2011 Denver Broncos season
Encyclopedia
The Denver Broncos
season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League
and the 52nd overall. It also marks the first season under new head coach John Fox, as well as the first with John Elway
as the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations. With a 6–5 record, the Broncos have exceeded their win total from 2010
, in which the team set a new franchise record for losses in a single season, with a 4–12 record. The Broncos selected linebacker
Von Miller
as the #2 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft
.
On July 25, the NFLPA and NFL owners agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified on August 4. 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.
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 starter for the team's Week 7 game at the Miami Dolphins
on October 23, and has led the Broncos to a 5–1 record, despite constant criticism of Tebow's ability as a passer. Orton was later waived on November 22. On October 17, shortly after the quarterback change, the team traded wide receiver
Brandon Lloyd
to the St. Louis Rams
in exchange for a conditional 2012
draft selection.
Champ Bailey
and DT Kevin Vickerson
were re-signed before the lockout):
Nate Jones was released, while the following players were waived: Running back
C. J. Gable, linebacker
s Braxton Kelley
and Deron Mayo, guard
Shawn Murphy
, tackle
Curt Porter and defensive end
David Veikune
.
Four days later, on September 3, the Broncos trimmed their roster to a regular season-maximum 53 players. Undrafted wide receiver
Jamel Hamler, running back Brandon Minor
and cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson
were each placed on Injured reserve, while the following 24 players were waived, unless indicated otherwise:
On September 4, the Broncos signed former New England Patriots
' cornerback Jonathan Wilhite
and waived safety Darcel McBath
. Additionally, the aforementioned players listed in italics were assigned to the practice squad.
On September 6, the Broncos signed former Pittsburgh Steelers
' tackle Tony Hills
and waived tackle Herb Taylor
.
, 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 , 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.
LEGEND:
was named the Broncos' starting quarterback
for the team's October 23 game at the Miami Dolphins
in Week 7 (the Broncos had their bye
in Week 6). Tebow started the last three games of the 2010
season, and the team was considering trading incumbent Kyle Orton
to the Dolphins before the start of training camp, however, Orton was eventually named the starting quarterback in training camp by head coach John Fox and John Elway
, the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations. After a 1–3 start and public outcry from fans, an ineffective Orton was benched for the second half of the team's 29–24 loss in Week 5 to the San Diego Chargers
, and replaced by Tebow, who nearly engineered a fourth-quarter comeback. On November 22, Orton was waived, ending a two and a half year run as the team's starting quarterback.
rival Oakland Raiders
, the Broncos' first regular-season home opener since 2004
. The Broncos took an early lead in the first quarter, with a 28-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
. Oakland 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. Oakland 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 would run out the clock.
With the loss, the Broncos began the season at 0–1.
. The Broncos took the lead in the first quarter, with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Willis McGahee
. Cincinnati 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
. However, Cincinnati reeled off 12 unanswered points, with a 37-yard field 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 Cincinnati responded, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Dalton to running back A. J. Green
. The Broncos' defense prevented any more scoring.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 1–1.
to face the Tennessee Titans
. The Broncos took the lead in the first quarter, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Orton
to wide receiver Matthew Willis. Tennessee 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. Tennessee 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 2007–2010. Tennessee's defense thwarted the Broncos' final drive.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 1–2.
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, Green Bay 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 a onside kick, Green Bay 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 pass to wide receiver Eric Decker
: a 5-yarder, followed by a 33-yarder. Green Bay responded just before halftime, when Rodgers connected on a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings
. Green Bay 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
. Green Bay continued their onslaught, 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.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 1–3.
duel with the San Diego Chargers
. San Diego 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 a interception off Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers
55 yards for a touchdown. San Diego 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, San Diego would re-claim 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 the Chargers a 23–10 halftime lead. After a scoreless third quarter, San Diego added to their lead, with a 51-yard field goal by Novak. The Broncos responded, when quarterback Tim 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. San Diego 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.
With the loss, the Broncos dropped to 1–4, entering their bye
week.
week, the Broncos flew to Sun Life Stadium to face the Miami Dolphins
, where the Broncos had never won in their franchise history. After a scoreless first quarter, Miami grabbed the lead in the second quarter, with field goals of 38 and 36 yards by placekicker Dan Carpenter
. After a scoreless third quarter, Miami 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
, which was followed by Tebow scrambling for a two-point conversion run to send the game into overtime. On Miami's 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, placekicker Matt Prater
, who had missed two field goals in the first half, nailed the game-winning 52-yard field goal.
With the win, the Broncos not only improved to 2–4, but also earned their 400th win in franchise history, their first-ever win at Miami in eight tries, and became the first team 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.
. The Broncos grabbed the early lead in the first quarter, with a 39-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
. However, Detroit would dominate 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. Detroit 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 game had already been decided in Detroit's favor.
With the loss, the Broncos dropped to 2–5.
rematch with the Oakland Raiders
. In the first quarter, Oakland 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. Oakland 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
. Oakland responded, with Palmer throwing an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jacoby Ford
, giving the Raiders a 24–14 lead. However, the Broncos would dominate the remainder of the game, with a 43-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
, followed by a 60-yard touchdown run by running back Willis McGahee
at the end of the third quarter. The Broncos grabbed the lead with six minutes left 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.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 3–5.
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
. Kansas City 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
. Kansas City 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.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 4–5, placing them in a three-way tie for second place in the AFC West, as well as matching their win total from 2010
.
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.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 5–5, exceeding their win total from 2010
.
for an AFC West
rematch with the San Diego Chargers
. San Diego jumped out to a 10–0 lead, with a 53-yard field goal by placekicker 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
. San Diego 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 placekicker 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 San Diego's 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. The Broncos' third possession in overtime began with 2:31 remaining, and Prater nailed the game-winning 37-yard field goal with 29 seconds remaining in overtime.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 6–5, winning their fourth straight game, and remaining one game behind the Oakland Raiders
for the lead in the AFC West.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
and the 52nd overall. It also marks the first season under new head coach John Fox, as well as the first with John Elway
John Elway
John Albert Elway, Jr. is a former American football quarterback and currently is the executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He played college football at Stanford and his entire professional career with the Denver Broncos...
as the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations. With a 6–5 record, the Broncos have exceeded their win total from 2010
2010 Denver Broncos season
The Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High...
, in which the team set a new franchise record for losses in a single season, with a 4–12 record. The Broncos selected linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Von Miller
Von Miller
Von Miller is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted second overall by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M....
as the #2 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft
2011 NFL Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players...
.
On July 25, the NFLPA and NFL owners agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified on August 4. The Broncos training camp began on July 28 at the team headquarters in Dove Valley, Colorado
Dove Valley, Colorado
Dove Valley is a census-designated place in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. The population as of the 2010 Census was 5,243. The headquarters and training camp of the Denver Broncos, as well as Centennial Airport, are located in Dove Valley....
, and the preseason and regular season started on time.
The first five weeks of the season were dominated by a quarterback controversy involving Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
and Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
, 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 starter for the team's Week 7 game at the Miami Dolphins
2011 Miami Dolphins season
The 2011 Miami Dolphins season will be the team's 42nd season in the National Football League, the 46th overall and the fourth under head coach Tony Sparano...
on October 23, and has led the Broncos to a 5–1 record, despite constant criticism of Tebow's ability as a passer. Orton was later waived on November 22. On October 17, shortly after the quarterback change, the team traded wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Matthew Lloyd is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
to the St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
in exchange for a conditional 2012
2012 NFL Draft
The 2012 NFL Draft will be the 77th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players.-Trades:...
draft selection.
Personnel changes
- On January 5, Hall of FamePro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
quarterback John ElwayJohn ElwayJohn Albert Elway, Jr. is a former American football quarterback and currently is the executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He played college football at Stanford and his entire professional career with the Denver Broncos...
was hired as the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations. Brian XandersBrian XandersBrian Xanders is the current General Manager of the NFL's Denver Broncos.-Florida State:Xanders played for Bobby Bowden at Florida State University from 1989–92, he was a member of four bowl-winning teams with the Seminoles that had a 42-7 combined record...
will remain as general manager, but Elway will have the final word in all football matters. Joe EllisJoe Ellis (American football)Joe Ellis is the President of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League.-College:Joe Ellis received his Bachelor's Degree from Colorado College in 1980. In 1985, when Joe Ellis left the Denver Broncos, he went to .L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University to obtain his...
, who served as the team's chief operating officer for the past three years, was promoted to team president.
- On January 13, the Broncos named former Carolina PanthersCarolina PanthersThe Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
' head coach John Fox as the team's new head coach.
