG Drive 12 plays 78 yards 6 28 DEN 3 0 GB 2 08 Jordy Nelson 50 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers Mason Crosby kick Drive 6 plays 79 yards 3 14 GB 7 3 GB 0 50 Charles Woodson 30 yard interception return for a TD Mason Crosby kick GB 14 3 Second quarter GB 12 18 Aaron Rodgers 11 yard TD run Mason Crosby kick Drive 7 plays 53 yards 3 32 GB 21 3 DEN 10 27 Eric Decker 5 yard TD pass from Kyle Orton Matt Prater kick Drive 4 plays 69 yards 1 51 GB 21 10 DEN 3 21 Eric Decker 33 yard TD pass from Kyle Orton Matt Prater kick Drive 8 plays 71 yards 4 58 GB 21 17 GB 0 24 Greg Jennings 17 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers Mason Crosby kick Drive 10 plays 80 yards 2 57 GB 28 17 Third quarter GB 8 26 Aaron Rodgers 8 yard TD run Mason Crosby kick Drive 12 plays 80 yards 6 34 GB 35 17 GB 1 12 James Jones 16 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers Mason Crosby kick Drive 5 plays 86 yards 4 09 GB 42 17 Fourth quarter GB 7 46 Donald Driver 8 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers Mason Crosby kick Drive 8 plays 46 yards 4 09 GB 49 17 DEN 3 02 Daniel Fells 7 yard TD pass from Kyle Orton two point run failed Drive 12 plays 78 yards 4 44 GB 49 23 Top passers DEN Kyle Orton 22 32 273 yards 3 TD 3 INT GB Aaron Rodgers 29 38 408 yards 4 TD 1 INT Top rushers DEN Willis McGahee 15 rushes 103 yards GB James Starks 13 rushes 63 yards Top receivers DEN Brandon Lloyd 8 receptions 136 yards GB Greg Jennings 7 receptions 136 yards 1 TD Top tacklers DEN D J Williams 7 tackles 1 assist GB Desmond Bishop 9 tackles 1 assist 1 sack 1 forced fumble Hoping to avenge their loss at Tennessee the Broncos traveled to Lambeau Field to face the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers The Broncos took the early lead with a 27 yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater However the Packers responded with a 50 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to wide receiver Jordy Nelson followed by cornerback Charles Woodson returning an interception off Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton 30 yards for a touchdown After recovering an onside kick the Packers added to their lead early in the second quarter with Rodgers scrambling 11 yards for a touchdown The Broncos responded with Orton throwing two touchdown passes to wide receiver Eric Decker a 5 yarder followed by a 33 yarder The Packers responded just before halftime when Rodgers connected on a 17 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings The Packers increased their lead on the opening possession of the third quarter with Rodgers scrambling for an 8 yard touchdown run followed by a 16 yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to wide receiver James Jones The Packers continued their onslaught in the fourth quarter with Rodgers hooking up with wide receiver Donald Driver on an 8 yard touchdown pass The Broncos scored a late touchdown when Orton connected with tight end Daniel Fells on a 7 yard touchdown pass with a failed two point conversion attempt but the outcome of the game had already been decided in Green Bay s favor 85 The loss drops the Broncos to 0 4 1 all time in Green Bay Week 5 vs San Diego Chargers edit Week Five San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalChargers 6 17 0629Broncos 7 3 01424 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver Colorado Date October 9Game time 2 15 pm MDTGame weather 52 F 11 C mostly sunnyGame attendance 74 895Referee Gene SteratoreTV announcers CBS Marv Albert and Rich GannonRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter SD 8 37 Nick Novak 24 yard FG Drive 9 plays 46 yards 4 54 SD 3 0 DEN 5 58 Cassius Vaughn 55 yard interception return for a TD Matt Prater kick DEN 7 3 SD 0 45 Nick Novak 32 yard FG Drive 10 plays 66 yards 5 13 DEN 7 6 Second quarter DEN 11 10 Matt Prater 35 yard FG Drive 11 plays 63 yards 4 35 DEN 10 6 SD 7 19 Philip Rivers 2 yard TD run Nick Novak kick Drive 7 plays 80 yards 3 51 SD 13 10 SD 1 47 Nick Novak 28 yard FG Drive 8 plays 56 yards 3 42 SD 16 10 SD 0 13 Malcom Floyd 42 yard TD pass from Philip Rivers Nick Novak kick Drive 5 plays 54 yards 0 49 SD 23 10 Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter SD 13 35 Nick Novak 51 yard FG Drive 9 plays 30 yards 4 13 SD 26 10 DEN 6 35 Tim Tebow 12 yard TD run Willis McGahee run for a two point conversion Drive 4 plays 51 yards 2 19 SD 26 18 DEN 3 19 Knowshon Moreno 28 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow two point pass failed Drive 3 plays 41 yards 1 19 SD 26 24 SD 0 24 Nick Novak 35 yard FG Drive 9 plays 63 yards 2 55 SD 29 24 Top passers SD Philip Rivers 18 29 250 yards 1 TD 1 INT DEN Tim Tebow 4 10 79 yards 1 TD Top rushers SD Ryan Mathews 24 rushes 125 yards DEN Willis McGahee 16 yards 125 yards Top receivers SD Malcom Floyd 3 receptions 100 yards 1 TD DEN Daniel Fells 3 receptions 47 yards Top tacklers SD Donald Butler Antoine Cason and Takeo Spikes 4 tackles each 1 assist by Spikes DEN Joe Mays 8 tackles 1 assist Hoping to rebound from their blowout loss at Green Bay the Broncos returned home for an AFC West duel with the San Diego Chargers The Chargers took the early lead in the first quarter with a 24 yard field goal by placekicker Nick Novak The Broncos grabbed the lead when cornerback Cassius Vaughn returned an interception off Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers 55 yards for a touchdown The Chargers responded with a 32 yard field goal by Novak The Broncos extended their lead in the second quarter with a 32 yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater However the Chargers reclaimed the lead with a 2 yard touchdown run by Rivers a 28 yard field goal by Novak followed by a 42 yard touchdown pass from Rivers to wide receiver Malcom Floyd giving San Diego a 23 10 halftime lead The Broncos benched quarterback Kyle Orton in favor of Tim Tebow After a scoreless third quarter the Chargers added to their lead with a 51 yard field goal by Novak The Broncos responded when Tebow scrambled for a 12 yard touchdown with a two point conversion run by running back Willis McGahee then threw a 28 yard touchdown pass to running back Knowshon Moreno with a failed two point conversion attempt to pull the Broncos to within 26 24 with just over three minutes left in the game The Chargers responded with a 35 yard field goal by Novak The Broncos tried to rally with 24 seconds remaining in regulation but Tebow s last second desperation pass into the end zone was unsuccessful sealing the win for San Diego 86 Injuries Defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson suffering an ankle injury early in the game Though he later returned he was placed on injured reserve one day later October 10 63 Week 7 at Miami Dolphins edit Week Seven Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins Game summary Period 1 2 34OTTotalBroncos 0 0 015318Dolphins 0 6 09015 at Sun Life Stadium Miami Gardens Florida Date October 23Game time 1 00 p m EDT 11 00 am MDTGame weather 77 F 25 C sunnyGame attendance 63 800Referee Clete BlakemanTV announcers CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon WilcotsRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter MIA 14 18 Dan Carpenter 38 yard FG Drive 10 plays 41 yards 2 26 MIA 3 0 MIA 2 46 Dan Carpenter 36 yard FG Drive 6 plays 22 yards 3 13 MIA 6 0 Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter MIA 15 00 Anthony Fasano 16 yard TD pass from Matt Moore two point pass failed Drive 11 plays 72 yards 6 31 MIA 12 0 MIA 7 34 Dan Carpenter 43 yard FG Drive 9 plays 50 yards 5 05 MIA 15 0 DEN 2 44 Demaryius Thomas 5 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 8 plays 80 yards 2 39 MIA 15 7 DEN 0 17 Daniel Fells 3 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Tim Tebow run for a two point conversion Drive 10 plays 56 yards 2 27 tied 15 15 Overtime DEN 7 24 Matt Prater 52 yard FG Drive 4 plays 2 yards 2 06 DEN 18 15 Top passers DEN Tim Tebow 13 27 161 yards 2 TD MIA Matt Moore 22 33 197 yards 1 TD Top rushers DEN Willis McGahee 18 rushes 76 yards MIA Daniel Thomas 19 rushes 53 yards Top receivers DEN Matthew Willis 1 reception 42 yards MIA Brandon Marshall 6 receptions 61 yards Top tacklers DEN Jonathan Wilhite 10 tackles 1 assist MIA Karlos Dansby 8 tackles 5 assists Hoping to snap their three game losing streak and coming off their bye week the Broncos traveled to face the Miami Dolphins in Sun Life Stadium where the Broncos had never won in their franchise history except against another team the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII After a scoreless first quarter the Dolphins grabbed the lead in the second quarter with field goals of 38 and 36 yards by kicker Dan Carpenter After a scoreless third quarter the Dolphins extended their lead in the fourth quarter