2011 Denver Broncos season

American football team season December 2013 February 2026 Denver Broncos 2011 8–8 1st AFC West John Fox Mike McCoy Dennis Allen Pat Bowlen Brian Xanders Sports Authority Field at Mile High Won Wild Card Playoffs(vs. Steelers) 29–23 (OT Overtime)Lost Divisional Playoffs(at Patriots) 10–45 CB Champ BaileyDE Elvis DumervilRB Willis McGaheeLB Von Miller FS Brian DawkinsOT Ryan Clady LB Von Miller (2nd team) Broncos seasons 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. On July 25, the NFLPA and NFL owners agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified on August 4.Jones, Lindsay CBA done, full Broncos roster takes field http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/08/04/cba-done-full-broncos-roster-takes-field/8707/ The Denver Post August 4, 2011 August 4, 2011 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.Legan, Kenny Training Camp Gets Underway http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Training-Camp-Gets-Underway/15582d9c-5424-4573-b03d-84f690ee0c8e Denver Broncos July 28, 2011 July 28, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120130232811/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Training-Camp-Gets-Underway/15582d9c-5424-4573-b03d-84f690ee0c8e January 30, 2012 dead This season would be the final time that the Broncos would lose in Week 1 and start 0–1 until eight years later in 2019, both times being a loss to their division rival Oakland Raiders. 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.Klis, Mike Tim Tebow named Broncos' starting quarterback http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19087742 The Denver Post October 11, 2011 October 11, 2011 Orton was later waived on November 22.Klis, Mike Denver Broncos cut QB Kyle Orton; Chicago Bears might be next http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19391873 The Denver Post November 22, 2011 November 22, 2011 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.Klis, Mike Denver Broncos trade Brandon Lloyd to St. Louis Rams http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19131036 The Denver Post October 17, 2011 October 17, 2011 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,Zaas, Stuart How the West was Won http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/how-the-west-was-won/ Denver Broncos January 5, 2012 January 5, 2012 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. 3 Coaching and front office changes 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.Caldwell, Gray Elway Joins Front Office http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Elway-Joins-Front-Office/b5a8ebe0-71e5-483d-bca5-9acdcf3877c5 Denver Broncos January 5, 2011 January 5, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110107124611/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Elway-Joins-Front-Office/b5a8ebe0-71e5-483d-bca5-9acdcf3877c5 January 7, 2011 dead January 13: The Broncos named former Carolina Panthers' head coach John Fox as the team's new head coach.Klis, Mike John Fox named Broncos head coach, Elway says http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_17087361 The Denver Post January 13, 2011 January 13, 2011 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.Detweiler, Eric Fox Begins Staff http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Fox-Begins-Staff/d9daf123-78d2-4d6b-a870-7b0b4ea1f148 Denver Broncos January 17, 2011 January 17, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110120152331/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Fox-Begins-Staff/d9daf123-78d2-4d6b-a870-7b0b4ea1f148 January 20, 2011 dead 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.Detweiler, Eric Rodgers, Gase Join Staff http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Rodgers-Gase-Join-Staff/5f1feb03-a5e0-4c5b-b8b4-791cae7c3aa4 Denver Broncos January 20, 2011 January 20, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110124061854/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Rodgers-Gase-Join-Staff/5f1feb03-a5e0-4c5b-b8b4-791cae7c3aa4 January 24, 2011 dead January 24: The Broncos hired former New Orleans Saints' secondary coach Dennis Allen as the team's new defensive coordinator, replacing Don Martindale.Legwold, Jeff Allen new D-coordinator http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17189158 The Denver Post January 24, 2011 January 24, 2011 October 19, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121019070105/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17189158 dead 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.Detweiler, Eric Milus, Smith Join Staff http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Milus-Smith-Join-Staff/9e0f6246-ab88-4c70-a89b-90cd9c47f562 Denver Broncos January 25, 2011 January 25, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110126214815/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Milus-Smith-Join-Staff/9e0f6246-ab88-4c70-a89b-90cd9c47f562 January 26, 2011 dead 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.Caldwell, Gray 2011 Coaching Staff Finalized http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/2011-Coaching-Staff-Finalized/ffa21c87-724f-4b9a-9159-a3598a629d3a Denver Broncos January 27, 2011 January 27, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110130045626/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/2011-Coaching-Staff-Finalized/ffa21c87-724f-4b9a-9159-a3598a629d3a January 30, 2011 dead 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.Klis, Mike Broncos hire former Bills Pro Bowler to help players off the field http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_18532063 The Denver Post July 22, 2011 July 22, 2011 Pre-lockout roster changes The 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.Broncos sign Four To Reserve/Futures Contracts http://www.milehighreport.com/2011/1/7/1921036/broncos-sign-four-to-reserve-futures-contracts Mile High Report January 7, 2011 January 7, 2011 McLaughlin was waived on July 29,Caldwell, Gray Buckhalter and Coats Released, McLaughlin Waived http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Buckhalter-and-Coats-Released-McLaughlin-Waived/78c9a933-2536-4603-8c23-818267f942a8 Denver Broncos July 29, 2011 July 29, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204045818/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Buckhalter-and-Coats-Released-McLaughlin-Waived/78c9a933-2536-4603-8c23-818267f942a8 February 4, 2012 dead Murphy was waived on August 29Caldwell, Gray Roster Trimmed to 80 http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Roster-Trimmed-to-80/6959793f-08d1-42f6-bf8e-ae7288dd25ad Denver Broncos August 29, 2011 August 29, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120130235048/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Roster-Trimmed-to-80/6959793f-08d1-42f6-bf8e-ae7288dd25ad January 30, 2012 dead and Taylor was waived on September 6.Jones, Lindsay Broncos add offensive lineman Tony Hills http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_18836627 The Denver Post September 6, 2011 September 6, 2011 On February 22, unrestricted free agent cornerback Champ Bailey was re-signed.Klis, Mike Broncos re-sign Champ Bailey to four-year contract http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17454037 The Denver Post February 22, 2011 February 22, 2011 