After a 2–3 start to the season, the Broncos finished the regular season on an eleven-game winning streak, and with a record of 13–3, the team exceeded their win total from the previous two seasons combined. The Broncos won their second consecutiveAFC West division title, sweeping their division, as well as earning a first-round bye for the first time since2005 and homefield advantage throughout theplayoffs for the first time since1998, butlost to theeventual Super Bowl championBaltimore Ravens in the Divisional round by a double-overtime score of 38–35.
During the season, Manning set numerous individual, franchise and league records, including 300-yard passing games and game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime. Second-year linebackerVon Miller also set a franchise record forsacks at 18.5.
January 17:Matt Russell, who served as the team's director of college scouting during the past three seasons, was promoted to director of player personnel.[1] That same day, the Broncos announced thatRich Tuten, the team's strength and conditioning coach since1995, will not return for the 2012 season.[2]
January 27: The Broncos hired formerJacksonville Jaguars' head coachJack Del Rio as the team's new defensive coordinator, replacing Dennis Allen. Del Rio previously worked in the same capacity onJohn Fox's staff with theCarolina Panthers in2002. Also on January 27, the Broncos hiredLuke Richesson as the team's new strength and conditioning coach, replacing Rich Tuten.[4]
February 3: The Broncos hiredMike Sullivan as the team's new director of football administration, replacingMike Bluem.[5]
May 7: The Broncos parted ways with general managerBrian Xanders after four seasons. The team never did announce a replacement.[6]
May 14:Wayne Nunnely, who served as the team's defensive line coach during the past three seasons, retired. His position was filled byJay Rodgers, who served as a coaching assistant during the past three seasons.[7]
May 29:Cory Undlin was hired as the new defensive quality control coach – a position previously held by Jay Rodgers. Undlin previously worked on Jack Del Rio's staff with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the previous three seasons.[8]
signed February 15,[32] waived September 11,[33] assigned to thepractice squad on September 13[34] promoted to active roster September 18,[35] on final roster
On March 20, 2012, the Broncos reached an agreement with formerIndianapolis Colts'quarterbackPeyton Manning on a five-year, $96 million contract. Manning missed the entire2011 season following multiple neck surgeries, and was released by the Colts two weeks earlier on March 7, one day before the Colts were due to pay him a $28 million roster bonus.[52] TheSeattle Seahawks,[53]Arizona Cardinals,Miami Dolphins,San Francisco 49ers andTennessee Titans were also mentioned as possible destinations for the former long-time Colts quarterback; however, Manning informed Broncos' personnel to begin contract negotiations with the team on March 19,[54] and he was introduced as the Broncos' newquarterback in a press conference at the team's headquarters inDove Valley the following day.[55]
The language of the contract contained the following conditions: Manning did not suffer a setback in his recovery from neck surgery prior to the end of the2012 season; therefore, the Broncos owed Manning $18 million for the 2012 season. Manning passed a physical exam at the beginning of the2013 league year,[56] and the Broncos owed Manning $40 million through the2014 season. The fourth (and eventual final) year of the contract – $19 million for2015 – was dependent on Manning passing a physical exam.[57] Manning retired on March 7, 2016, one month after the Broncos wonSuper Bowl 50.[58]
^The Broncos traded their original first-round selection (No. 25) to theNew England Patriots in exchange for the Patriots' first- and fourth-round selections – Nos. 31 and 126. The Broncos later traded both selections to theTampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for the Buccaneers' second- and fourth-round selections (Nos. 36 and 101).[63]
^The Broncos traded their original third- and fourth-round selections (Nos. 87 and 120) to theCleveland Browns in exchange for the Browns' third-round selection (No. 67).[66]
^The Broncos tradedquarterbackTim Tebow and their seventh-round selection (No. 232) to theNew York Jets in exchange for the Jets' fourth- and sixth-round selections (Nos. 108 and 188).[61]
^The Broncos traded their original fifth-round selection (No. 160) and a2011 sixth-round selection to the Cleveland Browns in exchange forquarterbackBrady Quinn.[70]
^The Broncos acquired this fifth-round selection (No. 137) in a trade that sentwide receiverBrandon Lloyd to theSt. Louis Rams.[71] The Rams originally sent a sixth-round selection to the Broncos in October 2011, however, the selection was later upgraded to a fifth-rounder after a condition was met in which Lloyd made a minimum of 30 receptions with the Rams during the2011 season.[72]