- On 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 LigasheskyBob LigasheskyBob Ligashesky is an American football coach. He is currently the special teams assistant for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League.-Coaching career:...
. 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 CallahanBrian CallahanBrian Callahan is a retired American ice hockey forward. Callahan was drafted 235th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.-Career:...
was moved to the offensive quality control position, while Jay Rodgers was moved to the defensive quality control position. Eric StudesvilleEric StudesvilleEric Studesville is an American football coach. In December 2010, Studesville became the interim head coach of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He replaced Josh McDaniels after 12 games in the 2010 NFL Season...
, who served as the team's interim head coach for the final four games of the 20102010 Denver Broncos seasonThe Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High...
season, will retain his position as running backs coach.
- On 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 McDanielsBen McDanielsBen McDaniels is a former American football quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He served as the team's coaching assistant in 2009 before being promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2010. He is the younger brother of former Broncos head coach Josh...
. 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.
- On January 24, the Broncos hired former New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
' secondary coach Dennis AllenDennis Allen (American football)Dennis Allen is the Defensive Coordinator for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League.Allen previously coached for the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Tulsa University and his alma mater, Texas A&M University. His father Grady Allen was also a standout linebacker for the Aggies and...
as the team's new defensive coordinator, replacing Don MartindaleDon MartindaleDon "Wink" Martindale was the former defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
. The following day (January 25), the team hired Ron Milus as the new secondary coach and Richard Smith as the new linebackers coach. Milus previously served as the Broncos' secondary coach in 20002000 Denver Broncos seasonThe 2000 Denver Broncos season was the team's 41st year in professional football and its 31st with the National Football League. It also was the team's final year at the famous Mile High Stadium.-Staff:-Schedule:-Standings:-Postseason:...
, 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.
- On January 27, the coaching staff was finalized, when Keith Burns was brought back as the assistant special teams coach and Sam GarnesSam GarnesSam Aaron Garnes is a former professional American football defensive back who played for the New York Giants and the New York Jets who currently serves as an assistant special teams coach for the Denver Broncos...
was hired as the teams' new assistant secondary coach. Garnes served on John Fox's staff with the Panthers last season.
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 20102010 Denver Broncos seasonThe Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High...
season, the team signed fullbackFullback (American football)A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
Mike McLaughlinMike McLaughlin (American football)Michael K. McLaughlin is an American football fullback for the Denver Broncos. He was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2010 NFL Draft. McLaughlin attended Woburn Memorial High School in Woburn, Massachusetts, where his senior season he rushed for 1,005 yards and scored 22 touchdowns as...
, guardGuard (American football)In American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team....
s Shawn MurphyShawn Murphy (American football)Shawn Murphy is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft....
and Manny Ramirez and tackleTackle (American football)Tackle is a playing position in American and Canadian football. Historically, in the one-platoon system a tackle played on both offense and defense. In the modern system of specialized units, offensive tackle and defensive tackle are separate positions....
Herb TaylorHerb Taylor (American football)Herbert Reginald Taylor, II is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
to future contracts.
- On February 22, unrestricted free agentFree agentIn professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Champ BaileyChamp BaileyRoland "Champ" Bailey is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Bailey was drafted in the 1st round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Georgia.Bailey is 8th among Broncos in all-time...
was re-signed.
- On March 2, tight endTight endThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Daniel GrahamDaniel GrahamDaniel Lawrence Grahamhttp://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
was released.
- On March 3, unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Kevin VickersonKevin VickersonKevin Darnell Vickerson is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
was re-signed, while defensive tackles Justin BannanJustin BannanJustin Bannan is an American football defensive tackle for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
and Jamal WilliamsJamal WilliamsJamal Williams is an American football nose tackle who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 1998 Supplemental Draft...
were released.
2011 draft class
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.| Round | Selection | Player | Position | College | Signed | Cut | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Von Miller Von Miller Von Miller is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted second overall by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M.... |
LB Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Texas A&M Texas A&M Aggies football The Texas A&M Aggies football team represents Texas A&M University in college football. The Aggies have competed in the Big 12 Conference since the conference's inception in 1996. They will join the Southeastern Conference in July 2012. Texas A&M football has earned one national title and 18... |
July 28 | – | |
| 2 | 45 | Rahim Moore Rahim Moore -Denver Broncos:Moore was taken 13th in the 2nd round, 45th overall, by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. Moore made his regular season debut on September 12, 2011 and recorded four solo tackles in the Broncos season-opening 23-20 defeat to the Oakland Raiders... |
S | UCLA UCLA Bruins Football The UCLA Bruins football program represents the University of California, Los Angeles in college football as members of the Pacific-12 Conference at the NCAA Division I FBS level. The Bruins have enjoyed several periods of success in their history, having been ranked in the top ten of the AP Poll... |
July 28 | – | |
| 46 | Orlando Franklin Orlando Franklin -Denver Broncos:Franklin was selected 14th in the 2nd round, 46th overall, by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. Franklin was assigned the number 74 for the Broncos in 2011 training camp.-External links:*... |
T Tackle (American football) Tackle is a playing position in American and Canadian football. Historically, in the one-platoon system a tackle played on both offense and defense. In the modern system of specialized units, offensive tackle and defensive tackle are separate positions.... |
Miami Miami Hurricanes football The Miami Hurricanes football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the University of Miami. The program began in 1926 and has won five AP national championships... |
July 29 | – | ||
| 3 | 67 | Nate Irving Nate Irving Nathaniel Irving is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played collegiate football at North Carolina State University. Irving was a 2010 All-American selection by Sports Illustrated and Scout.com... |
LB | NC State NC State Wolfpack football The NC State Wolfpack football team represents North Carolina State University in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision competition. The Wolfpack currently compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.... |
July 29 | – | |
| 4 | 108 | Quinton Carter Quinton Carter Quinton Carter is an NFL free safety for the Denver Broncos and the founder of the SOUL foundation for underprivileged kids... |
S | Oklahoma Oklahoma Sooners football The Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
July 29 | – | |
| 129 | Julius Thomas Julius Thomas Julius Thomas is an American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played collegiate football at the Portland State University.-College career:... |
TE Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
Portland State Portland State Vikings Portland State Vikings is the nickname of the NCAA-affiliated, intercollegiate athletic teams representing Portland State University of Portland, Oregon... |
July 27 | – | ||
| 5 | None | ||||||
| 6 | 189 | Mike Mohamed Mike Mohamed -Denver Broncos:Mohamed was drafted with the 24th pick of the 6th round, 189th overall, by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL draft. He was released by the Denver Broncos on September 22, 2011, but was signed to the practice squad the next day.-External links:*... |
LB | California California Golden Bears football The California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to... |
July 27 | September 22 | |
| 7 | 204 | Virgil Green Virgil Green Virgil Leo Green is an American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nevada.-Pre-draft:... |
TE | Nevada Nevada Wolf Pack football The Nevada Wolf Pack Football program represents the University of Nevada, Reno in college football. The Wolf Pack competes in the Western Athletic Conference at the Football Bowl Subdivision level of the NCAA... |
July 27 | – | |
| 247 | Jeremy Beal Jeremy Beal Jeremy Beal is an American football defensive end for the Denver Broncos and is now cut from the team. He was once considered one of the top defensive end prospects for the 2011 NFL Draft, but was drafted in the 7th round by the Broncos... |
DE Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
Oklahoma | July 27 | September 3 | ||
Schedule
The Broncos' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011, with kickoff times finalized on July 26, one day after the end of the 2011 NFL Lockout.| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 11 | 6:30 p.m. MDT Mountain Time Zone The Mountain Time Zone of North America keeps time by subtracting seven hours from Coordinated Universal Time, also known as Greenwich Mean Time, during the shortest days of autumn and winter , and by subtracting six hours during daylight saving time in the spring, summer, and early autumn... |
at Dallas Cowboys 2011 Dallas Cowboys season The 2011 Dallas Cowboys season will be the Cowboys' 52nd season in the NFL, the third season playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium and the first full season under head coach Jason Garrett, who served as the interim head coach for the team's final eight games in 2010... |
L 23–24 | 0–1 | Cowboys Stadium | KUSA-TV KUSA-TV KUSA, channel 9, is an NBC-affiliated television station in Denver, Colorado. KUSA is owned by the Gannett Company, and is a sister station to MyNetworkTV affiliate KTVD... |
Recap |
| 2 | August 20 | 6:30 p.m. MDT | Buffalo Bills 2011 Buffalo Bills season The 2011 Buffalo Bills season is the team's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. The Bills hope to improve on their record from the 2010 season, and attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999, the longest standing playoff drought in the NFL, which is... |
W 24–10 | 1–1 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | KUSA-TV | Recap |
| 3 | August 27 | 7:00 p.m. MDT | Seattle Seahawks 2011 Seattle Seahawks season The 2011 Seattle Seahawks season is the franchise's 36th season in the National Football League, the 10th playing their home games at CenturyLink Field and the second under head coach Pete Carroll... |
W 23–20 | 2–1 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | KUSA-TV | Recap |