On March 2, tight end Daniel Graham was released.Klis, Mike Broncos release tight-end Graham http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17525560 The Denver Post March 2, 2011 March 2, 2011 On March 3, unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson was re-signed, while defensive tackles Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams were released.Klis, Mike Broncos keeping defensive end Kevin Vickerson http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_17535725 The Denver Post March 3, 2011 March 3, 2011 Draft 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.Roger Goodell: 'Football is back' https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/6799301/nflpa-oks-deal-roger-goodell-says-football-back ESPN July 26, 2011 July 26, 2011 2011 Denver Broncos DraftRound Selection Player Position College Notes Trades 1 2 Von Miller LB Texas A&M signed July 28Jones, Lindsay Von Miller, Broncos agree to contract http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/07/28/von-miller-to-sign-contract-soon/8326/ The Denver Post July 28, 2011 July 28, 2011 2 45 Rahim Moore S UCLA signed July 28Jones, Lindsay Elway: Rahim Moore agrees to contract, too http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/07/28/elway-rahim-moore-agrees-to-contract-too/8333/ The Denver Post July 28, 2011 July 28, 2011 49ersThe 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.Xanders acquires draft pick haul http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/04/29/xanders-acquires-draft-pick-haul/7396/ The Denver Post April 29, 2011 April 29, 2011 dr The Broncos acquired this second-round selection as part of an April 2010 trade that sent wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins.Marshall Traded to Dolphins http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Marshall-Traded-to-Dolphins/ca6cb4bd-7892-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 Denver Broncos April 14, 2010 April 14, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100922122422/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Marshall-Traded-to-Dolphins/ca6cb4bd-7892-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 September 22, 2010 dead mdy-all dr 46 Orlando Franklin OT Miami signed July 29Caldwell, Gray 2011 NFL Draft Class On Board http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/2011-NFL-Draft-Class-On-Board/390adc34-2308-4b8e-804b-3e70896d4b87 Denver Broncos July 29, 2011 July 29, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204121339/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/2011-NFL-Draft-Class-On-Board/390adc34-2308-4b8e-804b-3e70896d4b87 February 4, 2012 dead 3 67 Nate Irving LB NC State signed July 29 4 108 Quinton Carter S Oklahoma signed July 29 PatriotsThe 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.Klis, Mike Broncos trade for New England running back Laurence Maroney http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_16073675 The Denver Post September 14, 2010 September 14, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100918032336/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_16073675 September 18, 2010 mdy dr 49ersSee draft note 1. dr 129 Julius Thomas TE Portland State signed July 27Jones, Lindsay Rookies J. Thomas, Mohamed, Beal sign http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/07/27/rookies-j-thomas-mohamed-sign/8264/ The Denver Post July 27, 2011 July 27, 2011 Lions/PackersThe 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.Caldwell, Gray Tentative Draft Order http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/tentative-draft-order/ denverbroncos.com March 31, 2011 March 31, 2011Kensler, Tom Draft Day 3: Broncos take Oklahoma S Quinton Carter in 4th round http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_17965179 denverpost.com April 30, 2011 April 30, 2011 dr 5 None See draft notes 1 & 5. dr The Broncos traded their original fifth-round selection (No. 135 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for two 2010 seventh-round selections.Caldwell, Gray Staying Active on Day Three http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Staying-Active-on-Day-Three/ca4edd89-7892-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 denverbroncos.com April 25, 2010 April 25, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204045317/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Staying-Active-on-Day-Three/ca4edd89-7892-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 February 4, 2012 dead dr 6 189 Mike Mohamed LB California signed July 27, waived September 22,Jones, Lindsay Broncos add tight end depth with Dante Rosario http://www.denverpost.com/preps/ci_18953572 The Denver Post September 22, 2011 September 22, 2011promoted to the active roster on November 28Jones, Lindsay McCarthy and Mohamed signed to active roster http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/11/28/mccarthy-says-hes-been-signed-to-active-roster/10908/ The Denver Post November 28, 2011 November 28, 2011 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.Caldwell, Gray Broncos Acquire Quinn http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Acquire-Quinn/cab5d44a-7892-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 denverbroncos.com March 14, 2010 March 14, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120130231242/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Acquire-Quinn/cab5d44a-7892-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 January 30, 2012 dead mdy-all dr See draft note 3. dr 7 204 Virgil Green TE Nevada signed July 27 See draft note 5. dr 247 * Jeremy Beal DE Oklahoma signed July 27, waived September 3Caldwell, Gray Roster Reaches 53 http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Roster-Reaches-53/45c881ad-4f47-4203-ae18-7ea23b874e5d Denver Broncos September 3, 2011 September 3, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110904155804/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Roster-Reaches-53/45c881ad-4f47-4203-ae18-7ea23b874e5d September 4, 2011 dead * Compensatory selectionAssociated Press NFL distributes compensatory draft picks to 23 teams http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d81ef35f4/article/nfl-distributes-compensatory-draft-picks-to-23-teams?module=HP_headlines NFL.com March 25, 2011 March 25, 2011 Draft trades 35em dr Post-lockout roster changes Free agents 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 Unrestricted free agent None NT Ronald Fields UFA Carolina Panthers signed with the Panthers on September 13Panthers add pair of linemen https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/6967568/carolina-panthers-agree-deals-ronald-fields-reggie-wells ESPN.com September 13, 2011 September 13, 2011 OT Ryan Harris UFA Philadelphia Eagles signed with the Eagles on August 2,Klis, Mike Ryan Harris agrees to sign with Eagles http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/08/02/ryan-harris-agrees-to-sign-with-eagles/8609/ The Denver Post August 2, 2011 August 2, 2011re-signed by the Broncos on January 2, 2012Jones, Lindsay Broncos re-sign Ryan Harris to help offensive line http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19660989 The Denver Post January 2, 2012 January 2, 2012 RB Laurence Maroney UFA None DE Ryan McBean ERFA Exclusive-Rights free agent Denver Broncos