The Denver Broncos (2-5) pulled off a surprising upset over the Green Bay Packers (2-4) on Sunday, thanks to a clutch interception by safety P.J. Locke in the final minutes of the game. The Broncos snapped a four-game losing streak and handed the Packers their third consecutive defeat.
Broncos defense holds Packers scoreless in first half
The Broncos defense came out strong and held the Packers offense to zero points in the first half. The Packers, who have been struggling to score in the first half of their last four games, were shut out for the second time this season. The Broncos sacked quarterback Jordan Love three times and forced him to fumble once, which they recovered. The Broncos also limited the Packers to just 77 total yards and four first downs in the first half.
The Broncos offense, meanwhile, managed to score nine points on three field goals by kicker Wil Lutz, who connected from 42, 48 and 51 yards. The Broncos had a chance to score a touchdown late in the second quarter, but quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw an incomplete pass on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line.
Packers rally in second half, take lead in fourth quarter
The Packers came out of the locker room with more urgency and energy in the second half. They scored on their first possession of the third quarter, when Love found receiver Davante Adams for a 14-yard touchdown pass. The Broncos answered with a touchdown of their own, when Bridgewater hit tight end Noah Fant for a 9-yard score. The Broncos extended their lead to 16-7 with another field goal by Lutz from 45 yards.
The Packers did not give up and mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter. They scored on back-to-back drives, with Love throwing touchdown passes to receiver Randall Cobb and tight end Robert Tonyan. The Packers took their first lead of the game, 17-16, with 6:12 left in the game.
Locke seals the win for Broncos with interception
The Broncos regained the lead with 3:50 remaining, when Lutz nailed a 52-yard field goal to make it 19-17. The Packers had one last chance to win the game, but Love made a costly mistake. On third-and-20 from their own 46-yard line, Love tried to go deep for receiver Samori Toure, but Locke read the play and intercepted the pass with 1:49 left on the clock. The Broncos ran out the clock and celebrated their second win of the season.
Locke said he was surprised that Love threw the ball his way and credited his teammates for helping him make the play.
“I was just doing my job,” Locke said. “I saw him look that way and I just broke on it. It was a great feeling to make that play for my team.”
Love said he did not see Locke coming from his normal position and regretted his decision.
“We dialed up a play, it’s made for that coverage,” Love said. “Tried to get a shot over the top for Samori, but the backside safety made a good play on it. You can look back on it and say we could’ve did so many different things … who knows? One of those things, what if.”
Stats and highlights
Bridgewater completed 18 of 28 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown for the Broncos. He also rushed for 31 yards on six carries. Running back Melvin Gordon led the team in rushing with 63 yards on 15 carries. Fant was the leading receiver with six catches for 58 yards and one touchdown.
Love completed 22 of 36 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns with one interception for the Packers. He also ran for 23 yards on four attempts. Adams had seven receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. Cobb had five catches for 69 yards and one touchdown.
The Broncos defense had four sacks, one forced fumble and one interception in the game. Linebacker Malik Reed had two sacks, while defensive end Shelby Harris and linebacker Von Miller had one each. Miller also forced Love’s fumble, which was recovered by defensive tackle Mike Purcell.
The Packers defense had two sacks in the game, both by linebacker Rashan Gary.