| 4 | September 1 | 8:00 p.m. MDT | at Arizona Cardinals 2011 Arizona Cardinals season The 2011 Arizona Cardinals season will be the franchise's 92nd season in the National Football League and the 24th season in Arizona. For Ken Whisenhunt, this will be his fifth season as the head coach of the Cardinals; he has compiled an overall record of 32–32 in the regular season and 4–2 in... |
L 7–26 | 2–2 | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
KUSA-TV | Recap |
Opening training camp roster
| Denver Broncos 2011 opening training camp roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Zane Beadles -External links:**... G/T Jeff Byers After going undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, Byers signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks.-External links:*... G Ryan Clady -Denver Broncos:Following Week 12 of the 2008 NFL season, Peter King of Sports Illustrated said Clady was the third-best rookie overall. On December 12, 2008, Clady won the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award, after his game against the Kansas City Chiefs... T Chris Clark (American football) Chris Clark is an American football offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Southern Mississippi... T Stanley Daniels (American football) Stanley E. Daniels, II is an American football guard for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2007... G Orlando Franklin -Denver Broncos:Franklin was selected 14th in the 2nd round, 46th overall, by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. Franklin was assigned the number 74 for the Broncos in 2011 training camp.-External links:*... T R Russ Hochstein Russ Hochstein is an American football guard for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2001 NFL Draft... C/G Chris Kuper Chris Kuper is an American football offensive guard for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League. He is currently the Broncos starting right guard.... G Shawn Murphy (American football) Shawn Murphy is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.... G Herb Taylor (American football) Herbert Reginald Taylor, II is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... T J. D. Walton -Denver Broncos:Walton was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was the second center to be picked in the draft, after first rounder Maurkice Pouncey. Walton signed a four-year contract on June 17, 2010.... C Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Dominic Douglas Dominic Douglas is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2009... MLB Mario Haggan Mario Marcell Haggan is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mississippi State.-Early years:Haggan grew up in a poverty-stricken area of... OLB Nate Irving Nathaniel Irving is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played collegiate football at North Carolina State University. Irving was a 2010 All-American selection by Sports Illustrated and Scout.com... MLB R Braxton Kelley Braxton Kelley is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Kentucky.-External links:*... OLB Joe Mays (American football) Joseph Lamont "Joe" Mays is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Dakota State.-Early years:Joe attended Hyde Park High School... MLB Von Miller Von Miller is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted second overall by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M.... OLB R Mike Mohamed -Denver Broncos:Mohamed was drafted with the 24th pick of the 6th round, 189th overall, by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL draft. He was released by the Denver Broncos on September 22, 2011, but was signed to the practice squad the next day.-External links:*... MLB R Lee Robinson (American football) Lee Robinson is an Canadian football linebacker who is currently playing for the Edmonton Eskimos. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2009... OLB Defensive Backs
|
Special Teams
Britton Colquitt Britton Colquitt is an American football punter for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League, having been signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in December 2009... P Steven Hauschka Steven Hauschka is an American football placekicker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008... K Lonie Paxton Leonidas E. "Lonie" Paxton III born March 13, 1978 in Orange, California) is an American football long snapper for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2000... LS Reserve Lists
Unrestricted FAs
Restricted FAs
Exclusive-Rights FAs
Notations
|
|||||
Free agents
The following free agents were left unsigned after the beginning of the 2011 NFL Lockout in March (CBCornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Champ Bailey
Champ Bailey
Roland "Champ" Bailey is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Bailey was drafted in the 1st round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Georgia.Bailey is 8th among Broncos in all-time...
and DT Kevin Vickerson
Kevin Vickerson
Kevin Darnell Vickerson is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
were re-signed before the lockout):
| Position | Player | 2011 Team | Notes and references | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FB | Kyle Eckel Kyle Eckel Kyle Eckel is an American football fullback in the National Football League, who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
UFA | ||
| NT | Ronald Fields Ronald Fields Ronald Fields is an American football nose tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
|
| T | Ryan Harris Ryan Harris (American football) Ryan Emerson Wilcox Harris is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.... |
UFA | Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
|
| RB Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
Laurence Maroney Laurence Maroney Laurence Maroney is an American football running back who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots 21st overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota.-Early years:Maroney attended Normandy Senior High School in St... |
UFA | TBD | |
| DE Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
Ryan McBean Ryan McBean Ryan McBean is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma State. He is widely considered as one of the NFL's happiest players... |
ERFA | Denver Broncos | signed tender July 29 |
| K Placekicker Placekicker, or simply kicker , is the title of the player in American and Canadian football who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points... |
Matt Prater Matt Prater Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended... |
RFA | Denver Broncos | signed tender July 29 |
| DT/NT | Marcus Thomas | UFA | Denver Broncos | re-signed July 31 |
| LB Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Wesley Woodyard Wesley Woodyard Wesley Woodyard is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the University of Kentucky, where he helped lead the team to a victory in Music City Bowl over Clemson in 2006.-High school career:Woodyard was born in LaGrange,... |
RFA | Denver Broncos | signed tender July 29 |
| Player re-signed by the Broncos |
Undrafted free agents
All undrafted free agents were signed on July 27.| Position | Player | College | Notes and references |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Brandon Bing Brandon Bing -External links:*... |
Rutgers Rutgers Scarlet Knights football The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represents Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision play... |
waived September 3 |
| DT | Ronnell Brown | James Madison James Madison Dukes football The James Madison Dukes football team, founded in 1972, plays at Bridgeforth Stadium. Originally called JMU Stadium, it was renamed for William E. Bridgeforth in 1990. The JMU football team was rarely the centerpiece of JMU sports until the hiring of Mickey Matthews in 1999... |
waived September 3 |
| WR Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Mark Dell | Michigan State Michigan State Spartans football The Michigan State Spartans football program represents Michigan State University in college football as members of the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level... |
designated as waived/injured on August 13 |
| LB Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Derek Domino | South Dakota State South Dakota State Jackrabbits football The South Dakota State Jackrabbits football team is a Football Championship Subdivision program that competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Jackrabbits were a Division II program in the North Central Conference until moving to Football Championship Subdivision in 2004... |
designated as waived/injured on August 15 |
| RB Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
Mario Fannin Mario Fannin Mario Fannin is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He grew up in Hampton, Georgia and was a four-star athlete at Lovejoy High School before being recruited to play football at... |
Auburn Auburn Tigers football Only Mohamed Amin Abughadir set the record with 1,890 yards in 1 season. He was the QB for Auburn in 1998.The Auburn Tigers football team represents Auburn University in college football as a member of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, competing in the Western Division of the... |
designated as waived/injured on August 6 |
| WR | D'Andre Goodwin | Washington Washington Huskies football College football has a long history at the University of Washington. The Washington Huskies have won 15 Pacific-10 Conference championships, seven Rose Bowl titles, and three national championships. Washington's all-time record of 653-398-50 ranks 20th by all-time winning percentage and 21st by... |
waived September 3, assigned to practice squad September 4 |
| T | Adam Grant | Arizona Arizona Wildcats football The Arizona Wildcats football team is the football team of the University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The team competes in the Pacific-12 Conference at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level.-Early years:... |
waived September 3, assigned to practice squad September 4 |
| CB | Chris Harris Chris Harris (cornerback) For the Detroit Lions player of the same name, see Chris Harris Christopher Harris is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for the University of Kansas... |
Kansas Kansas Jayhawks football The Kansas Jayhawks football program is the intercollegiate football program of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. The program is classified in the NCAA's Division I, and the team competes in the Big 12 Conference.... |
on active roster |
| WR | Jamel Hamler | Fresno State Fresno State Bulldogs football The Fresno State Bulldogs football team represents California State University, Fresno in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The green “V” on the Bulldogs' helmets, uniforms, field symbolize California Central Valley, specifically the San Joaquin Valley, the agricultural valley from which they... |
placed on Injured reserve September 3, waived September 12 |
| LB | A.J. Jones | Florida Florida Gators football The Florida Gators football team represents the University of Florida in the sport of American football. The Florida Gators compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletics Association and the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference... |
waived August 16 |
| LB | Deron Mayo | Old Dominion Old Dominion Monarchs football The Old Dominion Monarchs football team is the college football program for Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. The Monarchs compete at the NCAA Division I-FCS level. The university did not compete between 1941 and 2009. The team was reborn beginning in 2009, competing for two years as an... |
waived August 29 |
| T | Curt Porter | Jacksonville State Jacksonville State University Jacksonville State University is a regional public coeducational university located in Jacksonville, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State offers programs of study in four academic units leading to Bachelor's, Master's, and Education Specialist degrees, in addition to continuing and... |
waived August 29 |
| CB | James Rogers | Michigan Michigan Wolverines football The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history... |
released August 1 |
| FB Fullback (American football) A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback... |
Austin Sylvester | Washington | waived September 3, assigned to practice squad September 4 |