signed tender July 29Caldwell, Gray Familiar Faces Back in Orange and Blue http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Familiar-Faces-Back-in-Orange-and-Blue/eb29cb92-be05-461e-bdfb-e11624baf56f Denver Broncos July 29, 2011 July 29, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111212002624/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Familiar-Faces-Back-in-Orange-and-Blue/eb29cb92-be05-461e-bdfb-e11624baf56f December 12, 2011 dead PK Matt Prater RFA Restricted free agent Denver Broncos signed tender July 29 DT/NT Marcus Thomas UFA Denver Broncos re-signed July 31Klis, Mike Marcus Thomas back with Broncos http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/07/31/marcus-thomas-back-with-broncos/8503/ The Denver Post July 31, 2011 July 31, 2011 LB Wesley Woodyard RFA Denver Broncos signed tender July 29 Undrafted free agents All undrafted free agents were signed on July 27, two days after the end of the 2011 NFL Lockout.Caldwell, Gray 17 College Free Agents On Board http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/17-College-Free-Agents-On-Board/d3412da8-1c2b-46b1-8773-e2930134b402 Denver Broncos July 27, 2011 July 27, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204115658/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/17-College-Free-Agents-On-Board/d3412da8-1c2b-46b1-8773-e2930134b402 February 4, 2012 dead 2011 Denver Broncos undrafted free agents Player Position College Notes CB Brandon Bing Rutgers waived September 3 DT Ronnell Brown James Madison waived September 3 WR Mark Dell Michigan State designated as waived/injured on August 13Klis, Mike Broncos sign Purdue's Orton http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/08/13/broncos-sign-purdues-orton/8863/ The Denver Post August 13, 2011 August 13, 2011 LB Derek Domino South Dakota State designated as waived/injured on August 15,Klis, Mike Broncos claim Jacksonville LB Alvin Bowen http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/08/15/broncos-claim-jacksonville-lb-alvin-bowen/8878/ The Denver Post August 15, 2011 August 15, 2011released from the waived/injured list on December 13Legwold, Jeff Broncos waive Kyle McCarthy, sign Tony Carter http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19539609 The Denver Post December 13, 2011 December 13, 2011 RB Mario Fannin Auburn designated as waived/injured on August 6Caldwell, Gray Broncos Add Gable http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/broncos-add-gable/ Denver Broncos August 6, 2011 August 6, 2011 WR D'Andre Goodwin Washington waived September 3,assigned to practice squad September 4,Henson, Max Legan, Kenny Broncos sign Wilhite; Fill Practice Squad http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-sign-Wilhite-Fill-Practice-Squad/a51a8845-762d-4e9e-91b8-f1ab320a8851 Denver Broncos September 4, 2011 September 4, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204044325/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-sign-Wilhite-Fill-Practice-Squad/a51a8845-762d-4e9e-91b8-f1ab320a8851 February 4, 2012 dead promoted to the active roster on January 10, 2012,Caldwell, Gray Goodwin Signed; Larsen to IR http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/goodwin-signed-larsen-to-ir/ Denver Broncos January 10, 2012 January 10, 2012on final roster OT Adam Grant Arizona waived September 3,assigned to practice squad on September 4 CB Chris Harris, Jr. Kansas on final roster WR Jamel Hamler Fresno State placed on injured reserve September 3,waived September 12Klis, Mike Broncos waive WR Jamel Hamler http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/09/12/broncos-waive-wr-jamel-hamler/9501/ The Denver Post September 12, 2011 September 12, 2011 LB A. J. Jones Florida waived August 16Caldwell, Gray 2011 Training Camp – Day 20: A.M. Blog http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/2011-training-camp-day-20-a-m-blog/ Denver Broncos August 16, 2011 August 16, 2011 LB Deron Mayo Old Dominion waived August 29 OT Curt Porter Jacksonville State waived August 29 CB James Rogers Michigan released August 1 FB Austin Sylvester Washington waived September 3,assigned to practice squad September 4,promoted to the active roster on December 27,Jones, Lindsay Broncos' sole focus is beating Kansas City, making playoffs http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_19626330 The Denver Post December 27, 2011 December 27, 2011waived January 13, 2012Legwold, Jeff Broncos sign long snapper Binn on eve of Patriots playoff game http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_19736465 The Denver Post January 13, 2012 January 13, 2012 QB Adam Weber Minnesota waived September 3,assigned to practice squad on September 4 DT Colby Whitlock Texas Tech released August 2Legan, Kenny Broncos Release Whitlock http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Release-Whitlock/669b813e-c57e-4a26-aaef-38c05d6a045f Denver Broncos August 2, 2011 August 2, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204121227/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Release-Whitlock/669b813e-c57e-4a26-aaef-38c05d6a045f February 4, 2012 dead WR Marshall Williams Wake Forest released August 1Caldwell, Gray Broncos Continue to Add Through Free Agency http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Continue-to-Add-Through-Free-Agency/16f0834c-c23f-4ada-8ef4-62c63554d6d3 Denver Broncos August 1, 2011 August 1, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120130233008/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Continue-to-Add-Through-Free-Agency/16f0834c-c23f-4ada-8ef4-62c63554d6d3 January 30, 2012 dead Signings Position Player 2010 Team Notes WR David Anderson Houston Texans signed July 30,Caldwell, Gray Anderson Added to Receiving Corps http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Anderson-Added-to-Receiving-Corps/29c0ceb0-81d6-4d6f-9ad8-45b45086f153 Denver Broncos July 30, 2011 July 31, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204121047/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Anderson-Added-to-Receiving-Corps/29c0ceb0-81d6-4d6f-9ad8-45b45086f153 February 4, 2012 dead waived September 3 LS David Binn San Diego Chargers signed January 13, 2012, on final roster LB Alvin Bowen Jacksonville Jaguars signed August 15, waived September 3 S Rafael Bush Atlanta Falcons signed October 17,Klis, Mike Broncos add safety Rafael Bush to roster after Brandon Lloyd trade http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/10/17/broncos-add-safety-rafael-bush-to-roster/10209/ The Denver Post October 17, 2011 October 17, 2011 on final roster CB Tony Carter Practice squad player promoted to the active roster on December 13,on final roster WR/RS Quan Cosby Cincinnati Bengals signed September 20,Jones, Lindsay Broncos sign former Bengals WR Quan Cosby, cut RB Jeremiah Johnson http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18938245 The Denver Post September 20, 2011 September 20, 2011 waived December 27 TE Daniel Fells St. Louis Rams signed August 1,Caldwell, Gray Harvey, Fells Added http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Harvey-Fells-Added/081610f8-d782-462f-9a4b-60ee63d893f1 Denver Broncos August 1, 2011 August 1, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204044229/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Harvey-Fells-Added/081610f8-d782-462f-9a4b-60ee63d893f1 