^The Broncos traded their original sixth-round selection (No. 194) to thePhiladelphia Eagles in exchange forlinebackerJoe Mays.[74] The Broncos originally tradedrunning backJ. J. Arrington to the Eagles in July 2010, with the condition that if Arrington did not make the Eagles' 53-man roster at the start of the2010 season, the Broncos would instead send a 2012 sixth-round selection to the Eagles (Arrington was indeed released by the Eagles shortly before the 2010 season).[75]
waived August 31,[38] assigned to practice squad September 1,[79] promoted to active roster September 29,[47] waived October 11,[42] assigned to practice squad October 13,[78] promoted to active roster October 30,[21] waived November 13[80]
March 9:LinebackerD. J. Williams,defensive tackleRyan McBean andtight endVirgil Green were each suspended by theNFL for violating the league's policy onperformance-enhancing substances. Williams and McBean were each suspended for the first six games of the2012 season, while Green was given a four-game suspension. Williams and McBean each challenged the suspensions and took legal action against the NFL.[83] McBean later signed with theBaltimore Ravens on May 7, three weeks after his restricted free agent tender was rescinded by the Broncos.[19] On August 27, a federal appeals court upheld Williams' suspension,[84] and on October 5, Williams was suspended for an additional three games by the NFL following his August conviction for adriving under the influence arrest in November 2010.[85] Green was reinstated to the active roster on October 1,[48] while Williams was reinstated to the active roster on November 17, the latter in time for the team's Week 11 game vs. theSan Diego Chargers.[86]
September 25:LinebackerJoe Mays was suspended one game and fined$50,000 by the NFL for a helmet-to-helmet hit onHouston Texans'quarterbackMatt Schaub, during the Broncos' 31–25 loss to the Texans two days earlier (September 23). Schaub had his helmet knocked off, and suffered a laceration on his earlobe as a result of the hit. Mays missed the Broncos' Week 4 game against theOakland Raiders, and had been considered a repeat offender, following a $7,875 fine for a hit onAtlanta Falcons'quarterbackMatt Ryan in Week 2.[87]
August 14:GuardChris Kuper suffered a broken forearm during practice. He not only missed the remainder of the preseason, but also missed the first five games of the regular season.[89][90] Also on August 14,defensive endJason Hunter suffered torn triceps, and was initially expected to miss at least two months,[91] but was placed on injured reserve on August 27.[17]
September 11:Defensive tackleTy Warren was placed on injured reserve, after suffering torn triceps for a second consecutive season.[33]
October 1: CenterJ. D. Walton was placed on injured reserve, after suffering a dislocated ankle during the team's Week 4 win over theOakland Raiders the previous day.[92]
October 30:LinebackerJoe Mays was placed on injured reserve, after he suffered a fractured fibula during the team's Week 8 win over theNew Orleans Saints two days earlier.[21]
November 21: Running backWillis McGahee was placed on the injured reserve/designated for return list, two days after suffering a rupturedMCL and compression fracture in his right knee, during the team's Week 11 win over theSan Diego Chargers. UnderNFL rules, McGahee became eligible to return to practice on January 2, 2013 – three days after the regular season finale, and would have been eligible to return for theAFC championship game on January 20, had the Broncos made it that far into the postseason.[93]
CornerbackTracy Porter missed more than half of the season, after experiencing aftereffects from aseizure that he suffered during the preseason. Porter began experiencing symptoms prior to the team's Week 6 game against the San Diego Chargers, and returned to practice on a limited basis over the next several weeks.[94] Porter returned to game action against theCleveland Browns in Week 16, only to suffer a concussion and miss the Week 17 regular season finale and the playoffs.[95]
DEN – 5:29Demaryius Thomas 71-yard TD pass fromPeyton Manning, Matt Prater kick.Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:36. (DEN 14–13)
Fourth quarter
PIT – 14:11Mike Wallace 3-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger, two-point pass failed.Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:18. (PIT 19–14)
DEN – 9:23Jacob Tamme 1-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning,Willis McGahee received pass from Peyton Manning for a two-point conversion.Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:48. (DEN 22–19)
DEN – 3:00 Matt Prater 26-yard FG.Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 5:18. (DEN 25–19)
DEN – 1:58Tracy Porter 43-yard interception return for a TD, two-point run failed.(DEN 31–19)
Top passers
PIT – Ben Roethlisberger: 22/40, 245 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
