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With starting quarterback Russell Wilson sidelined, Denver Broncos backup quarterback Brett Rypien helped the team defeat the Arizona Cardinals 24-15 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Cardinals led the Broncos 6-3 at halftime following two ugly quarters of football that featured a Justin Simmons interception, eight sacks (including one strip-sack on Rypien) and a missed Denver field goal attempt.
In the second half, Arizona quarterback Colt McCoy was knocked out of the game with a concussion. That forced the Cardinals to turn to third-string quarterback Trace McSorley, who quickly led a field goal drive to make it 9-3.
Following that field goal, Rypien led a seven-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a three-yard touchdown run from Marlon Mack that gave the Broncos a 10-9 lead late in the third quarter.
Denver running back Latavius Murray later added a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to make it 17-9. Murray had his best game as a Bronco on Sunday, finishing the day with 24 carries for 130 yards.
Following a second Simmons interception, Rypien later threw a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Eric Tomlinson to make it 24-9.
The Cardinals battled back and James Conner scored on a one-yard touchdown run, but after their two-point attempt failed, Arizona trailed 24-15 with just over six minutes remaining.
When the Cardinals later got the ball back, cornerback Pat Surtain intercepted a McSorely pass to seal the win.
On the injury front, Denver lost guard Quinn Meinerz to an eye injury in the first quarter and he did not return.
Up next for the Broncos is a Christmas Day showdown with the Los Angeles Rams on the road in Week 16.
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