If each half counted as a game, the Denver Broncos would have added one victory and one loss to the club’s season record on Sunday. But taken as a whole, the Broncos lost 27-23 to the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. Playing their best half of the season and leading 20-0 at halftime, the Broncos proceeded to play their worst half for the remainder of the game.
Previous to this Sunday, no NFL team has lost after a 20-or-more point halftime lead since the San Francisco 49ers fell to the then-San Diego Chargers in the 2014 season. Teams leading 20-or-more points at halftime have been 95-1 since the start of 2015.
Here is the Twitter recap of the up-and-down game.
#BroncosCountry represented here at #DENvsMIN with more than a few specks of orange amid the purple. Looks a bit like a Phoenix Suns crowd. pic.twitter.com/xS0HyakQ77
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 17, 2019
The Broncos offense played its best half of the season, moving the ball both in the air and on the ground. Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello’s play-calling looked sharp. Quarterback Brandon Allen was crisp in his decision making and accurate with this throws.
Really liked Rich Scangarello and the #Broncos efforts to get Noah Fant involved early. pic.twitter.com/1VjJADbHAu
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
#Broncos Allen connects to @nrfant for 31-yard gain.. He has to be second option behind @SuttonCourtland going forward. His development over next seven weeks is critical. #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 17, 2019
Defensive lineman Mike Purcell bruised his ribs, but he later returned to the game.
Purcell walking off the field on his with trainers by his side. Going into the medical evaluation tent now.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2019
No Purcell, no problem on the #Vikings 3rd and 1. #Broncos D holds up thanks to Shelby Harris, Adam Gotsis, and others. pic.twitter.com/1EsUt9XPMu
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
Mike Purcell has a rib injury and is questionable to return.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2019
Mike Purcell is back in.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2019
Troy Fumagalli with his first #NFL touchdown! #Broncos 10-#Vikings 0 pic.twitter.com/QCsRajSrPt
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
Like the aerial strategy. Throw ball to best receiver repeatedly — Sutton. And use the tight ends. Helps that Denver has been able to run to loosen up #Vikings defense. Broncos lead 10-0 after six-play, 90-yard drive in 2:23. #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 17, 2019
Linebacker Von Miller was also sharp, sacking his 50th NFL quarterback.
BREAKING NEWS: @VonMiller is really good #Broncos Country pic.twitter.com/mVz5gQmR5R
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
Von Miller just sacked the 50th quarterback of his career: Kirk Cousins.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2019
Holy hell Brandon Allen just threw a perfect ball to Courtland Sutton in tight coverage for a 58-yard gain. Like, PERFECT pass.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2019
Receiver Courtland Sutton was also a great passer in the game.
…and he can PASS!
If Courtland Sutton doesn't make the Pro Bowl, we riot #Broncos Country. pic.twitter.com/OklLfpP6BF
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
Sutton can catch them and throw them. He has a 38-yard pass to go with his 48-yard completion. pic.twitter.com/LsTy3F8HtY
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2019
Fullback Andy Janovich was very effective in both special teams and offensive plays.
JANO! pic.twitter.com/tDpx2sCN56
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
TOUCHDOWN — Eric Kendricks stuffed Andy Janovich and Janovich just kept pounding. Andrew Sendejo tried to strip the ball and hold him back and failed. Man alive, that brings back memories of Mike Alstott. Jano just kept going. WOW
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 17, 2019
The #Broncos go to one of their favorite run plays with Risner pulling for Lindsay.
Only it's a fake and Noah Fant is open down the vacant seam. pic.twitter.com/5RVpuD5ir6
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
Defensive lineman Shelby Harris had his first strip-sack of his career.
Shelby Harris sack and a #Broncos takeaway! pic.twitter.com/X56q4D242F
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
#Broncos entered the game with seven takeaways. But produce huge turnover in second half. Defense has played well the last five weeks, save for #Chiefs game. Turnovers are the last piece of the puzzle. #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 17, 2019
I don't think we're getting Jano back this year. pic.twitter.com/PHjjAJrzbR
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
The Broncos may have suffered a big loss if Janovich has a season-ending injury.
#Broncos Janovich ruled out for game with elbow injury. My hope is that he's not lost for the season. #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 17, 2019
Brandon Allen's first interception. #Broncos will hit halftime at 20. pic.twitter.com/s7U5NDUNgN
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
The Broncos’ 20-point halftime lead is their second-largest halftime edge since 2014. Only the 35-3 lead over the Cardinals last year is bigger.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 17, 2019
At halftime, the Broncos led 20-0. Offensively, the Broncos gained 217 yards to the Vikings’ 47. Allen went 7-of-17 passing for 104 yards. Sutton had 48 yards receiving and 38 yards passing.
At the half … pic.twitter.com/uPa6B5t7fB
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2019
Only one other time since the start of 2016 has the Broncos' D held an opponent to 47 or fewer net yards in the 1st half (Jets, 40 yds, Wk. 14 of 2017).
When they had their top-ranking D in 2015, they did it twice: vs. Ravens (38) and Raiders (-12).https://t.co/OcOzVIzj4A
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2019
Even Pro Bowler cornerback Chris Harris Jr. could not stem the Broncos defensive slide in the second half.
Chris Harris Jr. got beat like a drum and the #Broncos lead is all but gone. pic.twitter.com/OWM10akQyz
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) November 17, 2019
Diggs made his cut on the post route and Chris Harris was a step behind. Diggs waved to get Cousins’ attention as Cousins rolled left, and the pass was true. 10:21 to go and the Broncos’ 20-point lead is now a fragile three points.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 17, 2019
Offensive tackle Garett Bolles continued his penalty-prone ways in the game.
That’s 11 holding penalties whistled against Garett Bolles so far this season. Four accepted, six declined, one offset.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 17, 2019
False start, Garett Bolles. Second penalty against No. 72 today.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 17, 2019
Incomplete, Fant in the end zone, ballgame.
Vikings 27
Broncos 23Final
Broncos blow a 20-0 halftime lead
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 17, 2019
The Vikings did everything they could to hand the Broncos a win today, and Denver still couldn’t get it done. It’s a reminder of where this team truly stands.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 17, 2019
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 17, 2019
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins ultimately had an outstanding game, going 29-for-35 with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He had a 133.2 rating.
Allen, in comparison, played adequately well by throwing 17-for-39, with one touchdown and one interception, and a 61.9 rating.
#Broncos @ChrisHarrisJr on loss #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/9vcRN9v03J
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 17, 2019
#Broncos @I_CU_boy on a young team learning to win #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/92a31Qh7zr
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 17, 2019
The loss essentially eliminates the Broncos from the playoffs. Next week, the Broncos have another away game against the Buffalo Bills.
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