| QB Quarterback Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line... |
Adam Weber Adam Weber Adam Weber is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played college football at Minnesota... |
Minnesota Minnesota Golden Gophers football The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers are one of the oldest programs in college football history. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference. The Golden Gophers have claimed six national championships and have an all time record of 646–481–44 as... |
waived September 3, assigned to practice squad September 4 |
| DT | Colby Whitlock | Texas Tech Texas Tech Red Raiders football Texas Tech Red Raiders football program is a college football team that represents Texas Tech University . The team competes, as a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
released August 2 |
| WR | Marshall Williams | Wake Forest Wake Forest Demon Deacons football The Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team represents Wake Forest University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Wake Forest plays its home football games at BB&T Field.... |
released August 1 |
Signings
| Position | Player | 2010 Team | Notes and references | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
David Anderson | REL | Houston Texans Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
signed July 30, waived September 3 |
| LB Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Alvin Bowen Alvin Bowen Alvin Bowen is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
WVR | Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
signed August 15, waived September 3 |
| TE Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
Daniel Fells Daniel Fells Daniel Fells is an American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at UC Davis.Fells has also been a member of the Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and St... |
UFA | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
signed August 1, on active roster |
| RB Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
C. J. Gable | WVR | New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
signed August 6, waived August 29 |
| DE Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
Derrick Harvey Derrick Harvey - Jacksonville Jaguars :Harvey was drafted 8th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was the first defensive end chosen by the Jaguars in the first round in franchise history. Was one of four defensive ends chosen in the first round of 2008 draft and third overall... |
WVR | Jacksonville Jaguars | signed August 1, on active roster |
| RB | Willis McGahee Willis McGahee Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft... |
REL | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
signed July 31, on active roster |
| WR | Greg Orton Greg Orton Gregory Carlton Orton was an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2009... |
UFA | Spokane Shock Spokane Shock The Spokane Shock is a professional arena football team of the Arena Football League from Spokane, Washington, USA. They play their home games at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena... (AFL Arena Football League The Arena Football League is the highest level of professional indoor American football in the United States. It is currently the second longest running professional football league in the United States, after the National Football League. It was founded in 1987 by Jim Foster... ) |
signed August 13, waived September 3 |
| DT | DeMario Pressley DeMario Pressley DeMario Pressley is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina State. After getting hurt, he spent his entire rookie... |
WVR | Houston Texans | signed August 17, waived September 3 |
| TE | Dante Rosario Dante Rosario Dante Santiago Rosario is an American football tight end who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
signed August 1, released September 3, re-signed September 22 |
| DT | Ty Warren Ty Warren Ty'ron "Ty" Markeith Warren is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft... |
REL | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
signed August 2, placed on Injured reserve September 17 |
Departures
| Position | Player | Notes and references |
|---|---|---|
| RB Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
Correll Buckhalter Correll Buckhalter Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska.... |
released July 29 |
| TE Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
Daniel Coats Daniel Coats (American football) Daniel Coats is an American football Fullback who is currently a Free Agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2007... |
released July 29, signed with the New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... on August 7 |
| LB Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Dominic Douglas Dominic Douglas Dominic Douglas is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2009... |
waived July 31 |
| S | Renaldo Hill Renaldo Hill Renaldo Hill is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.... |
released July 30 |
| CB Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Chevis Jackson Chevis Jackson Chevis Dauro Jackson is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
waived August 4, claimed by the Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... on August 6 |
| DT | Louis Leonard Louis Leonard Louis Leonard is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Fresno State.... |
released August 15 |
| FB Fullback (American football) A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback... |
Mike McLaughlin Mike McLaughlin (American football) Michael K. McLaughlin is an American football fullback for the Denver Broncos. He was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2010 NFL Draft. McLaughlin attended Woburn Memorial High School in Woburn, Massachusetts, where his senior season he rushed for 1,005 yards and scored 22 touchdowns as... |
waived July 29 |
| S | Nick Polk | released August 1 |
| TE | Richard Quinn Richard Quinn (American football) Richard Emanuel Quinn, Jr. is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.-Denver Broncos:... |
designated as waived/injured on August 22, released from Injured reserve on August 26 |
| RB | LenDale White LenDale White LenDale Anthony White is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California.... |
released August 16 |
Trades
- On July 27, wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Jabar GaffneyJabar GaffneyDerrick Jabar Gaffney is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
was traded to the Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
in exchange for defensive endDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
Jeremy JarmonJeremy JarmonJeremy Jarmon is an American football defensive end of the National Football League. He is currently a Free Agent. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 2009 Supplemental draft...
. - On August 1, the Broncos acquired defensive tackle Brodrick BunkleyBrodrick Bunkley-Philadelphia Eagles:On April 29, 2006 Bunkley was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He was one of four Florida State Seminoles defensive players taken in the first round of the draft...
from the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
in exchange for an undisclosed 20132013 NFL DraftThe 2013 NFL Draft will be the 78th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players.-Trades:...
draft selection.
Notable injuries
- On July 27, wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Demaryius ThomasDemaryius ThomasDemaryius Antwon Thomas is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played college football for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Thomas led the team in receiving in all 3 of his seasons at Tech, 2007, 2008,...
was placed on the non-football injury list. Thomas suffered a ruptured Achilles tendonAchilles tendonThe Achilles tendon , also known as the calcaneal tendon or the tendo calcaneus, is a tendon of the posterior leg. It serves to attach the plantaris, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the calcaneus bone.- Anatomy :The Achilles is the tendonous extension of 3 muscles in the lower leg:...
shortly after the end of the season, and had surgery back in February. Thomas later suffered a broken finger during practice on September 8, and missed the first six weeks of the regular season.
- On August 15, defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Ty WarrenTy WarrenTy'ron "Ty" Markeith Warren is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
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.
- On August 27, linebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
D. J. Williams suffered a dislocated elbow during the team's third preseason game vs. the Seattle Seahawks2011 Seattle Seahawks seasonThe 2011 Seattle Seahawks season is the franchise's 36th season in the National Football League, the 10th playing their home games at CenturyLink Field and the second under head coach Pete Carroll...
, and missed the first three weeks of the regular season.
- On September 2, during the Broncos' last preseason game at the Arizona Cardinals2011 Arizona Cardinals seasonThe 2011 Arizona Cardinals season will be the franchise's 92nd season in the National Football League and the 24th season in Arizona. For Ken Whisenhunt, this will be his fifth season as the head coach of the Cardinals; he has compiled an overall record of 32–32 in the regular season and 4–2 in...
, cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Syd'Quan ThompsonSyd'Quan ThompsonSyd'Quan Thompson is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos. Thompson was drafted by the Broncos as the 225th overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at California.-Early life:...
suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, and will miss the entire 2011 season.
Roster cuts
On August 29, the Broncos began trimming their roster to 80 players. CornerbackCornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Nate Jones was released, while the following players were waived: Running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
C. J. Gable, linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
s Braxton Kelley
Braxton Kelley
Braxton Kelley is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Kentucky.-External links:*...
and Deron Mayo, guard
Guard (American football)
In American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team....
Shawn Murphy
Shawn Murphy (American football)
Shawn Murphy is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft....
, tackle
Tackle (American football)
Tackle is a playing position in American and Canadian football. Historically, in the one-platoon system a tackle played on both offense and defense. In the modern system of specialized units, offensive tackle and defensive tackle are separate positions....
Curt Porter and defensive end
Defensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
David Veikune
David Veikune
-Cleveland Browns:Veikune was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. The pick was acquired from the New York Jets in an earlier trade that allowed the Jets to draft quarterback Mark Sanchez....
.
Four days later, on September 3, the Broncos trimmed their roster to a regular season-maximum 53 players. Undrafted wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Jamel Hamler, running back Brandon Minor
Brandon Minor
Brandon Ricardo Minor is an American football running back who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2010, but after being released during the final cuts, he has been on the New Orleans Saints and...
and cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson
Syd'Quan Thompson
Syd'Quan Thompson is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos. Thompson was drafted by the Broncos as the 225th overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at California.-Early life:...
were each placed on Injured reserve, while the following 24 players were waived, unless indicated otherwise:
- WR David Anderson (released)
- DE Jeremy BealJeremy BealJeremy Beal is an American football defensive end for the Denver Broncos and is now cut from the team. He was once considered one of the top defensive end prospects for the 2011 NFL Draft, but was drafted in the 7th round by the Broncos...