with quarterback Matt Moore throwing a 16 yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Fasano with a failed two point conversion attempt followed by a 43 yard field goal by Carpenter giving Miami a 15 0 lead However after each team traded punts the Broncos staged a rally with just over five minutes remaining with quarterback Tim Tebow throwing a 5 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to pull to within 15 7 with 2 44 remaining After the Broncos recovered an onside kick they subsequently marched down the field with Tebow connecting on a 3 yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Fells followed by Tebow scrambling for the two point conversion to send the game into overtime On the Dolphins second possession in overtime Broncos linebacker D J Williams forced a fumble off Moore giving the Broncos possession at the Dolphins 36 yard line Four plays later kicker Matt Prater who had missed two field goals in the first half nailed the game winning 52 yard field goal NotesWith the win the Broncos earned their 400th win in franchise history their first ever win over the Dolphins at Miami in eight tries and became the first team in NFL history since the AFL NFL merger to win a game after trailing by 15 or more points with less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter 87 88 Week 8 vs Detroit Lions edit Week Eight Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalLions 7 17 14745Broncos 3 0 0710 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver Colorado Date October 30Game time 2 05 pm MDTGame weather 56 F 13 C sunnyGame attendance 74 977Referee Walt ColemanTV announcers Fox Dick Stockton John Lynch and Jaime MaggioRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter DEN 11 20 Matt Prater 39 yard FG Drive 8 plays 59 yards 3 40 DEN 3 0 DET 8 40 Titus Young 41 yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford Jason Hanson kick Drive 6 plays 80 yards 2 40 DET 7 3 Second quarter DET 14 44 Jason Hanson 50 yard FG Drive 7 plays 57 yards 2 34 DET 10 3 DET 4 11 Tony Scheffler 1 yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford Jason Hanson kick Drive 8 plays 68 yards 4 39 DET 17 3 DET 0 29 Maurice Morris 1 yard TD run Jason Hanson kick Drive 7 plays 49 yards 1 36 DET 24 3 Third quarter DET 13 26 Cliff Avril 24 yard fumble return Jason Hanson kick DET 31 3 DET 6 18 Calvin Johnson 56 yard TD from Matthew Stafford Jason Hanson kick Drive 2 plays 67 yards 0 48 DET 38 3 Fourth quarter DET 12 04 Chris Houston 100 yard interception return for a TD Jason Hanson kick DET 45 3 DEN 8 19 Eric Decker 14 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 9 plays 80 yards 3 45 DET 45 10 Top passers DET Matthew Stafford 21 30 267 yards 3 TD DEN Tim Tebow 18 39 172 yards 1 TD 1 INT Top rushers DET Maurice Morris 13 rushes 58 yards 1 TD DEN Knowshon Moreno 14 rushes 69 yards Top receivers DET Calvin Johnson 6 receptions 125 yards 1 TD DEN Eric Decker 6 receptions 72 yards 1 TD Top tacklers DET Amari Spievey and Stephen Tulloch 6 tackles each 2 assists and 1 sack by Tulloch DEN Chris Harris Jr 6 tackles 3 assists Hoping to build on the momentum of their comeback win at Miami the Broncos donned their alternate orange jerseys and returned home for an interconference duel with the Detroit Lions The Broncos grabbed the early lead in the first quarter with a 39 yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater However the Lions dominated the remainder of the game beginning with a 41 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Titus Young followed in the second quarter by a 50 yard field goal by placekicker Jason Hanson a 1 yard touchdown pass from Stafford to tight end Tony Scheffler and a 1 yard touchdown run from running back Maurice Morris giving Detroit a 24 3 halftime lead The Lions continued their domination in the third quarter with a 24 yard fumble return for a touchdown by defensive end Cliff Avril a 56 yard touchdown pass from Stafford to wide receiver Calvin Johnson followed in the fourth quarter by cornerback Chris Houston returning an interception off Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow 100 yards for a touchdown The Broncos finally got into the end zone with Tebow throwing a 14 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Decker but the outcome of the game had already been decided in Detroit s favor 89 Week 9 at Oakland Raiders edit Week Nine Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalBroncos 7 0 171438Raiders 3 14 7024 at O co Coliseum Oakland California Date November 6Game time 2 05 pm MST 1 05 p m PSTGame weather 62 F 17 C partly cloudyGame attendance 58 125Referee John ParryTV announcers CBS Greg Gumbel and Dan DierdorfRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter OAK 7 35 Sebastian Janikowski 48 yard FG Drive 7 plays 43 yards 4 08 OAK 3 0 DEN 1 11 Eric Decker 27 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 5 plays 65 yards 2 06 DEN 7 3 Second quarter OAK 10 42 Michael Bush 11 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer Sebastian Janikowski kick Drive 3 plays 14 yards 1 38 OAK 10 7 OAK 1 30 Marcel Reece 40 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer Sebastian Janikowski kick Drive 4 plays 72 yards 1 16 OAK 17 7 Third quarter DEN 10 48 Eddie Royal 26 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 9 plays 80 yards 4 12 OAK 17 14 OAK 6 41 Jacoby Ford 18 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer Sebastian Janikowski kick Drive 8 plays 80 yards 4 07 OAK 24 14 DEN 2 52 Matt Prater 43 yard FG Drive 7 plays 52 yards 3 49 OAK 24 17 DEN 0 00 Willis McGahee 60 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 1 play 60 yards 0 07 tied 24 24 Fourth quarter DEN 5 53 Eddie Royal 85 yard punt return for a TD Matt Prater kick DEN 31 24 DEN 1 53 Willis McGahee 24 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 4 plays 77 yards 2 02 DEN 38 24 Top passers DEN Tim Tebow 10 21 124 yards 2 TD OAK Carson Palmer 19 35 332 yards 3 TD 3 INT Top rushers DEN Willis McGahee 20 rushes 163 yards 2 TD OAK Michael Bush 19 rushes 96 yards Top receivers DEN Eric Decker 3 receptions 47 yards 1 TD OAK Jacoby Ford 5 receptions 105 yards 1 TD Top tacklers DEN Chris Harris Jr 9 tackles 2 assists OAK Lamarr Houston and Kamerion Wimbley 6 tackles each 1 assist by Houston Hoping to rebound from their disastrous home loss to the Lions the Broncos traveled to the O co Coliseum for an AFC West rematch with the Oakland Raiders In the first quarter the Raiders grabbed the early lead with a 48 yard field goal by placekicker Sebastian Janikowski The Broncos responded with quarterback Tim Tebow hooking up with wide receiver Eric Decker on a 27 yard touchdown pass The Raiders re claimed the lead in the second quarter with quarterback Carson Palmer throwing two touchdown passes an 11 yarder to running back Michael Bush followed by a 40 yarder to fullback Marcel Reece In the third quarter the Broncos cut into the Raiders lead with a 26 yard touchdown pass from Tebow to wide receiver Eddie Royal The Raiders responded with Palmer throwing an 18 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jacoby Ford giving Oakland a 24 14 lead However the Broncos dominated the remainder of the game beginning with a 43 yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater followed by running back Willis McGahee rushing for a 60 yard touchdown at the end of the third quarter The Broncos grabbed the lead with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when Royal returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown then pulled away with a 24 yard touchdown run by McGahee 90 Week 10 at Kansas City Chiefs edit Week Ten Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalBroncos 7 3 0717Chiefs 0 0 7310 at Arrowhead Stadium Kansas City Missouri Date November 13Game time 12 00 pm CST 11 00 am MSTGame weather 67 F 19 C sunnyGame attendance 72 908Referee Ron WinterTV announcers CBS Bill Macatee and Steve TaskerRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter DEN 7 38 Tim Tebow 7 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 8 plays 57 yards 4 11 DEN 7 0 Second quarter DEN 7 51 Matt Prater 38 yard FG Drive 8 plays 34 yards 4 32 DEN 10 0 Third quarter KC 8 15 Le Ron McClain 1 yard TD pass from Matt Cassel Ryan Succop kick Drive 8 plays 65 yards 3 29 DEN 10 7 Fourth quarter DEN 6 52 Eric Decker 56 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 8 plays 80 yards 5 21 DEN 17 7 KC 0 07 Ryan Succop 32 yard FG Drive 8 plays 55 yards 1 48 DEN 17 10 Top passers DEN Tim Tebow 2 8 69 yards 1 TD KC Matt Cassel 13 28 93 yards 1 TD Top rushers DEN Lance Ball 30 rushes 96 yards KC Jackie Battle 9 rushes 61 yards Top receivers DEN Eric Decker 1 reception 56 yards 1 TD KC Dexter McCluster 6 receptions 48 yards Top tacklers DEN Joe Mays and Chris