The Denver Broncos, led by the most polarizing figure in the NFL (possibly in all of sports) have done it again – come from behind in the fourth quarter to win. This time, the victory was secured on a last second field goal over the Minnesota Vikings to pull out the 35-32 victory. In the process, the Broncos pulled into a tie with the Oakland Raiders for first place in the division, as the Raiders fell to the Dolphins 34-14 today.
The game was another thriller as the Broncos trailed for most of second half, and didn’t take a post-halftime lead until the final two seconds of the game. The game also turned into a shootout, with Tebow and Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder trading shots for the last 30 minutes. In the process, Tebow dispelled another chant of the Tebow Doubters – that he couldn’t win a game if he was forced to throw the ball.
That is not to discount the role that the Broncos defense played in the game, as they were critical to the victory despite the absence of rookie sack leader Von Miller, who was recovering from surgery on his thumb.
The first half was ugly, and the Broncos had less than 60 yards of offense by the break. They only stayed within 8 points (15-7 at the half) thanks to some big stops by the defense, as well as a key defensive score. Mario Haggan returned a Ponder interception 16 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.
But the second half required some offensive firepower to keep up with Ponder, who had a great day except in the turnover column. He ended the day 29 of 47 for a Vikings’ rookie record 381 yards passing and 3 TDs, but his two interceptions proved to be the turning points in the game. His first interception provided the Broncos their only points of the first half, and his second interception came deep in his own territory in the final two minutes, setting up the game winning field goal which the Broncos hit from 23 yards out as time expired in the fourth quarter.
The Vikings offense looked good all around. Even with Adrian Peterson out for the game, they managed 129 yards rushing, behind 21 carries for 91 yards by Toby Gerhart. Percy Harvin emerged as Ponder’s favorite target, hauling in 8 passes for 156 yards and 2 TDs. Devin Aromashodu added another 6 catches for 90 yards.
Tebow was forced to go to the air more today, and despite all the criticisms of his throwing motion and accuracy, he delivered when he had to. While he doesn’t have a quick release, he frequently relied on his mobility to buy more time in the pocket, and finished 10 of 15 (67 percent) for 202 yards with 2 TDs and no interceptions. He also had 4 rushes for 13 yards, as the Broncos looked like a little more of a conventional offense.
They also totaled 150 yards rushing, behind Willis McGahee’s 20 carries for 111 yards and 1 TD. Demaryius Thomas led all Denver receivers with 4 receptions for 144 yards and 2 TDs.
The Vikings have now fallen to 2-10, but continue to get good signs of progress from the maturing offense and rookie Ponder, who made some great plays particularly in the second half.
The Broncos are now tied with the Raiders for first place, and in a potential playoff position after a 1-4 start. They are 6-1 with Tebow as a starter, although they still have tough games left down the stretch, as they face Chicago (next week) followed by New England, Buffalo and Kansas City. While they have their work cut out for them, a 7-5 record was inconceivable two months ago and if we’ve learned anything this season, it’s not to count Tebow out too early.