- CB Brandon BingBrandon Bing-External links:*...
- LB Alvin BowenAlvin BowenAlvin Bowen is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- DT Ronnell Brown
- G Jeff ByersJeff ByersAfter going undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, Byers signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks.-External links:*...
- CB Perrish CoxPerrish Cox-Off the field troubles:In August 2009, Cox was arrested in for driving with a suspended license.He was also suspended from the Cotton Bowl in his senior season by head coach Mike Gundy for violating the team curfew rule....
- G Stanley DanielsStanley Daniels (American football)Stanley E. Daniels, II is an American football guard for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
- WR Britt DavisBritt DavisBritt Davis is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Northern Illinois.-Early years:Davis attended public schools in North Riverside, Illinois...
- WR D'Andre Goodwin
- T Adam Grant
- TE Dan GronkowskiDan GronkowskiDan Gronkowski is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
- K Steven HauschkaSteven HauschkaSteven Hauschka is an American football placekicker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
- DT Jeremy JarmonJeremy JarmonJeremy Jarmon is an American football defensive end of the National Football League. He is currently a Free Agent. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 2009 Supplemental draft...
- RB Jeremiah JohnsonJeremiah Johnson (American football)Jeremiah Alex Johnson is an American football running back who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
- S Kyle McCarthyKyle McCarthyKyle Justin McCarthy is an American football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Notre Dame....
- G Eric OlsenEric Olsen (American football)Eric Olsen was projected to be drafted in the fifth or sixth round during the 2010 NFL Draft. He was one of the top performers at the bench press, vertical jump and the 3-cone drill. Olsen was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round . He was expected to compete with J.D. Walton for the...
- WR Greg OrtonGreg OrtonGregory Carlton Orton was an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
- DT DeMario PressleyDeMario PressleyDeMario Pressley is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina State. After getting hurt, he spent his entire rookie...
- WR Eron RileyEron RileyEron Riley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the New York Jets of the National Football League. Riley was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
- LB Lee RobinsonLee Robinson (American football)Lee Robinson is an Canadian football linebacker who is currently playing for the Edmonton Eskimos. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
- TE Dante RosarioDante RosarioDante Santiago Rosario is an American football tight end who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
(released) - FB Austin Sylvester
- QB Adam WeberAdam WeberAdam Weber is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played college football at Minnesota...
On September 4, the Broncos signed former New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
' cornerback Jonathan Wilhite
Jonathan Wilhite
Jonathan Wilhite is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
and waived safety Darcel McBath
Darcel McBath
Steven Darcel McBath is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
. Additionally, the aforementioned players listed in italics were assigned to the practice squad.
On September 6, the Broncos signed former Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
' tackle Tony Hills
Tony Hills (American football)
Anthony Tremaine Hills is an American football offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
and waived tackle Herb Taylor
Herb Taylor (American football)
Herbert Reginald Taylor, II is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
.
Sports Authority naming rights takeover
On August 16, 2011, Sports AuthoritySports Authority
The Sports Authority, Inc. is one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the United States. It is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, and operates more than 460 stores in 45 U.S...
, a sporting goods retailer based in Englewood, Colorado
Englewood, Colorado
The city of Englewood is a Home Rule Municipality located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. As of 2007, the city is estimated to have a total population of 32,532. Englewood is part of the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area. Englewood is located in the South Platte River Valley east of the...
, took over the naming rights of INVESCO Field at Mile High. Invesco held the original naming rights to the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
' stadium since it opened in , 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
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
on August 20.
Schedule
The Broncos' 2011 regular season schedule was announced on April 19, 2011.| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | September 12 | 8:15 p.m. MDT Mountain Time Zone The Mountain Time Zone of North America keeps time by subtracting seven hours from Coordinated Universal Time, also known as Greenwich Mean Time, during the shortest days of autumn and winter , and by subtracting six hours during daylight saving time in the spring, summer, and early autumn... |
Oakland Raiders 2011 Oakland Raiders season The 2011 Oakland Raiders season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. 2011 also marks the final season under the ownership of Al Davis, who died on October 8, 2011... |
L 20–23 | 0–1 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
Recap |
| 2 | September 18 | 2:15 p.m. MDT | Cincinnati Bengals 2011 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2011 Cincinnati Bengals season will be the team's 44th season as a professional sports franchise and its 42nd season as a member of the National Football League . The team has improved on its 2010 season, where it finished with a record of 4–12 and placed fourth in the AFC North. This marks... |
W 24–22 | 1–1 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap |
| 3 | September 25 | 11:00 a.m. MDT | at Tennessee Titans 2011 Tennessee Titans season The 2011 Tennessee Titans season will be the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League , the 52nd overall and the 15th in the state of Tennessee. It will also mark the first season under new head coach Mike Munchak, replacing longtime head coach Jeff Fisher, who resigned on January 27... |
L 14–17 | 1–2 | LP Field LP Field LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.... |
CBS | Recap |
| 4 | October 2 | 2:15 p.m. MDT | at Green Bay Packers 2011 Green Bay Packers season The 2011 Green Bay Packers season is the franchise's 91st season in the National Football League, the 93rd season overall and the sixth under head coach Mike McCarthy... |
L 23–49 | 1–3 | Lambeau Field Lambeau Field Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field... |
CBS | Recap |
| 5 | October 9 | 2:15 p.m. MDT | San Diego Chargers 2011 San Diego Chargers season The 2011 San Diego Chargers season will be the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. The team hopes to improve on its 9–7 record from 2010, in which the team missed the playoffs. For Norv Turner, this will be his fifth season as the head coach of the... |
L 24–29 | 1–4 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | CBS | Recap |
| 6 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
|||||||
| 7 | October 23 | 11:00 a.m. MDT | at Miami Dolphins 2011 Miami Dolphins season The 2011 Miami Dolphins season will be the team's 42nd season in the National Football League, the 46th overall and the fourth under head coach Tony Sparano... |
W 18–15 (OT) | 2–4 | Sun Life Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 8 | October 30 | 2:05 p.m. MDT | Detroit Lions 2011 Detroit Lions season The 2011 Detroit Lions season is the franchise's 82nd season in the National Football League, the 10th playing its home games at Ford Field and the third year under head coach Jim Schwartz. Currently 7–4, the team has improved on its 6–10 record from 2010, which is its third consecutive improved... |
L 10–45 | 2–5 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 9 | November 6 | 2:05 p.m. MST | at Oakland Raiders | W 38–24 | 3–5 | O.co Coliseum | CBS | Recap |
| 10 | November 13 | 11:00 a.m. MST | at Kansas City Chiefs 2011 Kansas City Chiefs season The 2011 Kansas City Chiefs season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League, the 52nd overall and the third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Todd Haley and Scott Pioli. The Chiefs are coming off a 10–6 record in 2010, in which the team won its first AFC West... |
W 17–10 | 4–5 | Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.... |
CBS | Recap |
| 11 | November 17 | 6:20 p.m. MST | New York Jets 2011 New York Jets season The 2011 New York Jets season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League , the 52nd season overall and the team's second season at MetLife Stadium... |
W 17–13 | 5–5 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | NFLN NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
Recap |
| 12 | November 27 | 2:15 p.m. MST | at San Diego Chargers | W 16–13 (OT) | 6–5 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
CBS | Recap |
| 13 | December 4 | 11:00 a.m. MST | at Minnesota Vikings 2011 Minnesota Vikings season -Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks:-Week 3: vs. Dallas Cowboys:-Week 4: vs. Houston Texans:-Schedule:COLOR KEY & NOTES:-Week 1: at San Diego Chargers:-Week 2: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:-Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions:-Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs:... |
Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University... |
Fox | |||
| 14 | December 11 | 2:05 p.m. MST | Chicago Bears 2011 Chicago Bears season The 2011 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 92nd overall season in the National Football League, and the 8th under head coach Lovie Smith. The Bears, defending NFC North Division champions, will seek a return to the playoffs after falling in the NFC Championship Game to their arch-rivals the... |
Sports Authority Field at Mile High | Fox | |||
| 15 | December 18 | 2:15 p.m. MST * | New England Patriots 2011 New England Patriots season The 2011 New England Patriots season is the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League and 52nd season overall.The Patriots dedicated their 2011 season to the memory of Myra Kraft, the wife of owner Robert Kraft, who died on July 20, 2011 after a long fight against cancer... |
Sports Authority Field at Mile High | CBS | |||
| 16 | December 24 | 11:00 a.m. MST | at Buffalo Bills 2011 Buffalo Bills season The 2011 Buffalo Bills season is the team's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. The Bills hope to improve on their record from the 2010 season, and attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999, the longest standing playoff drought in the NFL, which is... |
Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
CBS | |||
| 17 | January 1, 2012 | 2:15 p.m. MST * | Kansas City Chiefs | Sports Authority Field at Mile High | CBS | |||
LEGEND:
- The game was simulcast locally on KTVDKTVDKTVD, virtual channel 20 is a MyNetworkTV-affiliated television station based in Denver, Colorado, and is owned by the Gannett Company. The station is a sister to KUSA, Denver's NBC affiliate and is housed and operated out of KUSA's high definition studios...