The Broncos kicked off their2012 season at home against thePittsburgh Steelers onSunday Night Football, in a rematch of their 2011 Wild Card playoff game. After a scoreless first quarter, the Steelers grabbed the lead, with a 21-yard field goal by placekickerShaun Suisham. The Broncos responded, with running backKnowshon Moreno rushing for a 7-yard touchdown, but the Steelers countered, with a 4-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackBen Roethlisberger to tight endHeath Miller just before halftime. In the third quarter, the Steelers added to their lead, with a 35-yard field goal by Suisham. The Broncos grabbed the lead, when quarterbackPeyton Manning threw his 400th career touchdown pass—a 71-yarder to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas, but the Steelers responded early in the fourth quarter, when Roethlisberger threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverMike Wallace (with a failed two-point conversion attempt). With 9:23 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Broncos claimed the lead for good, when Manning threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight endJacob Tamme (coupled with running backWillis McGahee receiving a pass from Manning for a two-point conversion), then added to their lead with a 26-yard field goal by placekickerMatt Prater, followed by cornerbackTracy Porter returning an interception off Roethlisberger 43 yards for a touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion attempt).[96]
Following their season-opening win over the Steelers, the Broncos traveled to theGeorgia Dome to face theAtlanta Falcons onMonday Night Football. The Falcons converted three first quarter Peyton Manning interceptions into an eventual 20–0 lead, with a 1-yard touchdown run by running backMichael Turner, followed by field goals of 37 and 42 yards by placekickerMatt Bryant—the latter in the second quarter—and a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackMatt Ryan to tight endTony Gonzalez. The Broncos got on the scoreboard just before halftime, with quarterbackPeyton Manning throwing a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas. The Falcons responded in the third quarter, with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Ryan to wide receiverRoddy White. The Broncos tried to rally in the fourth quarter, with running backWillis McGahee rushing for a pair of 2-yard touchdowns. However, the Falcons would run out the clock.[97]
Hoping to rebound from theirMonday Night loss in Atlanta, the Broncos returned home for anAFC duel with theHouston Texans. The Broncos jumped out to a 5–0 lead in the first quarter, with defensive endElvis Dumervil sacking Texans' quarterbackMatt Schaub in the end zone for a safety, followed by a 32-yard field goal placekickerMatt Prater. However, the Texans would reel off 21 unanswered points, with Schaub throwing three touchdown passes—a 60-yarder to wide receiverAndre Johnson, followed in the second quarter by a 3-yarder to running backArian Foster and a 52-yarder to wide receiverKevin Walter. The Broncos narrowed the Texans' lead to 21–11 at halftime, with a pair of field goals by Prater—from 23 and 53 yards. The Texans increased their lead in the third quarter, with a 41-yard field goal by placekickerShayne Graham, followed by a 14-yard touchdown pass from Schaub to tight endOwen Daniels. Trailing 31–11 with 10:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Broncos tried to rally, with quarterbackPeyton Manning throwing a pair of touchdown passes—a 38-yarder to wide receiverBrandon Stokley and a 6-yarder to tight endJoel Dreessen to narrow Houston's lead to 31–25 with three minutes remaining. After forcing a Texans' punt, the Broncos got the football back with 20 seconds remaining, but the Texans' defense stood their ground.[98]
Notes
Formerwide receiverRod Smith, who played with the Broncos from 1994 to 2007, was inducted into theBroncos Ring of Fame during halftime. Smith is the Broncos' franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.[99]
Hoping to snap a two-game losing streak, the Broncos remained on home ground for anAFC West duel against theOakland Raiders. The Broncos grabbed the early lead, with quarterbackPeyton Manning throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to tight endJoel Dreessen. The Raiders responded, with a 38-yard field goal by placekickerSebastian Janikowski, but the Broncos countered, with a 21-yard field goal by placekickerMatt Prater at the end of the first quarter. A 24-yard field goal by Janikowski just before halftime was the only scoring play of the second quarter. The Broncos' offense exploded in the third quarter, with Manning connecting on a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverEric Decker, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run by running backWillis McGahee and a 14-yard touchdown pass from Manning to running backLance Ball. Prater added field goals of 43 and 53 yards in the fourth quarter.[100]
Notes
With the win, the Broncos snapped a four-game home losing streak against the Raiders.