Harris Jr 8 tackles each KC Jovan Belcher 8 tackles 2 assists Coming off their win at Oakland the Broncos traveled to Arrowhead Stadium for an AFC West duel with the Kansas City Chiefs In the first quarter the Broncos grabbed the early lead with quarterback Tim Tebow scrambling for a 7 yard touchdown followed in the second quarter by a 38 yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater The Chiefs got on the board in the third quarter with a 1 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Cassel to fullback Le Ron McClain The Broncos responded in the fourth quarter with Tebow throwing a 56 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Decker The Chiefs tried to rally with placekicker Ryan Succop nailing a late 32 yard field goal with seven seconds remaining but the ensuing onside kickoff was unsuccessful sealing the win for the Broncos 91 NotesWith the win the Broncos matched their win total from 2010 Injuries Running back Knowshon Moreno suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the first quarter and was placed on injured reserve 62 Week 11 vs New York Jets edit Week Eleven New York Jets at Denver Broncos Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalJets 0 3 7313Broncos 3 0 7717 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver Colorado Date November 17Game time 6 20 pm MSTGame weather 54 F 12 C partly cloudyGame attendance 74 746Referee Bill LeavyTV announcers NFLN Brad Nessler Mike Mayock and Alex FlanaganRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter DEN 5 08 Matt Prater 37 yard FG Drive 6 plays 15 yards 2 55 DEN 3 0 Second quarter NYJ 12 04 Nick Folk 21 yard FG Drive 7 plays 32 yards 3 20 tied 3 3 Third quarter NYJ 10 57 Matt Slauson 1 yard fumble recovery for a TD Nick Folk kick Drive 8 plays 80 yards 4 03 NYJ 10 3 DEN 4 25 Andre Goodman 26 yard interception return for a TD Matt Prater kick tied 10 10 Fourth quarter NYJ 9 14 Nick Folk 45 yard FG Drive 11 plays 42 yards 5 34 NYJ 13 10 DEN 0 58 Tim Tebow 20 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 12 plays 95 yards 4 56 DEN 17 13 Top passers NYJ Mark Sanchez 24 40 252 yards 1 INT DEN Tim Tebow 9 20 104 yards Top rushers NYJ Joe McKnight 16 rushes 59 yards DEN Tim Tebow 8 rushes 68 yards 1 TD Top receivers NYJ Plaxico Burress 4 receptions 64 yards DEN Demaryius Thomas 2 receptions 37 yards Top tacklers NYJ Sione Pouha 6 tackles 1 assist DEN Von Miller 9 tackles 1 assist 1 5 sacks Coming off their win at Kansas City the Broncos returned home for an AFC duel against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football The Broncos grabbed the lead in the first quarter with a 37 yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater The Jets tied the game in the second quarter with a 21 yard field goal by placekicker Nick Folk then grabbed the lead in the third quarter when guard Matt Slauson returned a fumble off Jets running back Bilal Powell into the end zone for a touchdown The Broncos tied the game when cornerback Andre Goodman returned an interception off Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez 26 yards for a touchdown The Jets re claimed the lead in the fourth quarter with a 45 yard field goal by Folk After each team traded punts the Broncos got the ball with 5 54 remaining when quarterback Tim Tebow led the Broncos on a 12 play 95 yard drive culminating with Tebow scrambling 20 yards for a touchdown with 58 seconds remaining The Broncos defense thwarted Sanchez last second desperation pass toward the end zone 92 NotesWith the win the Broncos exceeded their win total from 2010 Week 12 at San Diego Chargers edit Week Twelve Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers Game summary Period 1 2 34OTTotalBroncos 0 7 33316Chargers 3 7 30013 at Qualcomm Stadium San Diego California Date November 27Game time 2 15 pm MST 1 15 pm PSTGame weather 84 F 29 C sunnyGame attendance 64 436Referee Jeff TripletteTV announcers CBS Ian Eagle and Dan FoutsRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter SD 11 34 Nick Novak 53 yard FG Drive 9 plays 45 yards 3 26 SD 3 0 Second quarter SD 7 58 Antonio Gates 6 yard TD pass from Philip Rivers Nick Novak kick Drive 15 plays 91 yards 8 47 SD 10 0 DEN 0 55 Eric Decker 18 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 4 plays 46 yards 0 32 SD 10 7 Third quarter SD 9 30 Nick Novak 25 yard FG Drive 8 plays 48 yards 3 48 SD 13 7 DEN 0 33 Matt Prater 41 yard FG Drive 11 plays 57 yards 6 08 SD 13 10 Fourth quarter DEN 1 34 Matt Prater 24 yard FG Drive 9 plays 68 yards 3 53 tied 13 13 Overtime DEN 0 29 Matt Prater 37 yard FG Drive 6 plays 38 yards 2 02 DEN 16 13 Top passers DEN Tim Tebow 9 18 143 yards 1 TD SD Philip Rivers 19 36 188 yards 1 TD Top rushers DEN Willis McGahee 23 rushes 117 yards SD Ryan Mathews 22 rushes 137 yards Top receivers DEN Eric Decker 3 receptions 65 yards 1 TD SD Vincent Brown 3 receptions 50 yards Top tacklers DEN D J Williams 10 tackles 2 assists SD Takeo Spikes 8 tackles 6 assists Coming off their win over the Jets the Broncos traveled to Qualcomm Stadium for an AFC West rematch with the San Diego Chargers The Chargers jumped out to a 10 0 lead with a 53 yard field goal by kicker Nick Novak in the first quarter followed in the second quarter by a 6 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Philip Rivers to tight end Antonio Gates The Broncos responded just before halftime with an 18 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Tebow to wide receiver Eric Decker The Chargers added to their lead in the third quarter with a 25 yard field goal by Novak The Broncos countered just before the end of the third quarter with a 41 yard field goal by kicker Matt Prater Novak missed a 48 yard field goal early in the fourth quarter Trailing 13 10 with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter the Broncos marched down the field and tied the game with a 24 yard field goal by Prater The Broncos defense subdued San Diego s final drive of the fourth quarter sending the game to overtime On the Chargers second possession in overtime Novak s potential game winning 53 yard field goal was blocked However head coach John Fox had called a timeout prior to the kick Novak missed the second attempt wide right The Broncos third possession in overtime began with 2 31 remaining and Prater nailed the game winning 37 yard field goal with 29 seconds left in overtime 93 NotesWith the win the Broncos swept their AFC West division rivals on the road for the second time in three seasons Injuries Cornerback Cassius Vaughn suffered a broken bone in his leg and was placed on injured reserve the following day 34 Week 13 at Minnesota Vikings edit Week Thirteen Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalBroncos 7 0 141435Vikings 5 10 71032 at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis Minnesota Date December 4Game time 12 00 pm CST 11 00 am MSTGame weather Played indoors dome stadium Game attendance 62 939Referee Terry McAulayTV announcers Fox Thom Brennaman Brian Billick and Laura OkminRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter MIN 12 44 Jared Allen tackled Willis McGahee in the end zone for a safety MIN 2 0 DEN 5 50 Mario Haggan 16 yard interception return for a TD Matt Prater kick DEN 7 2 MIN 1 29 Ryan Longwell 40 yard FG Drive 5 plays 7 yards 1 58 DEN 7 5 Second quarter MIN 3 40 Kyle Rudolph 19 yard TD pass from Christian Ponder Ryan Longwell kick Drive 12 plays 96 yards 5 57 MIN 12 7 MIN 0 03 Ryan Longwell 25 yard FG Drive 4 plays 15 yards 0 39 MIN 15 7 Third quarter DEN 11 24 Demaryius Thomas 21 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 9 plays 78 yards 3 42 MIN 15 14 MIN 3 22 Percy Harvin 52 yard TD pass from Christian Ponder Ryan Longwell kick Drive 6 plays 85 yards 3 23 MIN 22 14 DEN 3 03 Demaryius Thomas 41 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 1 play 41 yards 0 24 MIN 22 21 Fourth quarter MIN 9 41 Percy Harvin 48 yard TD pass from Christian Ponder Ryan Longwell kick Drive 4 plays 77 yards 1 36 MIN 29 21 DEN 8 52 Willis McGahee 24 yard TD run Tim Tebow run for a two point conversion Drive 2 plays 66 yards 0 49 tied 29 29 MIN 3 06 Ryan Longwell 39 yard FG Drive 13 plays 59 yards 5 46 MIN 32 29 DEN 1 33 Matt Prater 46 yard FG Drive 7 plays 52 yards 1 33 tied 32 32 DEN 0 00 Matt Prater 23 yard FG Drive 6 plays 10 yards 1 25 DEN 35 32 Top passers DEN Tim Tebow 10 15 202 yards 2 TD MIN Christian Ponder 29 47 381 yards 3 TD 2 INT Top rushers DEN Willis McGahee 20 rushes 111 yards 1 TD MIN Toby Gerhart 21 rushes 91 yards Top receivers DEN Demaryius Thomas 4 receptions 144 yards 2 TD MIN Percy Harvin 8 receptions 156 yards 2 TD Top tacklers DEN Mario Haggan 7 tackles 5 assists MIN Benny Sapp 6 tackles Coming off their overtime win at San Diego the Broncos traveled to the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome for an interconference duel with the Minnesota Vikings The game s first points came from the Vikings when defensive end Jared Allen tackled running back Willis McGahee in the end zone for a safety The Broncos grabbed the lead when linebacker Mario Haggan returned an interception off Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder 16 yards for a touchdown Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell made a 40 yard field goal then the Vikings reclaimed the lead in the second quarter on a 19 yard touchdown pass from Ponder to tight end Kyle Rudolph followed by another field goal by Longwell this time from 25 yards just before halftime The Broncos narrowed Minnesota s lead in the third quarter with a 21 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Tebow to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas but the Vikings countered with a 52 yard touchdown pass from Ponder to wide receiver Percy Harvin The Broncos responded with a 41 yard touchdown pass from Tebow to Thomas Ponder then threw a 48 yard touchdown pass to Harvin to give Minnesota a 29 21 lead On the Broncos next possession McGahee rushed 24 yards for a touchdown and Tebow scrambled for a two point conversion to tie the game at 29 The Vikings subsequently reclaimed the lead on Longwell s 39 yard field goal with 3 06 left in the game The Broncos answered with kicker Matt Prater s 46 yard field goal with 1 33 left to tie the game at 32 On the Vikings ensuing possession Broncos cornerback Andre Goodman returned an interception off Ponder to the Vikings 15 yard line Six plays later Prater nailed the game winning 23 yard field goal as time expired to give the Broncos their fifth consecutive win 94 Week 14 vs Chicago Bears edit Week Fourteen Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos Game summary Period 1 2 34OTTotalBears 0 0 73010Broncos 0 0 010313 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver Colorado Date December 11Game time 2 05 pm MSTGame weather 50 F 10 C sunnyGame attendance 76 487Referee Carl CheffersTV announcers Fox Kenny Albert Daryl Johnston and Tony SiragusaRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter CHI 5 19 Marion Barber 9 yard TD run Robbie Gould kick Drive 6 plays 42 yards 3 15 CHI 7 0 Fourth quarter CHI 14 55 Robbie Gould 57 yard FG Drive 7 plays 24 yards 3 53 CHI 10 0 DEN 2 08 Demaryius Thomas 10 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 7 plays 63 yards 2 26 CHI 10 7 DEN 0 03 Matt Prater 59 yard FG Drive 8 plays 39 yards 0 53 tied 10 10 Overtime DEN 8 34 Matt Prater 51 yard FG Drive 9 plays 33 yards 4 13 DEN 13 10 Top passers CHI Caleb Hanie 12 19 115 yards DEN Tim Tebow 21 40 236 yards 1 TD 1 INT Top rushers CHI Marion Barber 27 rushes 108 yards 1 TD DEN Tim Tebow 12 rushes 49 yards Top receivers CHI Johnny Knox 3 receptions 37 yards DEN Demaryius Thomas 7 receptions 78 yards 1 TD Top tacklers CHI Brian Urlacher 10 tackles 1 assist DEN D J Williams 9 tackles Coming off their last second win at Minnesota the Broncos returned home for an interconference duel with the Chicago Bears After a scoreless first half which included Bears defensive end Julius Peppers blocking a 28 yard field goal attempt by kicker Matt Prater in the second quarter the Bears grabbed the lead in the third quarter with running back Marion Barber rushing for a 9 yard touchdown The Bears extended their lead to 10 0 early in the fourth quarter with a 57 yard field goal by kicker Robbie Gould With 4 34 remaining in the fourth quarter the Broncos put together a 7 play 63 yard drive and finally got on the scoreboard with 2 08 remaining when quarterback Tim Tebow threw a 10 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas With no timeouts remaining the Broncos tried an onside kick but Chicago recovered prior to the two minute warning After one running play the two minute warning stopped the clock On the next play Broncos linebacker D J Williams was able to push Barber out of bounds saving 40 seconds of time The Bears eventually punted to the Broncos 20 yard line with 56 seconds remaining Tebow subsequently led the Broncos on an 8 play 39 yard drive with Prater nailing a game tying 59 yard field goal to send the game to overtime This was the first game in NFL history that had two field goals of 57 yards or more Chicago won the overtime coin toss however they deferred and the Broncos went three and out on their first possession The Bears drove into field goal range on their first overtime possession but Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard forced a fumble off Barber with defensive end Elvis Dumervil recovering the fumble Nine plays later Prater nailed the game winning 51 yard field goal 95 NotesIn the fourth quarter and overtime Tim Tebow was 18 of 24 with 191 yards passing and one touchdown 96 In his first 11 starts Tebow has six game winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime This is more than any other quarterback since the AFL NFL merger and breaks the previous record of five last accomplished by Jake Delhomme in 1999 95 Week 15 vs New England Patriots edit Week Fifteen New England Patriots at Denver Broncos Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalPatriots 7 20 7741Broncos 13 3 0723 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver Colorado Date December 18Game time 2 15 pm MSTGame weather 63 F 17 C mostly sunnyGame attendance 76 556Referee Mike CareyTV announcers CBS Jim Nantz and Phil SimmsRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter DEN 9 49 Tim Tebow 9 yard TD run extra point snap botched two point run failed Drive 9 plays 80 yards 5 11 DEN 6 0 NE 7 24 Chad Ochocinco 33 yard TD pass from Tom Brady Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 5 plays 80 yards 2 25 NE 7 6 DEN 5 01 Lance Ball 32 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 4 plays 82 yards 2 23 DEN 13 7 Second quarter DEN 13 47 Matt Prater 26 yard FG Drive 10 plays 63 yards 4 24 DEN 16 7 NE 8 43 Aaron Hernandez 1 yard TD pass from Tom Brady Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 12 plays 80 yards 5 04 DEN 16 14 NE 5 49 Stephen Gostkowski 21 yard FG Drive 6 plays 16 yards 2 42 NE 17 16 NE 1 12 Tom Brady 1 yard TD run Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 6 plays 40 yards 3 20 NE 24 16 NE 0 00 Stephen Gostkowski 34 yard FG Drive 1 play 0 03 NE 27 16 Third quarter NE 0 39 Danny Woodhead 10 yard TD run Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 8 plays 85 yards 3 28 NE 34 16 Fourth quarter DEN 8 41 Tim Tebow 2 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 7 plays 89 yards 2 38 NE 34 23 NE 4 10 BenJarvus Green Ellis 1 yard TD run Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 9 plays 80 yards 4 31 NE 41 23 Top passers NE Tom Brady 23 34 320 yards 2 TD DEN Tim Tebow 11 22 194 yards Top rushers NE Stevan Ridley 11 rushes 65 yards DEN Tim Tebow 12 rushes 93 yards 2 TD Top receivers NE Aaron Hernandez 11 receptions 129 yards 1 TD DEN Demaryius Thomas 7 receptions 116 yards Top tacklers NE Jerod Mayo 7 tackles 1 assist DEN Chris Harris Jr 9 tackles Coming off their overtime win over the Bears the Broncos remained on home ground for an AFC duel with the New England Patriots The Broncos grabbed the early lead with quarterback Tim Tebow scrambling for a 9 yard touchdown with a failed two point conversion attempt after a botched extra point snap The Patriots responded with quarterback Tom Brady throwing a 33 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chad Ochocinco The Broncos countered with a 32 yard touchdown run by running back Lance Ball followed in the second quarter by a 26 yard field goal by kicker Matt Prater However New England reeled off 27 unanswered points 17 of which came off three Broncos turnovers in the second quarter Brady connected with tight end Aaron Hernandez on a 1 yard touchdown pass placekicker Stephen Gostkowski nailed a 21 yard field goal Brady ran a 1 yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown and Gostkowski nailed a 34 yard field goal at the end of the first half The Patriots added to their lead in the third quarter with a 10 yard touchdown run by running back Danny Woodhead The Broncos tried to cut into New England s lead in the fourth quarter with Tebow scrambling for a 2 yard touchdown but a 1 yard touchdown run by Patriots running back BenJarvus Green Ellis and a sack of Tebow for a loss of 28 yards put the game out of reach 97 Week 16 at Buffalo Bills edit Week Sixteen Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalBroncos 7 0 7014Bills 0 17 61740 at Ralph Wilson Stadium Orchard Park New York Date December 24Game time 1 00 pm EST 11 00 am MSTGame weather 30 F 1 C sunnyGame attendance 45 112Referee Walt AndersonTV announcers CBS Jim Nantz and Phil SimmsRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter DEN 7 13 Tim Tebow 1 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 11 plays 73 yards 5 40 DEN 7 0 Second quarter BUF 6 06 Dave Rayner 28 yard FG Drive 7 plays 59 yards 2 51 DEN 7 3 BUF 4 05 Leodis McKelvin 80 yard punt return for a TD Dave Rayner kick BUF 10 7 BUF 0 19 C J Spiller 4 yard TD run Dave Rayner kick Drive 5 plays 58 yards 1 33 BUF 17 7 Third quarter DEN 11 42 Daniel Fells 17 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 7 plays 74 yards 3 18 BUF 17 14 BUF 6 19 Dave Rayner 25 yard FG Drive 9 plays 64 yards 5 23 BUF 20 14 BUF 2 32 Dave Rayner 25 yard FG Drive 7 plays 56 yards 2 45 BUF 23 14 Fourth quarter BUF 13 26 Dave Rayner 29 yard FG Drive 6 plays 16 yards 1 57 BUF 26 14 BUF 8 03 Jairus Byrd 37 yard interception return for a TD Dave Rayner kick BUF 33 14 BUF 7 45 Spencer Johnson 17 yard fumble return for a TD Dave Rayner kick BUF 40 14 Top passers DEN Tim Tebow 13 30 185 yards 1 TD 3 INT BUF Ryan Fitzpatrick 15 27 196 yards Top rushers DEN Willis McGahee 15 rushes 64 yards BUF C J Spiller 16 rushes 111 yards 1 TD Top receivers DEN Demaryius Thomas 4 receptions 76 yards BUF Stevie Johnson 4 receptions 92 yards Top tacklers DEN Chris Harris Jr 7 tackles 1 assist BUF Chris Kelsay 6 tackles 3 assists Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Patriots the Broncos traveled to Ralph Wilson Stadium for an AFC duel with the Buffalo Bills The Broncos grabbed the early lead in the first quarter with quarterback Tim Tebow scrambling for a 1 yard touchdown The Bills stormed back reeling off 17 unanswered points in the second quarter with a 28 yard field goal by placekicker Dave Rayner an 80 yard punt return for a touchdown by Leodis McKelvin and a 4 yard touchdown run by running back C J Spiller The Broncos cut into Buffalo s lead early in the third quarter with Tebow throwing a 17 yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Fells However the Broncos were held scoreless for the remainder of the game The Bills added to their lead with three field goals by Rayner a pair of 25 yarders in the third quarter followed by a 29 yarder early in the fourth quarter The Bills pulled further away converting two turnovers off Tebow into touchdowns a 37 yard interception return by safety Jairus Byrd followed by a 17 yard fumble return by linebacker Spencer Johnson 98 Week 17 vs Kansas City Chiefs edit Week Seventeen Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalChiefs 7 0 007Broncos 0 0 303 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver Colorado Date January 1Game time 2 15 pm MSTGame weather 35 F 2 C sunnyGame attendance 76 005Referee Pete MorelliTV announcers CBS Jim Nantz and Phil SimmsRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter KC 0 11 Dexter McCluster 21 yard TD run Ryan Succop kick Drive 13 play 90 yards 6 22 KC 7 0 Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter DEN 8 11 Matt Prater 38 yard FG Drive 4 plays 1 30 KC 7 3 Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers KC Kyle Orton 15 29 180 yards DEN Tim Tebow 6 22 60 yards 1 INT Top rushers KC Dexter McCluster 12 rushes 61 yards 1 TD DEN Willis McGahee 28 rushes 145 yards Top receivers KC Dwayne Bowe 6 rushes 93 yards DEN Demaryius Thomas 3 receptions 34 yards Top tacklers KC Justin Houston 6 tackles 1 assist 1 5 sacks DEN Elvis Dumervil 6 tackles 2 assists Hoping to rebound from their tough loss at Buffalo and keep their playoff hopes alive the Broncos returned home for an AFC West rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs in the team s regular season finale This was Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton s first visit to Denver since he was waived by the Broncos on November 22 The Chiefs grabbed the early lead in the first quarter with a 21 yard touchdown run by running back Dexter McCluster After a scoreless second quarter which included a fumble by Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow deep in Chiefs territory the Broncos got on the scoreboard in the third quarter with a 38 yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater However both teams were held scoreless for the remainder of the game Kansas City s defense thwarted the Broncos last drive 99 NotesWith the loss the Broncos finished the regular season with an 8 8 record for the third time in four seasons and were swept at home by their division rivals for the second time in three seasons The Broncos finished tied with the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers for the AFC West division title However the Broncos won the tiebreakers over both teams based on record against common opponents 5 5 to the Raiders and Chargers 4 6 thus clinching their first playoff berth and division title since 2005 6 This was the team s last loss to a division opponent until Week 15 of the 2013 season and last loss to the Chiefs until Week 10 of the 2015 season Injuries Guard Chris Kuper suffered a broken leg during the first quarter and was placed on injured reserve the following day January 2 40 Standings edit AFC West viewtalkedit W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK 4 Denver Broncos 8 8 0 500 3 3 6 6 309 390 L3 San Diego Chargers 8 8 0 500 3 3 7 5 406 377 W1 Oakland Raiders 8 8 0 500 3 3 6 6 359 433 L1 Kansas City Chiefs 7 9 0 438 3 3 4 8 212 338 W1 AFC 100 viewtalkedit Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK Division winners 1 New England Patriots East 13 3 0 813 5 1 10 2 449 423 W8 2 a Baltimore Ravens North 12 4 0 750 6 0 9 3 477 484 W2 3 Houston Texans South 10 6 0 625 4 2 8 4 453 413 L3 4 b Denver Broncos West 8 8 0 500 3 3 6 6 520 445 L3 Wild cards 5 a Pittsburgh Steelers North 12 4 0 750 4 2 9 3 492 411 W2 6 c Cincinnati Bengals North 9 7 0 563 2 4 6 6 492 326 L1 Did not qualify for the postseason 7 c Tennessee Titans South 9 7 0 563 3 3 7 5 461 396 W2 8 d New York Jets East 8 8 0 500 3 3 6 6 500 395 L3 9 b d e San Diego Chargers West 8 8 0 500 3 3 7 5 516 430 W1 10 b e Oakland Raiders West 8 8 0 500 3 3 6 6 504 438 L1 11 Kansas City Chiefs West 7 9 0 438 3 3 4 8 512 464 W1 12 f Miami Dolphins East 6 10 0 375 3 3 5 7 504 417 W1 13 f Buffalo Bills East 6 10 0 375 1 5 4 8 520 510 L1 14 Jacksonville Jaguars South 5 11 0 313 3 3 4 8 500 363 W1 15 Cleveland Browns North 4 12 0 250 0 6 3 9 531 313 L6 16 Indianapolis Colts South 2 14 0 125 2 4 2 10 539 594 L1 Tiebreakers g a b Baltimore clinched the AFC North title based on a head to head sweep over Pittsburgh a b c Denver clinched the AFC West title instead of San Diego or Oakland based on record versus common opponents 5 5 to San Diego s and Oakland s 4 6 a b Cincinnati clinched the AFC 6 seed instead of Tennessee based on a head to head victory a b New York Jets finished ahead of San Diego based on head to head victory a b San Diego finished ahead of Oakland in the AFC West based on better conference record 7 5 to 6 6 a b Miami finished in third place in the AFC East based on a head to head sweep over Buffalo When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL s rules they are first broken within divisions then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division Postseason editSee also 2011 12 NFL playoffs Schedule edit Round Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap Wild Card January 8 2012 Pittsburgh Steelers 5 W 29 23 OT 1 0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap Divisional January 14 2012 at New England Patriots 1 L 10 45 1 1 Gillette Stadium Recap Game summaries edit AFC Wild Card Playoffs vs 5 Pittsburgh Steelers edit AFC Wild Card Playoffs 5 Pittsburgh Steelers at 4 Denver Broncos Game summary Period 1 2 34OTTotalSteelers 6 0 710023Broncos 0 20 03629 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver Colorado Date January 8 2012Game time 2 30 p m MSTGame weather 40 F 4 C sunnyGame attendance 75 970Referee Ron WinterTV announcers CBS Jim Nantz and Phil SimmsGamebook Game information First quarter PIT 11 14 Shaun Suisham 45 yard FG Drive 8 plays 53 yards 3 46 PIT 3 0 PIT 0 23 Shaun Suisham 38 yard FG Drive 12 plays 47 yards 5 50 PIT 6 0 Second quarter DEN 13 24 Eddie Royal 30 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Matt Prater kick Drive 5 plays 80 yards 1 59 DEN 7 6 DEN 10 36 Tim Tebow 8 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 4 plays 73 yards 2 18 DEN 14 6 DEN 7 30 Matt Prater 20 yard FG Drive 4 plays 16 yards 1 44 DEN 17 6 DEN 1 05 Matt Prater 28 yard FG Drive 8 plays 59 yards 4 04 DEN 20 6 Third quarter PIT 4 29 Mike Wallace 1 yard TD run Shaun Suisham kick Drive 11 plays 87 yards 5 56 DEN 20 13 Fourth quarter DEN 13 10 Matt Prater 35 yard FG Drive 12 plays 63 yards 6 19 DEN 23 13 PIT 9 59 Shaun Suisham 37 yard FG Drive 7 plays 61 yards 3 11 DEN 23 16 PIT 3 48 Jerricho Cotchery 31 yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger Shaun Suisham kick Drive 7 plays 55 yards 