. - The game was simulcast locally on KWGN-TVKWGN-TVKWGN-TV, virtual channel 2 , is a television station in Denver, Colorado, owned by the Tribune Company and affiliated with the CW Television Network...
. - The Broncos wore their alternate orange jerseys.
- The Broncos wore their navy blue jerseys as the visiting team.
- Indicates that the game time is subject to change as a result of flexible scheduling.
Week 1 roster
| Denver Broncos 2011 Week 1 roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Zane Beadles -External links:**... G/T Ryan Clady -Denver Broncos:Following Week 12 of the 2008 NFL season, Peter King of Sports Illustrated said Clady was the third-best rookie overall. On December 12, 2008, Clady won the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award, after his game against the Kansas City Chiefs... T Chris Clark (American football) Chris Clark is an American football offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Southern Mississippi... T Orlando Franklin -Denver Broncos:Franklin was selected 14th in the 2nd round, 46th overall, by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. Franklin was assigned the number 74 for the Broncos in 2011 training camp.-External links:*... T R Tony Hills (American football) Anthony Tremaine Hills is an American football offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... T Russ Hochstein Russ Hochstein is an American football guard for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2001 NFL Draft... C/G Chris Kuper Chris Kuper is an American football offensive guard for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League. He is currently the Broncos starting right guard.... G J. D. Walton -Denver Broncos:Walton was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was the second center to be picked in the draft, after first rounder Maurkice Pouncey. Walton signed a four-year contract on June 17, 2010.... C Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Mario Haggan Mario Marcell Haggan is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mississippi State.-Early years:Haggan grew up in a poverty-stricken area of... OLB Nate Irving Nathaniel Irving is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played collegiate football at North Carolina State University. Irving was a 2010 All-American selection by Sports Illustrated and Scout.com... MLB R Joe Mays (American football) Joseph Lamont "Joe" Mays is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Dakota State.-Early years:Joe attended Hyde Park High School... MLB Von Miller Von Miller is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted second overall by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M.... OLB R Mike Mohamed -Denver Broncos:Mohamed was drafted with the 24th pick of the 6th round, 189th overall, by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL draft. He was released by the Denver Broncos on September 22, 2011, but was signed to the practice squad the next day.-External links:*... MLB R Wesley Woodyard Wesley Woodyard is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the University of Kentucky, where he helped lead the team to a victory in Music City Bowl over Clemson in 2006.-High school career:Woodyard was born in LaGrange,... OLB Defensive Backs
|
Special Teams
Britton Colquitt Britton Colquitt is an American football punter for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League, having been signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in December 2009... P Lonie Paxton Leonidas E. "Lonie" Paxton III born March 13, 1978 in Orange, California) is an American football long snapper for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2000... LS Matt Prater Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended... K Reserve Lists
Practice Squad
Notations
|
|||||
Roster changes
- On September 16, running backRunning backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Jeremiah JohnsonJeremiah Johnson (American football)Jeremiah Alex Johnson is an American football running back who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. One day later (September 17), defensive tackle Ty WarrenTy WarrenTy'ron "Ty" Markeith Warren is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
was placed on Injured reserve in order to make room on the 53-man roster for Johnson.
- On September 20, the Broncos signed former Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
' wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Quan CosbyQuan CosbyQuantwan Cosby better known as Quan Cosby is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football for the Texas Longhorns...
and waived running back Jeremiah Johnson, who had been promoted from the practice squad four days earlier.
- On September 22, the Broncos re-signed tight endTight endThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Dante RosarioDante RosarioDante Santiago Rosario is an American football tight end who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, who was released at the end of the preseason. That same day, the team waived rookie linebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Mike MohamedMike Mohamed-Denver Broncos:Mohamed was drafted with the 24th pick of the 6th round, 189th overall, by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL draft. He was released by the Denver Broncos on September 22, 2011, but was signed to the practice squad the next day.-External links:*...
, who was the team's sixth-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft2011 NFL DraftThe 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players...
.
- On October 10, the Broncos placed defensive tackle Kevin VickersonKevin VickersonKevin Darnell Vickerson is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
on Injured reserve, and claimed fullbackFullback (American football)A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
Quinn JohnsonQuinn JohnsonQuinn Johnson is an American football fullback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
off waivers from the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
.
- On October 17, wide receiver Brandon LloydBrandon LloydBrandon Matthew Lloyd is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
was traded to the St. Louis RamsSt. Louis RamsThe St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
in exchange for a conditional sixth-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft2012 NFL DraftThe 2012 NFL Draft will be the 77th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players.-Trades:...
that was later upgraded to a fifth-rounder after Lloyd made a minimum of 30 receptions with the Rams. To fill Lloyd's vacant roster spot, the Broncos signed safety Rafael BushRafael BushRafael Bush is an American football Safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at South Carolina State.-Atlanta Falcons:...
away from the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
' practice squad.
- On November 14, running back Knowshon MorenoKnowshon MorenoKnowshon Rockwell Moreno is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was selected 12th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Broncos. He played college football at the University of Georgia.-Early years:Moreno grew up in Belford, a neighborhood in...
was placed on Injured reserve, after he suffered a torn ACLAnterior cruciate ligamentThe anterior cruciate ligament is a cruciate ligament which is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. In the quadruped stifle , based on its anatomical position, it is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament.The ACL originates from deep within the notch of the distal femur...
in the team's Week 10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs2011 Kansas City Chiefs seasonThe 2011 Kansas City Chiefs season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League, the 52nd overall and the third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Todd Haley and Scott Pioli. The Chiefs are coming off a 10–6 record in 2010, in which the team won its first AFC West...
the previous day. His roster spot was filled, when running back Jeremiah Johnson, who was previously waived on September 20, was promoted from the practice squad.
- On November 28, cornerbackCornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
/kickoff returner Cassius VaughnCassius VaughnCassius M. Vaughn is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
was placed on Injured reserve, after suffering a broken bone in his leg during the team's Week 12 win over the San Diego Chargers2011 San Diego Chargers seasonThe 2011 San Diego Chargers season will be the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. The team hopes to improve on its 9–7 record from 2010, in which the team missed the playoffs. For Norv Turner, this will be his fifth season as the head coach of the...
the previous day. To fill his roster spot, in addition to the spot vacated after quarterbackQuarterbackQuarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Kyle OrtonKyle OrtonKyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
was waived six days earlier (November 22), the team promoted safety Kyle McCarthyKyle McCarthyKyle Justin McCarthy is an American football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Notre Dame....
and linebacker Mike Mohamed from the practice squad.
Quarterback controversy
On October 11, Tim TebowTim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
was named the Broncos' starting quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
for the team's October 23 game at the Miami Dolphins
2011 Miami Dolphins season
The 2011 Miami Dolphins season will be the team's 42nd season in the National Football League, the 46th overall and the fourth under head coach Tony Sparano...
in Week 7 (the Broncos had their bye
Bye (sports)
A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
in Week 6). Tebow started the last three games of the 2010
2010 Denver Broncos season
The Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High...
season, and the team was considering trading incumbent Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
to the Dolphins before the start of training camp, however, Orton was eventually named the starting quarterback in training camp by head coach John Fox and John Elway
John Elway
John Albert Elway, Jr. is a former American football quarterback and currently is the executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He played college football at Stanford and his entire professional career with the Denver Broncos...
, the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations. After a 1–3 start and public outcry from fans, an ineffective Orton was benched for the second half of the team's 29–24 loss in Week 5 to the San Diego Chargers
2011 San Diego Chargers season
The 2011 San Diego Chargers season will be the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. The team hopes to improve on its 9–7 record from 2010, in which the team missed the playoffs. For Norv Turner, this will be his fifth season as the head coach of the...
