Broncos shut out Bears, 22-0, in preseason opener

Joe Dahlke

8 years ago

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 11: Cody Latimer #14 of the Denver Broncos catches a pass in front of DeVante Bausby #20 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on August 11, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

CHICAGO — Six months and four days since winning Super Bowl 50, the Broncos returned to the field for the first time Thursday as they opened the preseason with a 22-0 win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. PHOTOS: Denver Broncos take on the Chicago Bears in preseason opener The game started in a big way as quarterback Mark Sanchez ended the first drive game with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas. Sanchez threw an interception to end the Broncos’ second drive. Trevor Siemian took over at quarterback in the second quarter, opening with three completions to Cody Latimer before the Broncos settled for a Brandon McManus 37-yard field goal. After a McManus field goal from 42 yards made it 13-0, Bennie Fowler blocked a Bears punt and Zaire Anderson recovered the ball in the end-zone for a touchdown just before halftime. Sanchez finished 10 of 13 for 99 yards, while Siemian went 7 of 12 for 88 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Rookie Paxton Lynch played in the second half and was 6 of 7 for 74 yards. Like last year when the Broncos won the Super Bowl, it was the defense that stole the show, finishing with seven sacks, including two on former Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler in the first quarter. One of those sacks in the third quarter resulted in a safety. The Broncos’ Lorenzo Doss also intercepted Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer in the third quarter. Recap the game in the live blog.

8 years ago

And a kneel down wraps this game up… Broncos shut out the Bears 22-0!

8 years ago

Bears put in QB Connor Shaw and the Broncos force a punt with 3:31 left in the game.

8 years ago

Bears put in QB Connor Shaw and the Broncos force a punt with 3:31 left in the game.

8 years ago

Unnecessary roughness call causes 3rd and 27 at CHI 43 for the Broncos. Bears force a punt. 6:39 left in the game.

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After completing 22 yard pass to Jordan Taylor, Lynch over throws Taylor with deep pass. Defensive pass interference puts the Broncos at the CHI 28.

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Lynch sacked by Cornelius Washington of the Bears for a 6 yard loss at the DEN 34. Broncos punt the ball to end the 3rd.

8 years ago

7th sack of the game for the Broncos – this time it’s #34 Will Parks getting the Bears QB!

8 years ago

7th sack of the game for the Broncos – this time it’s #34 Will Parks getting the Bears QB!

8 years ago

McManus 46 yard field goal attempt hits the goal post and is no good. Broncos still up 22-0 with around 5 minutes left in the 3rd.

8 years ago

Dekoda Watson tackles Bears QB David Fales for a safety! Now, 22-0 Broncos with 10:14 left in the 3rd.

8 years ago

Dekoda Watson sacks Bears QB David Fales for a safety! Now, 22-0 Broncos with 10:14 left in the 3rd.

8 years ago

Lynch gets sacked and the Broncos go 3-and-out

8 years ago

Rookie QB Paxton Lynch in for the Broncos

8 years ago

David Fales in at QB for the Bears and goes 3-and-out to open the half.

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Broncos lead the Bears 20-0 at the half!

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Bears block McManus 48 yard field goal attempt at the end of the 2nd quarter.

8 years ago

Hoyer intercepted by Lorenzo Doss with 23 seconds left in the half!

8 years ago

Bears punt is blocked by Fowler – recovered in end zone by Zaire Anderson for Broncos touchdown! 20-0

8 years ago

Bears punt is blocked by Fowler – recovered in end zone by Zaire Anderson for Broncos touchdown! 20-0

8 years ago

Hoyer sacked by Jared Crick – 4th sack of the game.

8 years ago

McManus 43 yard field goal is good! Broncos now up 13-0 with 3:05 left in the 2nd.

8 years ago

Bears decide to go for it on 4th and 3 – Hoyer sacked by Vontarrius Dora for the 3rd sack of the game and turn it over to the Broncos at Chicago’s 42 yard line. 6:48 left in the 2nd