3 47 tied 23 23 Overtime DEN 14 49 Demaryius Thomas 80 yard TD pass from Tim Tebow Drive 1 play 80 yards 0 11 DEN 29 23 Top passers PIT Ben Roethlisberger 22 40 289 yards 1 TD 1 INT DEN Tim Tebow 10 21 316 yards 2 TD Top rushers PIT Isaac Redman 17 carries 121 yards DEN Willis McGahee 19 carries 61 yards Top receivers PIT Emmanuel Sanders 6 receptions 81 yards DEN Demaryius Thomas 4 receptions 204 yards 1 TD Top tacklers PIT Ike Taylor 6 tackles 1 assist DEN David Bruton 8 tackles nbsp Sports Authority Field shortly after the game winning touchdown in overtime The Broncos opened the 2011 12 NFL Playoffs at home with a Wild Card matchup against the 5 seed Pittsburgh Steelers the Broncos first playoff game since 2005 The only points of the first quarter came from the Steelers with field goals of 45 and 38 yards by placekicker Shaun Suisham The Broncos reeled off 20 unanswered points in the second quarter with quarterback Tim Tebow throwing a 30 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eddie Royal then scrambling for an 8 yard touchdown run followed by field goals of 20 and 28 yards by placekicker Matt Prater A 1 yard touchdown run by Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace on an end around was the only scoring play of the third quarter The Broncos added to their lead early in the fourth quarter with a 35 yard field goal by Prater The Steelers countered with a 37 yard field goal by Suisham On the Broncos following possession running back Willis McGahee fumbled and the Steelers subsequently tied the game with a 7 play 55 yard drive culminating with a 31 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery Each team traded punts on subsequent possessions sending the game to overtime The Broncos won the overtime coin toss and on their first play Tebow fired the game winning 80 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas 101 It was not only the longest scoring play in NFL overtime playoff history but Thomas also set a new Broncos franchise record for receiving yards in a playoff game with 204 yards 102 With the win the Broncos advanced to face the New England Patriots in the divisional round AFC Divisional Playoffs at 1 New England Patriots edit AFC Divisional Playoffs 4 Denver Broncos at 1 New England Patriots Game summary Period 1 2 34TotalBroncos 0 7 3010Patriots 14 21 7345 at Gillette Stadium Foxborough Massachusetts Date January 14 2012Game time 8 00 p m EST 6 00 pm MSTGame weather 24 F 4 C partly cloudy and coldGame attendance 68 756Referee Gene SteratoreTV announcers CBS Jim Nantz Phil Simms and Steve TaskerRecap Gamebook Game information First quarter NE 13 14 Wes Welker 7 yard TD pass from Tom Brady Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 5 plays 80 yards 1 51 NE 7 0 NE 7 17 Rob Gronkowski 10 yard TD pass from Tom Brady Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 7 plays 59 yards 3 25 NE 14 0 Second quarter DEN 15 00 Willis McGahee 5 yard TD run Matt Prater kick Drive 4 plays 24 yards 2 06 NE 14 7 NE 7 49 Rob Gronkowski 12 yard TD pass from Tom Brady Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 8 plays 52 yards 3 35 NE 21 7 NE 2 06 Deion Branch 61 yard TD pass from Tom Brady Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 2 plays 72 yards 0 30 NE 28 7 NE 0 10 Rob Gronkowski 19 yard TD pass from Tom Brady Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 5 plays 58 yards 1 04 NE 35 7 Third quarter NE 11 53 Aaron Hernandez 17 yard TD pass from Tom Brady Stephen Gostkowski kick Drive 4 plays 44 yards 1 40 NE 42 7 DEN 2 19 Matt Prater 41 yard FG Drive 14 plays 58 yards 6 16 NE 42 10 Fourth quarter NE 12 44 Stephen Gostkowski 20 yard FG Drive 11 plays 78 yards 4 35 NE 45 10 Top passers DEN Tim Tebow 9 26 136 yards NE Tom Brady 26 34 363 yards 6 TD 1 INT Top rushers DEN Willis McGahee 17 rushes 76 yards 1 TD NE Aaron Hernandez 5 rushes 61 yards Top receivers DEN Demaryius Thomas 6 receptions 93 yards NE Rob Gronkowski 10 receptions 145 yards 3 TD Top tacklers DEN Ryan McBean and Joe Mays 4 tackles each 5 assists by Mays 1 assist by McBean NE Kyle Arrington 6 tackles 4 assists Following their overtime win over the Steelers in the wild card round of the 2011 12 NFL Playoffs the Broncos traveled to Foxborough Massachusetts to face the 1 seed New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in the divisional round The Patriots jumped out to a 14 0 lead in the first quarter with quarterback Tom Brady throwing a pair of touchdown passes a 7 yarder to wide receiver Wes Welker and a 10 yarder to tight end Rob Gronkowski The Broncos responded at the beginning of the second quarter with running back Willis McGahee rushing for a 5 yard touchdown but the Patriots subsequently added to lead with Brady throwing three more touchdown passes a 12 yarder to Gronkowski a 61 yarder to wide receiver Deion Branch followed by a 19 yarder to Gronkowski just before halftime The Patriots continued their onslaught in the third quarter with a 17 yard touchdown pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez A 41 yard field goal by Broncos placekicker Matt Prater made the score 42 10 The Patriots added to their lead early in the fourth quarter with a 20 yard field goal by placekicker Stephen Gostkowski which was the last scoring play of the game by either team sealing the win for New England 103 Statistics editTeam leaders edit Category Player s Value Passing yards Tim Tebow 1 729 Passing touchdowns Tim Tebow 12 Rushing yards Willis McGahee 1 199 Rushing touchdowns Tim Tebow 6 Receptions Eric Decker 44 Receiving yards Eric Decker 612 Receiving touchdowns Eric Decker 8 Points Matt Prater 87 Kickoff return yards Quan Cosby 457 Punt return yards Quan Cosby 269 Tackles Wesley Woodyard 97 Sacks Von Miller 11 5 Forced fumbles D J WilliamsWesley Woodyard 3 Interceptions Andre GoodmanChamp Bailey 2 Source for this section Denver Broncos official website 104 League rankings edit Offense Category Value NFL rank out of 32 Total yards 316 6 YPG 23rd Yards per play 5 25th Rushing yards 164 5 YPG 1st Yards per rush 4 8 6th Passing yards 152 1 YPG 31st Yards per pass 6 3 28th Scoring 19 3 PPG 25th Pass completions 217 429 506 32nd Third downs 66 214 308 30th Possession average 29 43 21st Fewest sacks allowed 42 T 23rd Turnover differential 12 26th Defense Category Value NFL rank out of 32 Total yards 357 8 YPG 20th Yards per play 5 4 16th Rushing yards 126 3 YPG 22nd Yards per rush 4 1 12th Passing yards 231 5 YPG 15th Yards per pass 7 5 20th Scoring 24 4 PPG 24th Pass completions 333 534 624 23rd Third downs 73 218 335 27th Sacks 41 T 10th Forced fumbles 11 T 26th Fumble recoveries 9 T 18th Interceptions 9 T 28th Special Teams Category Value NFL rank out of 32 Kickoff returns 24 5 YPR 11th Punt returns 12 7 YPR 3rd Gross punting 47 4 YPP 7th Net punting 41 6 YPP 6th Kickoff coverage 24 6 YPR 20th Punt coverage 11 5 YPR 13th Source for this section NFL com 105 Awards and honors editRecipient Award s Champ Bailey Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster 106 Ryan Clady Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster 106 Brian Dawkins Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster 106 Eric Decker Named to the USA Football All Fundamentals Team 107 Elvis Dumervil Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster 106 Orlando Franklin Named to the Football Outsiders All Rookie Team 108 Chris Harris Jr Named to the Football Outsiders All Rookie Team 108 Named to the Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association All Rookie Team 109 Willis McGahee Week 9 FedEx Ground Player of the Week 110 Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster 106 Von Miller First half of the season Sports Illustrated Defensive Rookie of the Year 111 Week 10 AFC Defensive Player of the Week 112 November Defensive Rookie of the Month 113 Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster 106 Named to the Football Outsiders All Rookie Team 108 Voted to The Associated Press 2011 NFL All Pro Team 114 Named to the Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association All Rookie Team 109 2011 season Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year 115 Matt Prater Week 14 AFC Special Teams Player of the Week 116 December AFC Special Teams Player of the Month 117 Eddie Royal Week 9 AFC Special Teams Player of the Week 118 Tim Tebow Week 14 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year come from behind overtime win 115 Demaryius Thomas Best Moment at 2012 ESPY Awards 80 yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow in the Wild Card playoffs 119 Wesley Woodyard Named as the team s Walter Payton Man of the Year 120 Team Week 7 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week come from behind overtime win 121 Week 10 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week