, and replaced by Tebow, who nearly engineered a fourth-quarter comeback. On November 22, Orton was waived, ending a two and a half year run as the team's starting quarterback.
Week 1: vs. Oakland Raiders
The Broncos donned their alternate orange jerseys and kicked off their 2011 season at home against their AFC WestAFC West
The AFC West is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference, currently comprising the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oakland Raiders.-History:...
rival Oakland Raiders
2011 Oakland Raiders season
The 2011 Oakland Raiders season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. 2011 also marks the final season under the ownership of Al Davis, who died on October 8, 2011...
, the Broncos' first regular-season home opener since 2004
2004 Denver Broncos season
The 2004 Denver Broncos season was the team's 45th year in professional football and its 35th with the National Football League.-Staff:-Schedule:-Playoffs:-References:* *...
. The Broncos took an early lead in the first quarter, with a 28-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
. Oakland reeled off 16 unanswered points in the second quarter, with a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
to fullback Marcel Reece
Marcel Reece
Marcel Reece is the starting American football fullback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He played college football at Washington. He played his first game for the Raiders during week 16 of the 2009 season against the Cleveland Browns in which he caught one pass for 9 yards...
, followed by three field goals of 37, 21 and 63 yards by placekicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
, 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
Eric Decker
Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
returning a punt 90 yards for a touchdown, followed by a 30-yard field goal by Prater. Oakland increased their lead in the fourth quarter, with a 1-yard touchdown run by Campbell. The Broncos tried to rally, with quarterback Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Lance Ball
Lance Ball
Lance Ball is an American football running back who is a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
. However, Oakland would run out the clock.
With the loss, the Broncos began the season at 0–1.
Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Following their Monday night loss to the Raiders, the Broncos remained on home turf to face the Cincinnati Bengals2011 Cincinnati Bengals season
The 2011 Cincinnati Bengals season will be the team's 44th season as a professional sports franchise and its 42nd season as a member of the National Football League . The team has improved on its 2010 season, where it finished with a record of 4–12 and placed fourth in the AFC North. This marks...
. The Broncos took the lead in the first quarter, with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. Cincinnati got on the board in the second quarter, with a 45-yard field goal by placekicker Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent is an American football placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. The Broncos responded, with a 34-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
just before halftime. In the third quarter, the Broncos extended their lead, with a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
to wide receiver Eric Decker
Eric Decker
Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
. However, Cincinnati reeled off 12 unanswered points, with a 37-yard field field goal by Nugent, a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andy Dalton
Andy Dalton (American football)
Andrew Gregory Dalton is an American professional football quarterback for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at Texas Christian University...
to wide receiver Andre Caldwell
Andre Caldwell
Andre Jerome "Bubba" Caldwell is an American professional football player who is a wide receiver in the National Football League . Caldwell played college football for the University of Florida, and currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL.-Early years:Caldwell was born in Tampa,...
(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 Cincinnati responded, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Dalton to running back A. J. Green
A. J. Green
Adriel Jeremiah "A. J." Green is an American football wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was selected fourth overall by the Bengals in the 2011 NFL Draft...
. The Broncos' defense prevented any more scoring.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 1–1.
Week 3: at Tennessee Titans
Following their close win over the Bengals, the Broncos traveled to NashvilleNashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
to face the Tennessee Titans
2011 Tennessee Titans season
The 2011 Tennessee Titans season will be the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League , the 52nd overall and the 15th in the state of Tennessee. It will also mark the first season under new head coach Mike Munchak, replacing longtime head coach Jeff Fisher, who resigned on January 27...
. The Broncos took the lead in the first quarter, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
to wide receiver Matthew Willis. Tennessee responded in the second quarter, with a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
to wide receiver Nate Washington
Nate Washington
Nate Washington is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, followed by a 46-yard field goal by placekicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
. The Broncos re-claimed the lead in the third quarter, when Orton connecting with running back Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
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. Tennessee later claimed the lead, when Hasselbeck, playing on his 36th birthday, threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Graham
Daniel Graham
Daniel Lawrence Grahamhttp://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, who played with the Broncos from 2007–2010. Tennessee's defense thwarted the Broncos' final drive.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 1–2.
Week 4: at Green Bay Packers
Hoping to avenge their loss at Tennessee, the Broncos flew to Lambeau FieldLambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
to face the defending Super Bowl
Super Bowl XLV
Super Bowl XLV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers to decide the National Football League champion for the 2010 season. The game was held at Cowboys Stadium in...
champion Green Bay Packers
2011 Green Bay Packers season
The 2011 Green Bay Packers season is the franchise's 91st season in the National Football League, the 93rd season overall and the sixth under head coach Mike McCarthy...
. The Broncos took the early lead, with a 27-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
. However, Green Bay responded, with a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
to wide receiver Jordy Nelson
Jordy Nelson
Jordy Ray Nelson is an American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State....
, followed by cornerback Charles Woodson
Charles Woodson
Charles C. Woodson is an American football cornerback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Michigan for the Michigan Wolverines. In 1997, Woodson led the Wolverines to a national championship...
returning an interception off Broncos' quarterback Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
30 yards for a touchdown. After recovering a onside kick, Green Bay 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 pass to wide receiver Eric Decker
Eric Decker
Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
: a 5-yarder, followed by a 33-yarder. Green Bay responded just before halftime, when Rodgers connected on a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
. Green Bay 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
James Jones (wide receiver)
James Deandre Jones is an American football wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. Green Bay continued their onslaught, with Rodgers hooking up with wide receiver Donald Driver
Donald Driver
Donald Jerome Driver is an American football wide receiver and children's author. He plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
on an 8-yard touchdown pass. The Broncos scored a late touchdown, when Orton connected with tight end Daniel Fells
Daniel Fells
Daniel Fells is an American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at UC Davis.Fells has also been a member of the Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and St...
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.
With the loss, the Broncos fell to 1–3.
Week 5: vs. San Diego Chargers
Hoping to rebound from their blowout loss at Green Bay, the Broncos returned home for an AFC WestAFC West
The AFC West is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference, currently comprising the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oakland Raiders.-History:...
duel with the San Diego Chargers
2011 San Diego Chargers season
The 2011 San Diego Chargers season will be the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. The team hopes to improve on its 9–7 record from 2010, in which the team missed the playoffs. For Norv Turner, this will be his fifth season as the head coach of the...
. San Diego took the early lead in the first quarter, with a 24-yard field goal by placekicker Nick Novak
Nick Novak
Nicholas Ryan "Nick" Novak is an American football placekicker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. The Broncos grabbed the lead, when cornerback Cassius Vaughn
Cassius Vaughn
Cassius M. Vaughn is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
returned a interception off Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
55 yards for a touchdown. San Diego 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
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
. However, San Diego would re-claim 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
Malcom Floyd
Malcom Floyd is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Wyoming...
, giving the Chargers a 23–10 halftime lead. After a scoreless third quarter, San Diego added to their lead, with a 51-yard field goal by Novak. The Broncos responded, when quarterback Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown (with a two-point conversion run by running back Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
), then threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to running back Knowshon Moreno
Knowshon Moreno
Knowshon Rockwell Moreno is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was selected 12th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Broncos. He played college football at the University of Georgia.-Early years:Moreno grew up in Belford, a neighborhood in...
(with a failed two-point conversion attempt), to pull the Broncos to within 26–24 with just over three minutes left in the game. San Diego 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.
With the loss, the Broncos dropped to 1–4, entering their bye
Bye (sports)
A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
week.
Week 7: at Miami Dolphins
Hoping to snap their three-game losing streak, and coming off their byeBye (sports)
A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
week, the Broncos flew to Sun Life Stadium to face the Miami Dolphins
2011 Miami Dolphins season
The 2011 Miami Dolphins season will be the team's 42nd season in the National Football League, the 46th overall and the fourth under head coach Tony Sparano...
, where the Broncos had never won in their franchise history. After a scoreless first quarter, Miami grabbed the lead in the second quarter, with field goals of 38 and 36 yards by placekicker Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
. After a scoreless third quarter, Miami extended their lead in the fourth quarter, with quarterback Matt Moore
Matt Moore (American football)
Matthew Erickson Moore is an American Football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He played college football at UCLA and Oregon State...
throwing a 16-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Fasano
Anthony Fasano
Anthony Joseph Fasano is an American football tight end for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame...
(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
Tim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Antwon Thomas is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played college football for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Thomas led the team in receiving in all 3 of his seasons at Tech, 2007, 2008,...
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
Daniel Fells
Daniel Fells is an American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at UC Davis.Fells has also been a member of the Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and St...