February 4, 2012 dead on final roster RB C. J. Gable New Orleans Saints signed August 6, waived August 29 DE Derrick Harvey Jacksonville Jaguars signed August 1, on final roster OT Tony Hills Pittsburgh Steelers signed September 6, on final roster LB Brian Iwuh Chicago Bears signed January 3, 2012,Legwold, Jeff Broncos sign former CU linebacker Brian Iwuh http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_19666838 The Denver Post January 3, 2012 January 3, 2012 on final roster RB Jeremiah Johnson Practice squad player promoted to the active roster on September 16,Klis, Mike RB Jeremiah Johnson to be activated for Bengals http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/09/16/rb-jeremiah-johnson-will-be-activated-for-bengals/9679/ The Denver Post September 16, 2011 September 16, 2011waived September 20,promoted to the active roster on November 14,Jones, Lindsay Broncos lose Knowshon Moreno for season to torn ACL http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_19333426 The Denver Post November 14, 2011 November 14, 2011on final roster FB Quinn Johnson Tennessee Titans signed October 10,Klis, Mike Kevin Vickerson done for season, so Broncos claim FB Quinn Johnson http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/10/10/vickerson-done-for-season-broncos-claim-fb-quinton-johnson/10068/ The Denver Post October 10, 2011 October 10, 2011 waived December 17Klis, Mike Broncos promote S Kyle McCarthy, waive FB Quinn Johnson http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/12/17/broncos-promote-s-kyle-mccarthy-waive-fb-quinn-johnson/11343/ The Denver Post December 17, 2011 December 17, 2011 S Kyle McCarthy Practice squad player promoted to the active roster on November 28,waived December 13,promoted to the active roster on December 17,waived January 3, 2012 RB Willis McGahee Baltimore Ravens signed July 31,Caldwell, Gray McGahee Joins Backfield http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/McGahee-Joins-Backfield/05507892-a095-42ec-8c4d-51fab088879e Denver Broncos July 31, 2011 July 31, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120130232848/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/McGahee-Joins-Backfield/05507892-a095-42ec-8c4d-51fab088879e January 30, 2012 dead on final roster WR Greg Orton Spokane Shock (AFL) signed August 13, waived September 3 DT DeMario Pressley Houston Texans signed August 17,Caldwell, Gray Pressley Joins D-Line http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/pressley-joins-d-line/ Denver Broncos August 17, 2011 August 17, 2011 waived September 3 TE Dante Rosario Carolina Panthers signed August 1, released September 3,re-signed September 22, on final roster DT Ty Warren New England Patriots signed August 2,Jones, Lindsay Warren accepts Broncos' offer http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/08/02/report-warren-accepts-broncos-offer/8613/ The Denver Post August 2, 2011 August 2, 2011placed on injured reserve September 17Klis, Mike Broncos put DT Ty Warren on injured reserve, ending his season http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18918456 The Denver Post September 17, 2011 September 17, 2011 CB Jonathan Wilhite New England Patriots signed September 4, on final roster Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2010 season. Departures Position Player Notes RB Correll Buckhalter released July 29 G Stanley Daniels waived September 3 TE Daniel Coats released July 29 CB Perrish Cox waived September 3 WR Britt Davis waived September 3 LB Dominic Douglas waived July 31Broncos Waive Linebacker Dominic Douglas http://broncotalk.net/2011/07/23054/denver-broncos/broncos-waive-linebacker-dominic-douglas/ BroncoTalk.net July 31, 2011 July 31, 2011 TE Dan Gronkowski waived September 3 PK Steven Hauschka waived September 3 S Renaldo Hill released July 30Jones, Lindsay Broncos release Renaldo Hill http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/07/30/broncos-release-renaldo-hill/8460/ The Denver Post July 30, 2011 July 30, 2011 CB Chevis Jackson waived August 4Caldwell, Gray Jackson Waived http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/jackson-waived//78c9a933-2536-4603-8c23-818267f942a8 Denver Broncos August 4, 2011 August 4, 2011 CB Nate Jones released August 29 LB Braxton Kelley waived August 29 DT Louis Leonard released August 15 S Darcel McBath released September 4 G Eric Olsen waived September 3 QB Kyle Orton waived November 22 S Nick Polk released August 1 TE Richard Quinn designated as waived/injured on August 22,Jones, Lindsay Richard Quinn waived, likely headed to injured reserve http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/08/22/richard-quinn-waived-likely-headed-to-injured-reserve/9067/ The Denver Post August 22, 2011 August 22, 2011released from injured reserve on August 26Jones, Lindsay R. Quinn released from IR with injury settlement http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/08/26/r-quinn-released-from-ir-with-injury-settlement/9118/ The Denver Post August 26, 2011 August 26, 2011 LB Lee Robinson waived September 3 DE David Veikune waived August 29 RB LenDale White released August 16 Trades July 27: Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney was traded to the Washington Redskins in exchange for defensive end Jeremy Jarmon.Caldwell, Gray Jarmon to Denver in Trade http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Jarmon-to-Denver-in-Trade/97bbe741-b998-4025-9bc7-0ce517769c23 Denver Broncos July 27, 2011 July 27, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204045033/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Jarmon-to-Denver-in-Trade/97bbe741-b998-4025-9bc7-0ce517769c23 February 4, 2012 dead Jarmon was later waived on September 4. August 1: The Broncos acquired defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for an undisclosed 2013 draft selection.Caldwell, Gray Broncos Trade for Bunkley http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Trade-for-Bunkley/53e03414-1cc5-4777-8b3a-6fe42d7aa443 Denver Broncos August 1, 2011 August 1, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204085921/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Trade-for-Bunkley/53e03414-1cc5-4777-8b3a-6fe42d7aa443 February 4, 2012 dead 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; 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.Jones, Lindsay Lloyd's 30th catch upgrades Broncos draft pick http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/11/27/lloyds-30th-catch-upgrades-broncos-draft-pick/10896/ The Denver Post November 27, 2011 November 27, 2011 Injuries 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.Jones, Lindsay Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas still recovering from torn Achilles http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/07/27/demaryius-thomas-on-non-football-injury-list/8266/ The Denver Post July 27, 2011 July 27, 2011 Thomas later suffered a broken finger during practice on September 8, and missed the first six weeks of the regular season.Klis, Mike Demaryius Thomas suffers broken finger http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/09/10/demaryius-thomas-suffers-broken-finger/9492/ The Denver Post September 10, 2011 September 10, 2011 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.Klis, Mike Injuries to Ty Warren, Marcus Thomas leave big dents in Broncos' defensive line http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18696384 The Denver Post August 17, 2011 August 17, 2011 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.Klis, Mike D.J. Williams out 3–4 weeks with dislocated elbow http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2011/08/27/d-j-williams-out-3-4-weeks-with-dislocated-elbow/9128/ The Denver Post August 27, 2011 August 27, 2011 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.Klis, Mike Legwold, Jeff Broncos' Thompson joins long list of players with Achilles injuries http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18817968?