Injuries
CenterJ. D. Walton suffered a dislocated ankle late in the second quarter, and was placed on the season-endinginjured reserve the following day (October 1).[92]
Coming off their dominating win over the Raiders, the Broncos traveled toFoxborough, Massachusetts to face theNew England Patriots atGillette Stadium. This was the 13th meeting between quarterbacksPeyton Manning andTom Brady since2001. The Patriots grabbed the early lead, with Brady connecting on an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverWes Welker. The Broncos responded early in the second quarter, with Manning tossing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight endJoel Dreessen. However, the Patriots reeled off 24 unanswered points, with running backShane Vereen rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, a 23-yard field goal by placekickerStephen Gostkowski just before halftime, followed in the third quarter by Brady scoring a 1-yard touchdown on a quarterback sneak and running backStevan Ridley rushing for an 8-yard touchdown. The latter touchdown occurred after a Manning fumble deep in Broncos' territory. The Broncos responded, with Manning throwing a pair of touchdown passes – a 2-yarder to wide receiverEric Decker, followed in the fourth quarter by a 5-yarder to wide receiverBrandon Stokley to close the gap to 31–21 with 6:43 remaining. Following a Patriots' fumble, the Broncos were attempting to rally, however, running backWillis McGahee fumbled the football at the Patriots' 14-yard line with 3:48 remaining, halting the Broncos' rally attempt. The Patriots subsequently ran out the clock.[101]
Hoping to rebound from their loss at New England, the Broncos traveled toQualcomm Stadium for anAFC West duel with theSan Diego Chargers onMonday Night Football. The Chargers jumped out to a 10–0 lead in the first quarter, with a 32-yard field goal by placekickerNick Novak, followed by a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackPhilip Rivers to tight endAntonio Gates. Both scores came off Broncos' miscues on special teams—the former occurred afterTrindon Holliday muffed a punt return, while the latter occurred afterOmar Bolden coughed up the football on a kickoff return. The Broncos were attempting to narrow the Chargers' lead midway through the second quarter, but wide receiverEric Decker stumbled near the Chargers' 30-yard line when it appeared that he was headed to the end zone for an easy touchdown, after receiving a 55-yard pass from quarterbackPeyton Manning. Three plays later, Manning threw an interception that was returned by Chargers' cornerbackQuentin Jammer 80 yards for a touchdown. The Chargers increased their lead to 24–0 just before halftime, with Rivers connecting on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Gates.[102]
The Broncos then staged one of the most memorable comebacks in Monday Night Football history. On the opening drive of the second half, Manning led the Broncos on an 8-play, 85-yard drive, culminating with a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas. On the Chargers' next possession, Broncos' defensive endElvis Dumervil forced a fumble off Rivers, and cornerbackTony Carter scooped up the football and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown. After the Broncos' defense forced a three-and-out, Manning hooked up with Decker on a 7-yard touchdown pass to pull the Broncos within 24–21 early in the fourth quarter. On the Chargers' next possession, Carter picked off Rivers, and four plays later, Manning tossed a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBrandon Stokley to give the Broncos a 28–24 lead with 9:09 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Chargers were attempting to rally, but Rivers was intercepted by cornerbackChris Harris, Jr. with 6:54 remaining. However, the Broncos were forced to punt seven plays later, giving the Chargers' offense the football with four minutes remaining. The Chargers once again tried to rally, but six plays later, Harris stepped in front of another Rivers' pass, returning an interception 46 yards for a touchdown, sealing the win for the Broncos.[102]
Coming off their miraculous comeback in San Diego and subsequent bye week, the Broncos returned home for an interconference duel against theNew Orleans Saints. The Broncos grabbed the lead in the first quarter, with running backWillis McGahee rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. On the Broncos' next possession, McGahee committed a fumble, and the Saints responded early in the second quarter, with quarterbackDrew Brees throwing his 300th career touchdown pass—a 29-yarder to running backDarren Sproles. On the Saints' next possession, Brees was intercepted by linebackerWesley Woodyard, and the Broncos dominated the remainder of the game. QuarterbackPeyton Manning tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverEric Decker and placekickerMatt Prater nailed a 33-yard field goal to close out the first half. The Broncos increased their lead in the third quarter, with Manning connecting on a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas, then pulled away in the fourth quarter, with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Decker and another 33-yard field goal by Prater. The Saints scored a late touchdown, with Brees connecting on an 18-yard pass to wide receiverJimmy Graham, but the game had already been decided in the Broncos' favor.[103]
