Broncos Mistakes Lead to Blowout Loss to the Eagles

It was simply a game that the Broncos made too many mistakes to overcome. The opportunities were there but key penalties, a blocked FG and a fumble returned for an Eagles touchdown sunk Denver's chances at entering the bye week with a winning record. The recap of the Broncos loss to the Eagles 30-13 is below.

Broncos won the coin toss and deferred, allowing Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense to take the field first. Hurts guided the Eagles offense down the field quickly with big completions to Quez Watkins for 18 yards and Boston Scott for 17 yards on a screen. After 4 first downs, the Eagles offensive drive stalled out at the Broncos 12 yard line and the Eagles settled for a 30 yard FG. After less than 5 minutes of time run off the clock, the Eagles took the early lead 3-0.

Denver's offense took the field in a 3-0 hole only to go 3-and-out with their first possession and a 56-yard punt from Sam Martin.

Philadelphia's offense got a crack at it's second drive and to add to their lead, starting at their own 20 yard line. Dre'Mont Jones made a spectacular play on an end around to Jalen Reagor for a loss of 8 yards but it didn't prevent the Eagles from picking up a first down on a Dallas Goedert catch for 24 yards on 3rd and 12. Three plays later, Jalen Hurts hit DeVonta Smith down the right sideline for a 36 yard touchdown as he beat his former college teammate Pat Surtain. The Eagles convert the extra point quickly moved to 10-0 over the Broncos.

The Denver offense needed to find a way to respond as they started their second drive at their own 25 yard line. Boosted by impressive runs by Javonte Williams early in the drive and a Tim Patrick first down catch that drew a taunting penalty from Avonte Maddox, the Broncos offense finally started clicking. From the Eagles 23 yard line, Melvin Gordon capped off the drive with 3 straight runs and a 1 yard rushing touchdown to pull the Broncos within 3. Eagles now lead 10-7.

Philadelphia had scored on their first two drives to start the game and would start their 3rd drive from their own 25 yard line. This time, the defense stood their ground and forced a 3-and-out for the Eagles aided by a fumble by Hurts that lead to a Dre'Mont Jones.

After an Eagles punt, the Broncos offense took the field at their own 28 yard line with a chance to build on their momentum. Albert Okwuegbunam was the spark as he caught a pass from Teddy Bridgewater and ran it down the sideline to the Eagles 8 yard line. It was the longest pass play of the season for the offense but, unfortunately, Denver's drive stalled from there and they settled for a 21-yard FG from Brandon McManus to tie the game 10-10.

Eagles would start their 4th drive from their own 25 after Philadelphia had given up 10 unanswered points. Jalen Hurts showed off why he can be such a dangerous player running the ball as he took off for 31 yards and setting the Eagles up at the Denver 33 yard line. After some tough running yards, Hurts capped off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown to DeVonta Smith on 3rd and goal to retake the lead 17-10.

With 3:07 remaining in the first half, Denver's offense got back on the field and didn't have an answer as the Eagles forced a 3-and-out capped by a sack on Teddy Bridgewater by Derek Barnett. Broncos offense lost 15 yards and punted the ball back to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia would start their 5th drive from their own 15 yard line after a penalty with 1:49 remaining in the 2nd quarter. Jalen Hurts orchestrated a fast paced drive gaining big chunks of yards on completions to Smith and Reagor. Broncos were lucky to avoid another TD pass from Hurts as Quez Watkins dropped a dime in the end zone on 3rd and 10. Jake Elliott connected on a 52 yard FG to extend the Eagles lead 20-10 at halftime.

Broncos offense got the ball to start the 3rd quarter, trailing by double digits. Fant caught a pass for 15 and Sutton over the middle for 26 yards. Javonte had a big run down to the 10 yard line but the Denver drive stalled at the Philadelphia 5 yard line. Brandon McManus FG attempt was blocked and the offense came up empty on a beautiful 2nd half opening drive.

Fortunately, the Denver defense forced a 3-and-out including a near Pat Surtain interception on the Eagles first drive of the 2nd half. Diontae Spencer returned the ensuing punt for 19 yards and set up the Broncos offense at the Eagles 45 yard line.

Broncos offense again drives down into the Red Zone but can't punch it in after a couple big penalties by TEs Eric Saubert and Albert Okwuegbunam. This time, McManus converts his FG attempt and the Broncos pull within a score 20-13.

The Broncos defense needed to come up with a big play to steer momentum back and Justin Simmons came through, picking off Jalen Hurts and returning it to the Denver 47 yard line. Disaster happened though as, while Melvin Gordon was attempting to gain 1 yard on 4th down, he fumbled it and Darius Slay returned it 77 yards for a touchdown. At the end of 3 quarters, Eagles took a 27-13 lead.

Broncos offense goes 3-and-out including a pass to Javonte Williams that went for a 10 yard loss. Eagles took over at their own 35 yard line and gashed the Broncos on big rushing gains. Philadelphia burned a lot of clock, settling for a 23-yard FG and a 3 score lead 30-13.

There was a smattering of garbage time yards but, in the end, the Broncos couldn't make any dents in that final score as they fall to 5-5 after being beat at home by the Eagles 30-13.

The Denver Broncos will be on bye this week. Their next game will be on Sunday, November 28th as they host the Los Angeles Chargers. Coverage on KOA begins at 8am MTN.

Postgame interviews in order below with voice of the Broncos Dave Logan and Vic Fangio and Teddy Bridgewater. Also, Susie Wargin with Malik Reed.