_requestid=7637395 The Denver Post September 3, 2011 September 3, 2011 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. 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. 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. 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. January 10, 2012: Fullback Spencer Larsen was placed on injured reserve. Staff 2011 Denver Broncos 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 coach – John Fox Assistant to head coach – Mark Thewes 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 coordinator – Dennis Allen Defensive line – Wayne Nunnely Linebackers – Richard Smith Secondary – Ron Milus Assistant secondary – Sam Garnes Defensive quality control – Jay Rodgers Special teams coordinator – Jeff Rodgers Assistant special teams – Keith Burns Strength and conditioning – Rich Tuten Strength and conditioning assistant – Justin Lovett Strength and conditioning assistant – Greg Saporta Final roster 2011 Denver Broncos 53 8 8  9 Brady Quinn 15 Tim Tebow 35 Lance Ball 37 Jeremiah Johnson gridiron football 23 Willis McGahee 46 Spencer Larsen FB 40 Austin Sylvester y 87 Eric Decker 19 Eddie Royal 88 Demaryius Thomas 12 Matt Willis American football 86 Daniel Fells 85 Virgil Green y 81 Dante Rosario 80 Julius Thomas y 68 Zane Beadles G 78 Ryan Clady T 75 Chris Clark American football T 74 Orlando Franklin y T 76 Tony Hills American football T 71 Russ Hochstein C 73 Chris Kuper G 65 Manny Ramirez American football G 50 J. D. Walton C 91 Robert Ayers DE 77 Brodrick Bunkley DT 92 Elvis Dumervil DE 95 Derrick Harvey DE 90 Jason Hunter American football DE 98 Ryan McBean DE 79 Marcus Thomas defensive tackle DT 96 Mitch Unrein DT 57 Mario Haggan OLB 56 Nate Irving y MLB 51 Joe Mays American football MLB 58 Von Miller y OLB 53 Mike Mohamed y OLB 55 D. J. Williams linebacker 0LB 52 Wesley Woodyard OLB 24 Champ Bailey CB 30 David Bruton American football FS 36 Rafael Bush SS 28 Quinton Carter y FS/SS 32 Tony Carter cornerback CB 20 Brian Dawkins SS 21 André Goodman CB 25 Chris Harris Jr. y CB 34 Kyle McCarthy American football SS 26 Rahim Moore y FS 29 Jonathan Wilhite CB 66 Lonie Paxton LS  4 Britton Colquitt P  5 Matt Prater K 83 Mark Dell y WR IR 42 Mario Fannin y RB IR -- Ben Garland DE Military 27 Knowshon Moreno RB IR 22 Syd'Quan Thompson CB IR 41 Cassius Vaughn CB IR 99 Kevin Vickerson DT IR 94 Ty Warren DT IR 97 Jeremy Beal y DE 16 D'Andre Goodwin y WR 67 Adam Grant American football y T 84 Cornelius Ingram TE 33 Xavier Omon RB 14 Greg Orton wide receiver WR 93 Sealver Siliga y DT  2 Adam Weber y QB Preseason Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 August 11, 2011 at Dallas Cowboys L 23–24 0–1 Cowboys Stadium Recap 2 August 20, 2011 Buffalo Bills W 24–10 1–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 3 August 27, 2011 Seattle Seahawks W 23–20 2–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 4 September 1, 2011 at Arizona Cardinals L 7–26 2–2 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 September 12, 2011 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 6Bye 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, 2011 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, 2011 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 Week 1: vs. Oakland Raiders Denver Broncos 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary September 12, 2011 8:15 p.m. MDT Raiders 0 16 0 7 Broncos 3 0 10 7 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 75,671 75 F C, partly cloudy Jerome Boger ESPN Brad Nessler and Trent Dilfer Recap, Gamebook 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.Caldwell, Gray Broncos Drop Season Opener to Raiders http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Drop-Season-Opener-to-Raiders/156df136-9cae-4535-845d-e9511328c7c5 Denver Broncos September 12, 2011 September 12, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204051820/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Drop-Season-Opener-to-Raiders/156df136-9cae-4535-845d-e9511328c7c5 February 4, 2012 dead 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 Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – Game summary September 18 2:15 pm. MDT Bengals 0 3 12 7 Broncos 7 3 7 7 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 73,281 69 F C, sunny Ed Hochuli CBS Spero Dedes and Steve Beuerlein Recap, Gamebook 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.Henson, Max Rising to the Occasion http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Rising-to-the-Occasion-/655894e1-ab62-4a00-bdc6-6bec17635451 Denver Broncos September 19, 2011 September 19, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110926014314/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Rising-to-the-Occasion-/655894e1-ab62-4a00-bdc6-6bec17635451 September 26, 2011 dead Week 3: at Tennessee Titans Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Three: Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans – Game summary September 25 12:00 p.m. CDT/11:00 am. MDT Broncos 7 0 7 0 Titans 0 10 0 7 LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee 69,143 73 F C, sunny John Parry CBS Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker Recap, Gamebook 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.Caldwell, Gray Broncos Come Up Short in Nashville http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Come-Up-Short-in-Nashville-/f4395bc9-7ec8-4bde-95a7-6e598511ccb5 Denver Broncos September 26, 2011 September 26, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927105707/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Come-Up-Short-in-Nashville-/f4395bc9-7ec8-4bde-95a7-6e598511ccb5 September 27, 2011 dead Week 4: at Green Bay Packers Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Four: Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers – Game summary October 2 3:15 pm. CDT/2:15 pm. MDT Broncos 3 14 0 6 Packers 14 14 14 7 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 70,529 67 F C, sunny Scott Green CBS Jim Nantz and Phil Simms Recap, Gamebook 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.Caldwell, Gray Broncos Fall to Rodgers, Defending Champs http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Fall-to-Rodgers-Defending-Champs/a5089f8d-4530-4cb4-9553-3461a27ccc09 Denver Broncos October 2, 2011 October 2, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111004222735/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Fall-to-Rodgers-Defending-Champs/a5089f8d-4530-4cb4-9553-3461a27ccc09 October 4, 2011 dead The loss drops the Broncos to 0–4–1 all-time in Green Bay. Week 5: vs. San Diego Chargers Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary October 9 2:15 pm. MDT Chargers 6 17 0 6 Broncos 7 3 0 14 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 74,895 52 F C, mostly sunny Gene Steratore CBS Marv Albert and Rich Gannon Recap, Gamebook 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.Henson, Max Chargers Hold Off Broncos, 29–24 http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Chargers-Hold-Off-Broncos-29-24/bb0cb974-a247-4813-83d1-627fed4a71e4 Denver Broncos October 9, 2011 October 9, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111011102716/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Chargers-Hold-Off-Broncos-29-24/bb0cb974-a247-4813-83d1-627fed4a71e4 October 11, 2011 dead 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). Week 7: at Miami Dolphins Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seven: Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins – Game summary October 23 1:00 p.m. EDT/11:00 am. MDT Broncos 0 0 0 15 3 Dolphins 0 6 0 9 0 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 63,800 77 F C, sunny Clete Blakeman CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots Recap, Gamebook 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. 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.Jones, Lindsay Broncos live: Tebow's late 2-point conversion leads to Denver win in overtime over Miami http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19177204 The Denver Post October 23, 2011 October 23, 2011Legan, Kenny Broncos Triumph in Overtime http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Triumph-in-Overtime/a39387ce-8dc1-4bde-a985-c57db3f599f0 Denver Broncos October 23, 2011 October 23, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111026191617/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Triumph-in-Overtime/a39387ce-8dc1-4bde-a985-c57db3f599f0 October 26, 2011 dead mdy-all Week 8: vs. Detroit Lions Denver Broncos 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos – Game summary October 30 2:05 pm. MDT Lions 7 17 14 7 Broncos 3 0 0 7 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 74,977 56 F C, sunny Walt Coleman Fox Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jaime Maggio Recap, Gamebook 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.Henson, Max Lions Defeat Broncos 45–10 http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Lions-Defeat-Broncos-45-10/7a3d004e-286e-47b0-865b-847a62003b0e Denver Broncos October 30, 2011 October 30, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111101195417/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Lions-Defeat-Broncos-45-10/7a3d004e-286e-47b0-865b-847a62003b0e November 1, 2011 dead Week 9: at Oakland Raiders Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary November 6 2:05 pm. MST/1:05 p.m. PST Broncos 7 0 17 14 Raiders 3 14 7 0 O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California 58,125 62 F C, partly cloudy John Parry CBS Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf Recap, Gamebook 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.Caldwell, Gray Determined Broncos Down Raiders http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Determined-Broncos-Down-Raiders/8d1dd514-8a04-497c-9441-79a1ef150672 Denver Broncos November 6, 2011 November 6, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111109033538/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Determined-Broncos-Down-Raiders/8d1dd514-8a04-497c-9441-79a1ef150672 November 9, 2011 dead Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary November 13 12:00 pm. CST/11:00 am. MST Broncos 7 3 0 7 Chiefs 0 0 7 3 Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 72,908 67 F C, sunny Ron Winter CBS Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker Recap, Gamebook 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.Caldwell, Gray Broncos Run Past Chiefs, 17–10 http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Run-Past-Chiefs-17-10/6d4ded9a-60b2-40bc-a417-672ae14ec010 Denver Broncos November 13, 2011 November 13, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111117042107/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Run-Past-Chiefs-17-10/6d4ded9a-60b2-40bc-a417-672ae14ec010 November 17, 2011 dead 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. Week 11: vs. New York Jets Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eleven: New York Jets at Denver Broncos – Game summary November 17, 2011 6:20 pm. MST Jets 0 3 7 3 Broncos 3 0 7 7 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 74,746 54 F C, partly cloudy Bill Leavy NFLN Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan Recap, Gamebook 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 André 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 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.Caldwell, Gray Defense Delivers http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Defense-Delivers/8b48e4e5-8b33-4d00-860c-ed3d48ab6d3f Denver Broncos November 18, 2011 November 18, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111121011610/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Defense-Delivers/8b48e4e5-8b33-4d00-860c-ed3d48ab6d3f November 21, 2011 dead Notes With the win, the Broncos exceeded their win total from 2010. Week 12: at San Diego Chargers Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 27 2:15 pm. MST/1:15 pm. PST Broncos 0 7 3 3 3 Chargers 3 7 3 0 0 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 64,436 84 F C, sunny Jeff Triplette CBS Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts Recap, Gamebook 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.Legan, Kenny Overtime Field Goal Caps Comeback http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Overtime-Field-Goal-Caps-Comeback/1f14cb49-c2dd-4ea0-91a1-61ccc61ccfb3 Denver Broncos November 27, 2011 November 27, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20140203174535/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Overtime-Field-Goal-Caps-Comeback/1f14cb49-c2dd-4ea0-91a1-61ccc61ccfb3 February 3, 2014 dead 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. Week 13: at Minnesota Vikings Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary December 4 12:00 pm. CST/11:00 am. MST Broncos 7 0 14 14 Vikings 5 10 7 10 Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 62,939 Played indoors (dome stadium) Terry McAulay Fox Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin Recap, Gamebook 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 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.Caldwell, Gray Broncos in First After Fifth Straight Win http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-in-First-After-Fifth-Straight-Win/230c6258-29f7-4082-99bb-8cd77e743a7a Denver Broncos December 4, 2011 December 4, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111206085800/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-in-First-After-Fifth-Straight-Win/230c6258-29f7-4082-99bb-8cd77e743a7a December 6, 2011 dead Ordinarily, this game would have been televised by CBS, because the Broncos, a member of the AFC, were the away team. However, NBC used its power to "flex" to Sunday night a Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints game that would otherwise have been televised by Fox. The originally scheduled Sunday night game, Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots, reverted