Coming off their dominating win over the Saints, the Broncos traveled toPaul Brown Stadium for an AFC duel with theCincinnati Bengals. A 43-yard field goal by placekickerMatt Prater gave the Broncos an early lead, but the Bengals countered in the second quarter, with a 28-yard field goal by placekickerMike Nugent. The Broncos responded, with a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackPeyton Manning to wide receiverEric Decker. The Broncos added to their lead, when return specialistTrindon Holliday took the opening kickoff of the second half 105 yards for a touchdown. However, the Bengals would reel off 17 unanswered points, consisting of a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackAndy Dalton to wide receiverA. J. Green, a 49-field goal by Nugent followed in the fourth quarter by running backBenJarvus Green-Ellis rushing for a 2-yard touchdown, with the latter two scores coming off Manning interceptions. This gave Cincinnati a 20–17 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Broncos re-claimed the lead on their next possession, with Manning connecting on a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight endJoel Dreessen. Ten plays into the Bengals' next possession, Dalton was intercepted by cornerbackChamp Bailey at the Bengals' 46-yard line, and the Broncos subsequently added to their lead eight plays later, with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Decker. Trailing 31–20 with 3:36 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Bengals tried to rally, with Nugent nailing a 41-yard field goal with 52 seconds remaining, but the Broncos recovered the onside kick in the game's final minute and subsequently ran out the clock.[104]
Notes
Peyton Manning improved his personal record to 8–0 all-time in games against the Bengals.[104]
The Broncos on offense against the Carolina Panthers in week 10
Hoping to add to a three-game winning streak, the Broncos traveled toCharlotte, North Carolina for an interconference match-up with theCarolina Panthers atBank of America Stadium. In the first quarter, the Panthers struck first, with quarterbackCam Newton connecting on a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight endGreg Olsen. However, the Broncos would reel off 29 unanswered points and dominate the remainder of the game. QuarterbackPeyton Manning threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBrandon Stokley. The Broncos grabbed the lead in the second quarter, with return specialistTrindon Holliday returning a punt 76 yards for a touchdown, followed by a 53-yard field goal by placekickerMatt Prater, then in the third quarter, cornerbackTony Carter returned an interception off Newton 40 yards for a touchdown. Prater added a 27-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, followed by safetyMike Adams sacking Newton in the end zone for a safety. The Panthers responded in the fourth quarter, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Newton to Olsen, but the Broncos put the game out of reach, with running backRonnie Hillman rushing for a 5-yard touchdown.[105]
Notes
The Broncos' defense harassed Cam Newton throughout the game, sacking Newton seven times. This was Broncos'head coachJohn Fox's first visit to Carolina, where he served as head coach of the Panthers from 2002 to 2010.[105]
Hoping to add to a four-game winning streak, the Broncos returned home for anAFC West rematch with theSan Diego Chargers. The Chargers grabbed the lead in the first quarter, with safetyEric Weddle returning an interception off Broncos' quarterbackPeyton Manning 23 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos responded early in the second quarter, with Manning connecting on a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas. On the Chargers' next possession, quarterbackPhilip Rivers was intercepted by Broncos' safetyJim Leonhard deep in Chargers' territory. However, the Broncos had to settle for a 19-yard field goal by placekickerMatt Prater. On the first play after the two-minute warning, Broncos' linebackerNate Irving blockedMike Scifres' punt, and on the next play, Manning threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBrandon Stokley, giving the Broncos a 17–7 lead. The first points of the third quarter came from the Chargers, with linebackerShaun Phillips sacking Manning in the end zone for a safety. After linebackerWesley Woodyard recovered a Rivers' fumble deep in Chargers' territory, the Broncos increased their lead, with Manning throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverEric Decker. However, the Chargers responded late in the third quarter, with Rivers connecting on an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDanario Alexander. A pair of field goals by Prater in the fourth quarter—from 30 and 32 yards—gave the Broncos a 30–16 lead with 4:14 remaining in the game. The Chargers tried to rally, with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Rivers to Alexander with 1:24 remaining. However, the Broncos' recovered the onside kick, and subsequently ran out the clock.[106]
Notes
With the win, the Broncos earned their first season sweep of the Chargers since2005, and snapped the Chargers' three-game winning streak in Denver. Nate Irving's block of a Mike Scifres' punt marked the first time since2007 that the Broncos' special teams blocked a punt.[107] This was the only game during the2012 season in which the Broncos wore their alternate navy blue jerseys.[106]
Hoping to add to a five-game winning streak, the Broncos traveled toArrowhead Stadium for anAFC West duel with theKansas City Chiefs. Two field goals by Chiefs' placekickerRyan Succop—from 34 and 22 yards—game Kansas City a 6–0 lead in the first quarter. The Broncos grabbed the lead just before halftime, with quarterbackPeyton Manning throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight endJacob Tamme. The Chiefs re-claimed the lead in the third quarter, with a 49-yard field goal by Succop, however, the Broncos responded, with Manning connecting on a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas. For the last 4:41 of the third quarter and the first 8:36 of the fourth quarter, each team proceeded to trade punts, until the Broncos' offense got the football with 6:24 remaining in the game. The Broncos drove 68 yards in 12 plays, eating up 6:10 off the clock, culminating with placekickerMatt Prater nailing a 34-yard field goal with only 14 seconds remaining to give the Broncos some breathing room. The Broncos' defense thwarted the Chiefs' last desperation drive.[109] With the hard-fought win, the Broncos matched their win total from2011.