touchdown pass from Tim Tebow to Eric Decker 122 Week 11 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week come from behind win 123 Week 12 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week come from behind overtime win 124 Week 14 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week come from behind overtime win 125 Other news and notes editOn August 16 Sports Authority a sporting goods retailer based in Englewood Colorado took over the naming rights of INVESCO Field at Mile High Invesco held the original naming rights to the Denver Broncos stadium since it opened in 2001 and Invesco s naming rights agreement was set to expire in 2021 INVESCO Field at Mile High officially became known as Sports Authority Field at Mile High in time for the Broncos first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 20 126 This season was the last in which the Broncos wore their navy blue jerseys as their primary home jersey The team used the alternate orange jerseys for games in Weeks 1 vs the Oakland Raiders and 8 vs the Detroit Lions 82 89 Beginning with the 2012 season the Broncos announced that the orange jerseys the team s alternate colored jersey since 2002 will become the primary home jersey while the navy blue jerseys which had been the team s primary home jersey since their introduction in 1997 will switch to alternate designation The change was made due to overwhelming popularity with fans who clamored for the team to return to wearing orange at home which was the team s predominant home jersey color from 1962 to 1996 127 128 References edit Jones Lindsay August 4 2011 CBA done full Broncos roster takes field The Denver Post Retrieved August 4 2011 Legan Kenny July 28 2011 Training Camp Gets Underway Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 30 2012 Retrieved July 28 2011 Klis Mike October 11 2011 Tim Tebow named Broncos starting quarterback The Denver Post Retrieved October 11 2011 a b Klis Mike November 22 2011 Denver Broncos cut QB Kyle Orton Chicago Bears might be next The Denver Post Retrieved November 22 2011 a b Klis Mike October 17 2011 Denver Broncos trade Brandon Lloyd to St Louis Rams The Denver Post Retrieved October 17 2011 a b Zaas Stuart January 5 2012 How the West was Won Denver Broncos Retrieved January 5 2012 Caldwell Gray January 5 2011 Elway Joins Front Office Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 7 2011 Retrieved January 5 2011 Klis Mike January 13 2011 John Fox named Broncos head coach Elway says The Denver Post Retrieved January 13 2011 Detweiler Eric January 17 2011 Fox Begins Staff Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 20 2011 Retrieved January 17 2011 Detweiler Eric January 20 2011 Rodgers Gase Join Staff Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 24 2011 Retrieved January 20 2011 Legwold Jeff January 24 2011 Allen new D coordinator The Denver Post Retrieved January 24 2011 Detweiler Eric January 25 2011 Milus Smith Join Staff Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 26 2011 Retrieved January 25 2011 Caldwell Gray January 27 2011 2011 Coaching Staff Finalized Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 30 2011 Retrieved January 27 2011 Klis Mike July 22 2011 Broncos hire former Bills Pro Bowler to help players off the field The Denver Post Retrieved July 22 2011 Broncos sign Four To Reserve Futures Contracts Mile High Report January 7 2011 Retrieved January 7 2011 a b c Caldwell Gray July 29 2011 Buckhalter and Coats Released McLaughlin Waived Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved July 29 2011 a b c d e f g Caldwell Gray August 29 2011 Roster Trimmed to 80 Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 30 2012 Retrieved August 29 2011 a b Jones Lindsay September 6 2011 Broncos add offensive lineman Tony Hills The Denver Post Retrieved September 6 2011 Klis Mike February 22 2011 Broncos re sign Champ Bailey to four year contract The Denver Post Retrieved February 22 2011 Klis Mike March 2 2011 Broncos release tight end Graham The Denver Post Retrieved March 2 2011 Klis Mike March 3 2011 Broncos keeping defensive end Kevin Vickerson The Denver Post Retrieved March 3 2011 Roger Goodell Football is back ESPN July 26 2011 Retrieved July 26 2011 Jones Lindsay July 28 2011 Von Miller Broncos agree to contract The Denver Post Retrieved July 28 2011 Jones Lindsay July 28 2011 Elway Rahim Moore agrees to contract too The Denver Post Retrieved July 28 2011 Xanders acquires draft pick haul The Denver Post April 29 2011 Retrieved April 29 2011 Marshall Traded to Dolphins Denver Broncos April 14 2010 Archived from the original on September 22 2010 Retrieved April 14 2010 a b c Caldwell Gray July 29 2011 2011 NFL Draft Class On Board Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved July 29 2011 Klis Mike September 14 2010 Broncos trade for New England running back Laurence Maroney The Denver Post Archived from the original on September 18 2010 Retrieved September 14 2010 a b c d Jones Lindsay July 27 2011 Rookies J Thomas Mohamed Beal sign The Denver Post Retrieved July 27 2011 Caldwell Gray March 31 2011 Tentative Draft Order denverbroncos com Retrieved March 31 2011 Kensler Tom April 30 2011 Draft Day 3 Broncos take Oklahoma S Quinton Carter in 4th round denverpost com Retrieved April 30 2011 Caldwell Gray April 25 2010 Staying Active on Day Three denverbroncos com Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved April 25 2010 a b Jones Lindsay September 22 2011 Broncos add tight end depth with Dante Rosario The Denver Post Retrieved September 22 2011 a b c d Jones Lindsay November 28 2011 McCarthy and Mohamed signed to active roster The Denver Post Retrieved November 28 2011 Caldwell Gray March 14 2010 Broncos Acquire Quinn denverbroncos com Archived from the original on January 30 2012 Retrieved March 14 2010 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Caldwell Gray September 3 2011 Roster Reaches 53 Denver Broncos Archived from the original on September 4 2011 Retrieved September 3 2011 NFL distributes compensatory draft picks to 23 teams NFL com Associated Press March 25 2011 Retrieved March 25 2011 Panthers add pair of linemen ESPN com September 13 2011 Retrieved September 13 2011 Klis Mike August 2 2011 Ryan Harris agrees to sign with Eagles The Denver Post Retrieved August 2 2011 a b c Jones Lindsay January 2 2012 Broncos re sign Ryan Harris to help offensive line The Denver Post Retrieved January 2 2012 a b c Caldwell Gray July 29 2011 Familiar Faces Back in Orange and Blue Denver Broncos Archived from the original on December 12 2011 Retrieved July 29 2011 Klis Mike July 31 2011 Marcus Thomas back with Broncos The Denver Post Retrieved July 31 2011 Caldwell Gray July 27 2011 17 College Free Agents On Board Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved July 27 2011 a b Klis Mike August 13 2011 Broncos sign Purdue s Orton The Denver Post Retrieved August 13 2011 a b c Klis Mike August 15 2011 Broncos claim Jacksonville LB Alvin Bowen The Denver Post Retrieved August 15 2011 a b c Legwold Jeff December 13 2011 Broncos waive Kyle McCarthy sign Tony Carter The Denver Post Retrieved December 13 2011 a b Caldwell Gray August 6 2011 Broncos Add Gable Denver Broncos Retrieved August 6 2011 a b c d e f Henson Max Legan Kenny September 4 2011 Broncos sign Wilhite Fill Practice Squad Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved September 4 2011 a b Caldwell Gray January 10 2012 Goodwin Signed Larsen to IR Denver Broncos Retrieved January 10 2012 Klis Mike September 12 2011 Broncos waive WR Jamel Hamler The Denver Post Retrieved September 12 2011 a b Caldwell Gray August 16 2011 2011 Training Camp Day 20 A M Blog Denver Broncos Retrieved August 16 2011 a b c d Caldwell Gray August 1 2011 Harvey Fells Added Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved August 1 2011 a b Jones Lindsay December 27 2011 Broncos sole focus is beating Kansas City making playoffs The Denver Post Retrieved December 27 2011 a b Legwold Jeff January 13 2012 Broncos sign long snapper Binn on eve of Patriots playoff game The Denver Post Retrieved January 13 2012 Legan Kenny August 2 2011 Broncos Release Whitlock Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved August 2 2011 a b Caldwell Gray August 1 2011 Broncos Continue to Add Through Free Agency Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 30 2012 Retrieved August 1 2011 Caldwell Gray July 30 2011 Anderson Added to Receiving Corps Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved July 31 2011 Klis Mike October 17 2011 Broncos add safety Rafael Bush to roster after Brandon Lloyd trade The Denver Post Retrieved October 17 2011 a b Jones Lindsay September 20 2011 Broncos sign former Bengals WR Quan Cosby cut RB Jeremiah Johnson The Denver Post Retrieved September 