to 1:00 pm Eastern Time on CBS. The end result of these moves was that Fox only held two 1:00 pm Eastern Time games, jeopardizing its Nielsen ratings in that window, and Fox appealed to the NFL for a remedy. Negotiations between CBS, Fox, and the league resulted in CBS trading this game to Fox in exchange for a later-season Fox game of CBS' choosing. Week 14: vs. Chicago Bears Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos – Game summary December 11 2:05 pm. MST Bears 0 0 7 3 0 Broncos 0 0 0 10 3 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 76,487 50 F C, sunny Carl Cheffers Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa Recap, Gamebook 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.Associated Press Tim Tebow rallies Broncos to late tie, past shocked Bears in OT http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=311211007 https://archive.today/20120715154752/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=311211007 dead July 15, 2012 ESPN December 11, 2011 December 11, 2011 Notes In the fourth quarter and overtime, Tim Tebow was 18 of 24 with 191 yards passing and one touchdown.Henson, Max Never Out of the Fight http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Never-Out-of-the-Fight-/f5f2c6bd-2e73-45a2-a752-50545dc2f9dd Denver Broncos December 12, 2011 December 12, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120121092235/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Never-Out-of-the-Fight-/f5f2c6bd-2e73-45a2-a752-50545dc2f9dd January 21, 2012 dead 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. Week 15: vs. New England Patriots Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – Game summary December 18 2:15 pm. MST Patriots 7 20 7 7 Broncos 13 3 0 7 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 76,556 63 F C, mostly sunny Mike Carey CBS Jim Nantz and Phil Simms Recap, Gamebook 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.Henson, Max Patriots Stop Streak http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Patriots-Stop-Streak/2d3612d2-2ae6-4c74-99f9-734d4df6e4ba Denver Broncos December 18, 2011 December 18, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120104130146/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Patriots-Stop-Streak/2d3612d2-2ae6-4c74-99f9-734d4df6e4ba January 4, 2012 dead Week 16: at Buffalo Bills Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Sixteen: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills – Game summary December 24, 2011 1:00 pm. EST/11:00 am. MST Broncos 7 0 7 0 Bills 0 17 6 17 Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York 45,112 30 F C, sunny Walt Anderson CBS Jim Nantz and Phil Simms Recap, Gamebook 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.Caldwell, Gray Down But Not Out http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Down-But-Not-Out/d57a0e8d-2c74-4807-b38f-7b5bfafafdc9 Denver Broncos December 24, 2011 December 24, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120104134328/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Down-But-Not-Out/d57a0e8d-2c74-4807-b38f-7b5bfafafdc9 January 4, 2012 dead Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seventeen: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary January 1 2:15 pm. MST Chiefs 7 0 0 0 Broncos 0 0 3 0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 76,005 35 F C, sunny Pete Morelli CBS Jim Nantz and Phil Simms Recap, Gamebook 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.Klis, Mike Broncos, Tebow lose to Chiefs, Orton; but Denver wins AFC West title http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19657209 The Denver Post January 1, 2012 January 1, 2012 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. 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). Standings Division DEN Conference DEN Statistics Team leaders CategoryPlayer(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 André GoodmanChamp Bailey 2 Source for this section: Denver Broncos' official website.Denver Broncos Team Statistics http://www.denverbroncos.com/team/statistics.html Denver Broncos January 2, 2012 January 2, 2012 NOTE: Search for the 2011 regular season. League rankings OffenseCategoryValueNFL rank(out of 32) Total yards 316.6 YPG Yards per game 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 Points per game 25th Pass completions 217/429 (.506) 32nd Last in the NFL Third downs 66/214 (.308) 30th Possession average 29:43 Per game 21st Fewest sacks allowed 42 T− Tied for23rd Turnover differential −12 26thDefenseCategoryValueNFL 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−28thSpecial TeamsCategoryValueNFL rank(out of 32) Kickoff returns 24.5 YPR Yards per return 11th Punt returns 12.7 YPR 3rd Gross punting 47.4 YPP Yards per punt 7th Net punting 41.6 YPP 6th Kickoff coverage Opponents' kickoff returns 24.6 YPR 20th Punt coverage Opponents' punt returns 11.5 YPR 13th Source for this section: NFL.com.NFL.com Statistics http://www.nfl.com/stats/team January 2, 2012 NFL.com January 2, 2012 NOTE: Search for the 2011 regular season. Postseason 2011–12 NFL playoffs Schedule 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 F j, Y at New England Patriots (1) L 10–45 1–1 Gillette Stadium Recap Game summaries AFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. (5) Pittsburgh Steelers Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (5) Pittsburgh Steelers at (4) Denver Broncos – Game summary January 8, 2012 2:30 p.m. MST Steelers 6 0 7 10 0 Broncos 0 20 0 3 6 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 75,970 40 F C, sunny Ron Winter CBS Jim Nantz and Phil Simms Gamebook 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 thumb|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.Caldwell, Gray Broncos Advance with Postseason Thriller http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Advance-with-Postseason-Thriller/838080d0-bdab-43a4-a8b5-0d2be3af0391 Denver Broncos January 8, 2012 January 8, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20131002151726/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-Advance-with-Postseason-Thriller/838080d0-bdab-43a4-a8b5-0d2be3af0391 October 2, 2013 dead mdy-all 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.Legan, Kenny Thomas Shines in Overtime Victory http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Thomas-Shines-in-Overtime-Victory/737bb5a1-3d0f-4ad3-ade6-0ec47236b9b8 Denver Broncos January 8, 2012 January 8, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120111035845/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Thomas-Shines-in-Overtime-Victory/737bb5a1-3d0f-4ad3-ade6-0ec47236b9b8 January 11, 2012 dead With the win, the Broncos advanced to face the New England Patriots in the divisional round but lost 45-10. AFC Divisional Playoffs: at (1) New England Patriots Denver Broncos 2011 2;text-align:center; autocollapse AFC Divisional Playoffs: (4) Denver Broncos at (1) New England Patriots – Game summary January 14, 2012 F j, Y 8:00 p.m. EST/6:00 pm. MST Broncos 0 7 3 0 Patriots 14 21 7 3 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts 68,756 24 F C, partly cloudy and cold Gene Steratore CBS Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Steve Tasker Recap, Gamebook 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.Klis, Mike Tom Brady