DEN –Chris Harris, Jr. and Von Miller: 5 tackles and 1 assist each (1 sack, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble by Miller)
Hoping to add to a six-game winning streak, the Broncos returned home for an interconference duel with theTampa Bay Buccaneers. The Broncos grabbed the early lead, when defensive tackleMitch Unrein, lining up as a fullback, caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackPeyton Manning. The Buccaneers responded, with a 31-yard field goal by placekickerConnor Barth, then grabbed the lead at the end of the first quarter, with quarterbackJosh Freeman connecting on an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight endDallas Clark. After a scoreless second quarter, the Broncos re-claimed the lead for good with 21 unanswered points, consisting of two Manning touchdown passes to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas—from 8 and 10 yards, followed by linebackerVon Miller returning an interception off Freeman 26 yards for a touchdown. After a Manning interception late in the third quarter, a 50-yard field goal by Barth to begin the fourth quarter narrowed the gap to 28–13, but the Broncos countered with a 31-yard field goal by placekickerMatt Prater. With 4:37 remaining in the game, the Buccaneers tried to rally, with a 55-yard field goal by Barth, followed by a 5-yard touchdown pass from Freeman to wide receiverMike Williams with 2:39 remaining. However, the Buccaneers' onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, and the Broncos subsequently ran out the clock.[110]
Notes
With the win, the Broncos exceeded their win total from2011, and also clinched their second consecutiveAFC West division title. This was the 12th division title in the Broncos' franchise history, tying theOakland Raiders for the all-time lead in AFC West championships since the1970 AFL–NFL merger.[111] The Broncos also clinched consecutive division titles for the first time since 1986–87.[112]
Hoping to add to a seven-game winning streak, the Broncos traveled to theO.co Coliseum for anAFC West rematch with theOakland Raiders. The Broncos jumped out to a 13–0 lead, with quarterbackPeyton Manning throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight endJoel Dreessen, followed by field goals of 43 and 34 from placekickerMatt Prater, with the latter field goal occurring early in the second quarter. The Raiders got on the scoreboard late in the first half, with quarterbackCarson Palmer throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to running backDarren McFadden. The Broncos added to their lead in the third quarter, with a 20-yard field goal by Prater, a 1-yard touchdown run by running backKnowshon Moreno and a 33-yard field goal by Prater. A 56-yard touchdown pass from Palmer to wide receiverDarrius Heyward-Bey (with a failed two-point conversion attempt) was the only scoring play of the fourth quarter, and the Broncos ran out the final 5:36 of the game.[113]
Notes
With the win, the Broncos earned their first season sweep of the Raiders since2006, and also swept their division rivals on the road for the third time in four seasons.
