Now, the Carolina Panthers (11-0) are the NFL’s only remaining unbeaten team. Anderson scored the touchdown that sealed New England’s fate, taking a pitch from Osweiler 48 yards to the end zone on Denver’s first possession in overtime.
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Quarterback Russell Wilson passed for a season-high 345 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Seattle Seahawks to a 39-30 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Broncos ran for 179 yards, particularly impressive given their two-touchdown deficit for much of the first half and their 21-7 hole they found themselves in after Brady threw a 63-yard scoring pass to Brandon Bolden on the first play of the fourth quarter.
When Manning was the starter, the Broncos managed just 86 yards a game on the ground. He’s now 2-0 as a replacement for Manning, whose return is now about more than only his aching left foot.
The Kalispell Flathead grad finished the night 23-42 for 270 yards, with one TD and one interception.
Both. Denver won it in overtime.
According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, his performance moved him into a tie with Dan Marino for third place on the all-time list for touchdown throws.
I’m not saying Osweiler will stay the starting quarterback this season when Manning is healthy, but that isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
Instead of a 17th meeting between the QB greats, it was Brady versus Osweiler, which doesn’t have the same Hall of Fame ring to it.
The Patriots’ second touchdown drive began at the Broncos’ 15-yard line after defensive end Chandler Jones intercepted a pass just beyond the line of scrimmage after Osweiler was hit by defensive end Jabaal Sheard as he released the ball. After going through waivers unclaimed, the 21-year old was signed to New England’s practice squad. But Chris Harper muffed the punt and Shaq Barrett recovered for Denver at the Patriots 36. It should have been a pleasant surprise to see Anderson run well. Since there were under two minutes to go, the Broncos were docked a timeout which they didn’t have.
While the loss remains in the books, reports Monday indicate Tom Brady’s go-to guy may not have been as seriously hurt as first feared.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski reportedly has no structural damage in his knee, and will be out a minimal amount of time.
Denver’s aiming for home field advantage throughout the postseason.
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Broncos RB Louis Vasquez sustained a groin injury and Pats LB Dont’a Hightower sustained a knee injury. The Facebook account for the Broncos shared a photoshopped image of how Brady looked after trying to ride their bucking bronco.