leads Patriots' 45–10 rout of Broncos, Tim Tebow in NFL playoffs http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19745656 The Denver Post January 14, 2012 January 14, 2012 This would be the Broncos last playoff loss to the Patriots until 2025. Awards and honors Recipient Award(s) Champ Bailey Named to the AFC Pro Bowl rosterCaldwell, Gray Dawkins Selected to Ninth Pro Bowl http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/dawkins-selected-to-ninth-pro-bowl/ Denver Broncos January 19, 2012 January 19, 2012 Ryan Clady Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster Brian Dawkins Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster Eric Decker Named to the USA Football All Fundamentals TeamCaldwell, Gray Decker Honored for Fundamentals http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/decker-honored-for-fundamentals/ Denver Broncos December 14, 2011 December 14, 2011 Elvis Dumervil Named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster Orlando Franklin Named to the Football Outsiders All-Rookie TeamLegan, Kenny Notebook: The Final Countdown http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/notebook-the-final-countdown/ Denver Broncos December 30, 2011 December 30, 2011 Chris Harris, Jr. Named to the Football Outsiders All-Rookie TeamNamed to the Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie TeamZaas, Stuart Harris and Miller Named to All-Rookie Team http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/harris-and-miller-named-to-all-rookie-team/ Denver Broncos January 16, 2012 January 16, 2012 Willis McGahee Week 9: FedEx Ground Player of the WeekHenson, Max McGahee Named FedEx Ground Player of Week http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/mcgahee-named-fedex-ground-player-of-week/ Denver Broncos November 11, 2011 November 11, 2011Named to the AFC Pro Bowl rosterVon Miller First half of the season: Sports Illustrated Defensive Rookie of the Year.Zaas, Stuart Miller Earns Midseason Honor http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/miller-earns-midseason-honor/ Denver Broncos November 3, 2011 November 3, 2011Week 10: AFC Defensive Player of the WeekHenson, Max Miller Named Defensive Player of the Week http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/miller-named-defensive-player-of-the-week/ Denver Broncos November 23, 2011 November 23, 2011November: Defensive Rookie of the MonthCaldwell, Gray Miller Named Defensive Rookie of the Month http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/miller-named-defensive-rookie-of-the-month/ Denver Broncos December 1, 2011 December 1, 2011Named to the AFC Pro Bowl rosterNamed to the Football Outsiders All-Rookie TeamVoted to The Associated Press 2011 NFL All-Pro TeamCaldwell, Gray Miller Named Second-Team All-Pro http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/miller-named-second-team-all-pro/ Denver Broncos January 6, 2012 January 6, 2012Named to the Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team2011 season: Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the YearKlis, Mike Broncos' Von Miller named NFL defensive rookie of year, Tim Tebow also receives award http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_19894614 The Denver Post February 4, 2012 February 4, 2012 Matt Prater Week 14: AFC Special Teams Player of the WeekZaas, Stuart Prater Named Special Teams Player of the Week http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/prater-named-special-teams-player-of-the-week/ Denver Broncos December 13, 2011 December 13, 2011December: AFC Special Teams Player of the MonthZaas, Stuart Prater Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/prater-named-afc-special-teams-player-of-the-month/ Denver Broncos January 5, 2012 January 5, 2012 Eddie Royal Week 9: AFC Special Teams Player of the WeekCaldwell, Gray Royal Named Special Teams Player of the Week http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/royal-named-special-teams-player-of-the-week/ Denver Broncos November 8, 2011 November 8, 2011 Tim Tebow Week 14: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year (come-from-behind/overtime win) Demaryius Thomas Best Moment at 2012 ESPY Awards (80-yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow in the Wild Card playoffs)Caldwell, Gray Thomas Takes Home ESPY http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/thomas-takes-home-espy/ Denver Broncos July 12, 2012 July 12, 2012 Wesley Woodyard Named as the team's Walter Payton Man of the YearZaas, Stuart Woodyard Earns Walter Payton Man of the Year http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/woodyard-earns-walter-payton-man-of-the-year/ Denver Broncos December 15, 2011 December 15, 2011 Team Week 7: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind/overtime win)Legan, Kenny Broncos Win GMC Moment of the Week http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/broncos-win-gmc-moment-of-the-week/ Denver Broncos October 28, 2011 October 28, 2011Week 10: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (touchdown pass from Tim Tebow to Eric Decker)Zaas, Stuart Tebow-to-Decker Earns Week 10 Award http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/tebow-to-decker-earns-week-10-award/ Denver Broncos November 18, 2011 November 18, 2011Week 11: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind win),Zaas, Stuart Broncos Game-Winning Drive Earns Award http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/broncos-game-winning-drive-earns-award/ Denver Broncos November 25, 2011 November 25, 2011Week 12: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind/overtime win)Caldwell, Gray Broncos Win 4th Never Say Never Moment http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/broncos-win-4th-never-say-never-moment/ Denver Broncos December 2, 2011 December 2, 2011Week 14: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind/overtime win)Caldwell, Gray Broncos Take Home 5th Never Say Never Moment http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/broncos-take-home-5th-never-say-never-moment/ Denver Broncos December 16, 2011 December 16, 2011 Other news and notes 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.Broncos stadium renamed Sports Authority Field at Mile High http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18693613 The Denver Post August 16, 2011 August 16, 2011 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). 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.NFL OKs Broncos request to wear orange uniforms again http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d822d2309/article/nfl-oks-broncos-request-to-wear-orange-uniforms-again https://web.archive.org/web/20111004230624/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d822d2309/article/nfl-oks-broncos-request-to-wear-orange-uniforms-again dead October 4, 2011 NFL Enterprises NFL.com October 4, 2011 February 4, 2020Klis Mike NFL approves Broncos' switch back to orange uniforms http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19031069 The Denver Post October 3, 2011 October 3, 2011 References 30em External links http://www.denverbroncos.com The Denver Post – Complete Broncos Coverage 2011 Season page on Pro Football Reference 2011 Denver Broncos at ESPN Denver Category:Denver Broncos seasons Category:AFC West championship seasons Denver Broncos