, which was followed by Tebow scrambling for a two-point conversion run to send the game into overtime. On Miami's 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, placekicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
, who had missed two field goals in the first half, nailed the game-winning 52-yard field goal.
With the win, the Broncos not only improved to 2–4, but also earned their 400th win in franchise history, their first-ever win at Miami in eight tries, and became the first team 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.
Week 8: vs. Detroit Lions
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 Lions2011 Detroit Lions season
The 2011 Detroit Lions season is the franchise's 82nd season in the National Football League, the 10th playing its home games at Ford Field and the third year under head coach Jim Schwartz. Currently 7–4, the team has improved on its 6–10 record from 2010, which is its third consecutive improved...
. The Broncos grabbed the early lead in the first quarter, with a 39-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
. However, Detroit would dominate the remainder of the game, beginning with a 41-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford
John Matthew Stafford is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia....
to wide receiver Titus Young
Titus Young
Titus Young is an American football wide receiver with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.-College:Young played for the Boise State Broncos football team. He had 204 receptions for 3,063 yards and 25 touchdowns in his collegiate career, including 71 receptions for 1,215 yards and 9...
, followed in the second quarter by a 50-yard field goal by placekicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
, a 1-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to tight end Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler
-Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,...
and a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Maurice Morris
Maurice Morris
Maurice Autora Morris is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon.-Early life:Morris attended Chester High School in Chester, South...
, giving Detroit a 24–3 halftime lead. Detroit continued their domination in the third quarter, with a 24-yard fumble return for a touchdown by defensive end Cliff Avril
Cliff Avril
Clifford Samuel Avril is a defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.-Early years:...
, a 56-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to wide receiver Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
, followed in the fourth quarter by cornerback Chris Houston
Chris Houston (American football)
Chris Houston is an American Football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
returning an interception off Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
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
Eric Decker
Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
, but the game had already been decided in Detroit's favor.
With the loss, the Broncos dropped to 2–5.
Week 9: at Oakland Raiders
Hoping to rebound from their disastrous home loss to the Lions, the Broncos flew to O.co Coliseum for an AFC WestAFC West
The AFC West is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference, currently comprising the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oakland Raiders.-History:...
rematch with the Oakland Raiders
2011 Oakland Raiders season
The 2011 Oakland Raiders season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. 2011 also marks the final season under the ownership of Al Davis, who died on October 8, 2011...
. In the first quarter, Oakland grabbed the early lead, with a 48-yard field goal by placekicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
. The Broncos responded, with quarterback Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
hooking up with wide receiver Eric Decker
Eric Decker
Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
on a 27-yard touchdown pass. Oakland re-claimed the lead in the second quarter, with quarterback Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
throwing two touchdown passes: an 11-yarder to running back Michael Bush
Michael Bush
Michael Bush is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, followed by a 40-yarder to fullback Marcel Reece
Marcel Reece
Marcel Reece is the starting American football fullback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He played college football at Washington. He played his first game for the Raiders during week 16 of the 2009 season against the Cleveland Browns in which he caught one pass for 9 yards...
. In the third quarter, the Broncos cut into the Raiders' lead, with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Tebow to wide receiver Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
. Oakland responded, with Palmer throwing an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jacoby Ford
Jacoby Ford
Jacoby Ford is an American football wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He is also an accomplished track and field athlete. He played college football as a wide receiver and return specialist for the Clemson Tigers at Clemson University...
, giving the Raiders a 24–14 lead. However, the Broncos would dominate the remainder of the game, with a 43-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
, followed by a 60-yard touchdown run by running back Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
at the end of the third quarter. The Broncos grabbed the lead with six minutes left 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.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 3–5.
Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs
Coming off their win at Oakland, the Broncos flew to Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
for an AFC West
AFC West
The AFC West is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference, currently comprising the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oakland Raiders.-History:...
duel with the Kansas City Chiefs
2011 Kansas City Chiefs season
The 2011 Kansas City Chiefs season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League, the 52nd overall and the third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Todd Haley and Scott Pioli. The Chiefs are coming off a 10–6 record in 2010, in which the team won its first AFC West...
. In the first quarter, the Broncos grabbed the early lead, with quarterback Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
scrambling for a 7-yard touchdown, followed in the second quarter by a 38-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
. Kansas City got on the board in the third quarter, with a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Cassel
Matt Cassel
Matthew Brennan "Matt" Cassel is a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
to fullback Le'Ron McClain
Le'Ron McClain
- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
. The Broncos responded in the fourth quarter, with Tebow throwing a 56-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Decker
Eric Decker
Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
. Kansas City tried to rally, with placekicker Ryan Succop
Ryan Succop
Ryan Barrow Succop is an American football placekicker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He is the 2009 Mr. Irrelevant after being selected by the Chiefs with the final pick of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at South Carolina.-Early years:Succop attended...
nailing a late 32-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining, but the ensuing onside kickoff was unsuccessful, sealing the win for the Broncos.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 4–5, placing them in a three-way tie for second place in the AFC West, as well as matching their win total from 2010
2010 Denver Broncos season
The Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High...
.
Week 11: vs. New York Jets
Coming off their win at Kansas City, the Broncos returned home for an AFC duel against the New York Jets2011 New York Jets season
The 2011 New York Jets season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League , the 52nd season overall and the team's second season at MetLife Stadium...
on Thursday Night Football
NFL Network
NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation...
. The Broncos grabbed the lead in the first quarter, with a 37-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
. The Jets tied the game in the second quarter, with a 21-yard field goal by placekicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, then grabbed the lead in the third quarter, when guard Matt Slauson
Matt Slauson
-2009:The New York Jets selected Slauson with their sixth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Jets offensive line coach Bill Callahan previously coached Slauson at Nebraska who was considered versatile, athletic and durable. Slauson was signed to a four year deal by the team in May...
returned a fumble off Jets' running back Bilal Powell
Bilal Powell
-New York Jets:Powell was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round with the 126th overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Powell made his professional debut on November 17, 2011 against the Denver Broncos.-External links:** UofLSports.com...
into the end zone for a touchdown. The Broncos tied the game, when cornerback André Goodman returned an interception off Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez
Mark Travis John Sanchez is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League . He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fifth overall selection by the Jets and the second quarterback taken overall...
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
Tim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
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.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 5–5, exceeding their win total from 2010
2010 Denver Broncos season
The Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High...
.
Week 12: at San Diego Chargers
Coming off their win over the Jets, the Broncos flew to Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
for an AFC West
AFC West
The AFC West is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference, currently comprising the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oakland Raiders.-History:...
rematch with the San Diego Chargers
2011 San Diego Chargers season
The 2011 San Diego Chargers season will be the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. The team hopes to improve on its 9–7 record from 2010, in which the team missed the playoffs. For Norv Turner, this will be his fifth season as the head coach of the...
. San Diego jumped out to a 10–0 lead, with a 53-yard field goal by placekicker Nick Novak
Nick Novak
Nicholas Ryan "Nick" Novak is an American football placekicker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
in the first quarter, followed in the second quarter by a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
to tight end Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
. The Broncos responded just before halftime, with an 18-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
to wide receiver Eric Decker
Eric Decker
Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
. San Diego 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 placekicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
. 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 San Diego's 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. The Broncos' third possession in overtime began with 2:31 remaining, and Prater nailed the game-winning 37-yard field goal with 29 seconds remaining in overtime.
With the win, the Broncos improved to 6–5, winning their fourth straight game, and remaining one game behind the Oakland Raiders
2011 Oakland Raiders season
The 2011 Oakland Raiders season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. 2011 also marks the final season under the ownership of Al Davis, who died on October 8, 2011...
for the lead in the AFC West.
Week 13: at Minnesota Vikings
Week 14: vs. Chicago Bears
Week 15: vs. New England Patriots
Week 16: at Buffalo Bills
Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Gametime subject to change due to flexible scheduling.
Awards and honors
| Recipient | Award(s) |
|---|---|
| Willis McGahee Willis McGahee Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft... |
Week 9: FedEx Ground Player of the Week FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Every week during the NFL season, six finalists are chosen for the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week award, 3 nominated as the FedEx Air player and 3 nominated as the FedEx Ground player , online at... |
| Von Miller Von Miller Von Miller is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted second overall by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M.... |
First half of the season: Sports Illustrated Sports Illustrated Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the... Defensive Rookie of the Year. Week 10: AFC American Football Conference The American Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the National Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL.... Defensive Player of the Week |
| Eddie Royal Eddie Royal William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League... |
Week 9: Special Teams Player of the Week |
| Team | Week 7: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind win) Week 10: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (touchdown pass from Tim Tebow Tim Tebow Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft... to Eric Decker Eric Decker Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft... ) Week 11: GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week (come-from-behind win) |