20 2011 a b Legwold Jeff January 3 2012 Broncos sign former CU linebacker Brian Iwuh The Denver Post Retrieved January 3 2012 Klis Mike September 16 2011 RB Jeremiah Johnson to be activated for Bengals The Denver Post Retrieved September 16 2011 a b c Jones Lindsay November 14 2011 Broncos lose Knowshon Moreno for season to torn ACL The Denver Post Retrieved November 14 2011 a b c Klis Mike October 10 2011 Kevin Vickerson done for season so Broncos claim FB Quinn Johnson The Denver Post Retrieved October 10 2011 a b Klis Mike December 17 2011 Broncos promote S Kyle McCarthy waive FB Quinn Johnson The Denver Post Retrieved December 17 2011 Caldwell Gray July 31 2011 McGahee Joins Backfield Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 30 2012 Retrieved July 31 2011 Caldwell Gray August 17 2011 Pressley Joins D Line Denver Broncos Retrieved August 17 2011 Jones Lindsay August 2 2011 Warren accepts Broncos offer The Denver Post Retrieved August 2 2011 a b Klis Mike September 17 2011 Broncos put DT Ty Warren on injured reserve ending his season The Denver Post Retrieved September 17 2011 Broncos Waive Linebacker Dominic Douglas BroncoTalk net July 31 2011 Retrieved July 31 2011 Jones Lindsay July 30 2011 Broncos release Renaldo Hill The Denver Post Retrieved July 30 2011 Caldwell Gray August 4 2011 Jackson Waived Denver Broncos Retrieved August 4 2011 Jones Lindsay August 22 2011 Richard Quinn waived likely headed to injured reserve The Denver Post Retrieved August 22 2011 Jones Lindsay August 26 2011 R Quinn released from IR with injury settlement The Denver Post Retrieved August 26 2011 Caldwell Gray July 27 2011 Jarmon to Denver in Trade Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved July 27 2011 Caldwell Gray August 1 2011 Broncos Trade for Bunkley Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved August 1 2011 Jones Lindsay November 27 2011 Lloyd s 30th catch upgrades Broncos draft pick The Denver Post Retrieved November 27 2011 Jones Lindsay July 27 2011 Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas still recovering from torn Achilles The Denver Post Retrieved July 27 2011 Klis Mike September 10 2011 Demaryius Thomas suffers broken finger The Denver Post Retrieved September 10 2011 Klis Mike August 17 2011 Injuries to Ty Warren Marcus Thomas leave big dents in Broncos defensive line The Denver Post Retrieved August 17 2011 Klis Mike August 27 2011 D J Williams out 3 4 weeks with dislocated elbow The Denver Post Retrieved August 27 2011 Klis Mike Legwold Jeff September 3 2011 Broncos Thompson joins long list of players with Achilles injuries The Denver Post Retrieved September 3 2011 a b Caldwell Gray September 12 2011 Broncos Drop Season Opener to Raiders Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 4 2012 Retrieved September 12 2011 Henson Max September 19 2011 Rising to the Occasion Denver Broncos Archived from the original on September 26 2011 Retrieved September 19 2011 Caldwell Gray September 26 2011 Broncos Come Up Short in Nashville Denver Broncos Archived from the original on September 27 2011 Retrieved September 26 2011 Caldwell Gray October 2 2011 Broncos Fall to Rodgers Defending Champs Denver Broncos Archived from the original on October 4 2011 Retrieved October 2 2011 Henson Max October 9 2011 Chargers Hold Off Broncos 29 24 Denver Broncos Archived from the original on October 11 2011 Retrieved October 9 2011 Jones Lindsay October 23 2011 Broncos live Tebow s late 2 point conversion leads to Denver win in overtime over Miami The Denver Post Retrieved October 23 2011 Legan Kenny October 23 2011 Broncos Triumph in Overtime Denver Broncos Archived from the original on October 26 2011 Retrieved October 23 2011 a b Henson Max October 30 2011 Lions Defeat Broncos 45 10 Denver Broncos Archived from the original on November 1 2011 Retrieved October 30 2011 Caldwell Gray November 6 2011 Determined Broncos Down Raiders Denver Broncos Archived from the original on November 9 2011 Retrieved November 6 2011 Caldwell Gray November 13 2011 Broncos Run Past Chiefs 17 10 Denver Broncos Archived from the original on November 17 2011 Retrieved November 13 2011 Caldwell Gray November 18 2011 Defense Delivers Denver Broncos Archived from the original on November 21 2011 Retrieved November 18 2011 Legan Kenny November 27 2011 Overtime Field Goal Caps Comeback Denver Broncos Archived from the original on February 3 2014 Retrieved November 27 2011 Caldwell Gray December 4 2011 Broncos in First After Fifth Straight Win Denver Broncos Archived from the original on December 6 2011 Retrieved December 4 2011 a b Tim Tebow rallies Broncos to late tie past shocked Bears in OT ESPN Associated Press December 11 2011 Retrieved December 11 2011 Henson Max December 12 2011 Never Out of the Fight Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 21 2012 Retrieved December 12 2011 Henson Max December 18 2011 Patriots Stop Streak Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 4 2012 Retrieved December 18 2011 Caldwell Gray December 24 2011 Down But Not Out Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 4 2012 Retrieved December 24 2011 Klis Mike January 1 2012 Broncos Tebow lose to Chiefs Orton but Denver wins AFC West title The Denver Post Retrieved January 1 2012 2011 Conference Standings NFL com Retrieved December 8 2013 Caldwell Gray January 8 2012 Broncos Advance with Postseason Thriller Denver Broncos Archived from the original on October 2 2013 Retrieved January 8 2012 Legan Kenny January 8 2012 Thomas Shines in Overtime Victory Denver Broncos Archived from the original on January 11 2012 Retrieved January 8 2012 Klis Mike January 14 2012 Tom Brady leads Patriots 45 10 rout of Broncos Tim Tebow in NFL playoffs The Denver Post Retrieved January 14 2012 Denver Broncos Team Statistics Denver Broncos January 2 2012 Retrieved January 2 2012 NOTE Search for the 2011 regular season NFL com Statistics NFL com January 2 2012 Retrieved January 2 2012 NOTE Search for the 2011 regular season a b c d e f Caldwell Gray January 19 2012 Dawkins Selected to Ninth Pro Bowl Denver Broncos Retrieved January 19 2012 Caldwell Gray December 14 2011 Decker Honored for Fundamentals Denver Broncos Retrieved December 14 2011 a b c Legan Kenny December 30 2011 Notebook The Final Countdown Denver Broncos Retrieved December 30 2011 a b Zaas Stuart January 16 2012 Harris and Miller Named to All Rookie Team Denver Broncos Retrieved January 16 2012 Henson Max November 11 2011 McGahee Named FedEx Ground Player of Week Denver Broncos Retrieved November 11 2011 Zaas Stuart November 3 2011 Miller Earns Midseason Honor Denver Broncos Retrieved November 3 2011 Henson Max November 23 2011 Miller Named Defensive Player of the Week Denver Broncos Retrieved November 23 2011 Caldwell Gray December 1 2011 Miller Named Defensive Rookie of the Month Denver Broncos Retrieved December 1 2011 Caldwell Gray January 6 2012 Miller Named Second Team All Pro Denver Broncos Retrieved January 6 2012 a b Klis Mike February 4 2012 Broncos Von Miller named NFL defensive rookie of year Tim Tebow also receives award The Denver Post Retrieved February 4 2012 Zaas Stuart December 13 2011 Prater Named Special Teams Player of the Week Denver Broncos Retrieved December 13 2011 Zaas Stuart January 5 2012 Prater Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month Denver Broncos Retrieved January 5 2012 Caldwell Gray November 8 2011 Royal Named Special Teams Player of the Week Denver Broncos Retrieved November 8 2011 Caldwell Gray July 12 2012 Thomas Takes Home ESPY Denver Broncos Retrieved July 12 2012 Zaas Stuart December 15 2011 Woodyard Earns Walter Payton Man of the Year Denver Broncos Retrieved December 15 2011 Legan Kenny October 28 2011 Broncos Win GMC Moment of the Week Denver Broncos Retrieved October 28 2011 Zaas Stuart November 18 2011 Tebow to Decker Earns Week 10 Award Denver Broncos Retrieved November 18 2011 Zaas Stuart November 25 2011 Broncos Game Winning Drive Earns Award Denver Broncos Retrieved November 25 2011 Caldwell Gray December 2 2011 Broncos Win 4th Never Say Never Moment Denver Broncos Retrieved December 2 2011 Caldwell Gray December 16 2011 Broncos Take Home 5th Never Say Never Moment Denver Broncos Retrieved December 16 2011 Broncos stadium renamed Sports Authority Field at Mile High The Denver Post August 16 2011 Retrieved August 16 2011 NFL OKs Broncos request to wear orange uniforms again NFL com NFL Enterprises October 4 2011 Retrieved February 4 2020 Klis Mike October 3 2011 NFL approves Broncos switch back to orange uniforms The Denver Post Retrieved October 3 2011 External links editOfficial website The Denver Post Complete Broncos Coverage 2011 Season page on Pro Football Reference 2011 Denver Broncos at ESPN Retrieved from 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