Hoping to add to an eight-game winning streak, the Broncos traveled toM&T Bank Stadium for anAFC duel with theBaltimore Ravens, where the Broncos had never won in four previous regular-season meetings. A 27-yard field goal by Broncos' placekickerMatt Prater was the only scoring play of the first quarter. The Broncos increased their lead in the second quarter, with fullbackJacob Hester rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. The Ravens were threatening to narrow the Broncos' lead just before halftime; however, Broncos' cornerbackChris Harris, Jr. stepped in front of a pass from Ravens' quarterbackJoe Flacco, returning an interception 98 yards for a touchdown. The Ravens finally got on the scoreboard in the third quarter, with a 45-yard field goal by placekickerJustin Tucker. However, the Broncos added to their lead, with quarterbackPeyton Manning throwing a 51-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverEric Decker, followed by a 6-yard touchdown run from running backKnowshon Moreno to give the Broncos a commanding 31–3 lead. The Ravens finally got into the end zone early in the fourth quarter, with Flacco connecting on a 31-yard touchdown pass to tight endDennis Pitta, but the Broncos responded with a 36-yard field goal from Prater. The Ravens added one more score, with a 61-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to Pitta, but the Broncos' lead was too much for the Ravens to overcome.[114]
Notes
This was the Broncos' first-ever, and, to date, their only win in Baltimore.[115]
Hoping to add to a nine-game winning streak, the Broncos returned home for anAFC match-up with theCleveland Browns. On the game's opening drive, quarterbackPeyton Manning threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas. The Browns got on the scoreboard, with a 27-yard field goal by placekickerPhil Dawson. A 10-yard touchdown pass from Manning to wide receiverEric Decker was the only scoring play of the second quarter. The Browns narrowed the Broncos' lead early in the third quarter, with a 53-yard field goal by Dawson, but the Broncos would add 17 unanswered points to their lead, with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Decker, followed in the fourth quarter by a 27-yard field goal by placekickerMatt Prater and a 1-yard touchdown run by fullbackJacob Hester. The Browns finally scored a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, with quarterbackColt McCoy connecting on a 6-yard pass to wide receiverGreg Little, but the Broncos' lead was too much for the Browns to overcome. Prater added a 41-yard field goal to close out the scoring.[116]
Notes
The Broncos matched their win total from the two previous seasons combined, and also swept theAFC North division. The Broncos won their 10th consecutive game against the Browns, dating back to the1991 season, and improved their all-time series record against the Browns to 22–5 (including the playoffs).[117]
Hoping to add to a ten-game winning streak and gain momentum into theplayoffs, the Broncos remained at home for anAFC West divisional rematch with theKansas City Chiefs, in the2012 regular season finale. The Broncos grabbed the early lead in the first quarter, with running backKnowshon Moreno rushing for a 3-yard touchdown. The Chiefs got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter, with a 23-yard field goal by placekickerRyan Succop, in what would be the Chiefs' only scoring play of the game. The Broncos later added to their lead, with quarterbackPeyton Manning throwing three touchdown passes—two to wide receiverEric Decker—from 11 and 16 yards, followed in the third quarter by a 13-yarder to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas. The Broncos added another touchdown late in the third quarter, with running backLance Ball rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. A 42-yard field goal by Broncos' placekickerMatt Prater in the fourth quarter was the last scoring play of the game.[118]
Notes
With the win, the Broncos exceeded their win total from the two previous seasons combined, swept their AFC West division rivals for only the second time in franchise history, and earned their first season sweep of the Chiefs since2007.[118] At the time, the 35-point margin was the Broncos' largest margin of victory over the Chiefs in the 53-year history of this rivalry,[119] until it was surpassed by a38–0 win over the Chiefs in 2024. The win was also the 100th inJohn Fox's coaching career (including postseason games).[120] By virtue of theHouston Texans' 28–16 loss to theIndianapolis Colts earlier in the day, the Broncos clinched a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout theAFC playoffs.[121]
^abNew England clinched the AFC's No. 2 seed over Houston based on a head-to-head victory.
^abBaltimore clinched the AFC North title over Cincinnati based on a better divisional record (4–2 to 3–3).
^abSan Diego finished with a better conference record than Miami (7–5 to 5–7).
^abTennessee finished ahead of New York Jets based on head-to-head victory.
^abNew York Jets finished ahead of Buffalo in the AFC East based on record versus common opponents (5–7 to 3–9).
^abJacksonville finished with a better conference record than Kansas City (2–10 to 0–12).
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
Following a first-round bye, the Broncos kicked off the divisional round of the2012–13 NFL playoffs at home by welcoming theBaltimore Ravens, whom the Broncos defeated in Baltimore four weeks earlier. A 90-yard punt return for a touchdown by return specialistTrindon Holliday gave the Broncos the early lead. However, the Ravens quickly responded, with quarterbackJoe Flacco connecting on a 59-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverTorrey Smith, followed by cornerbackCorey Graham returning an interception off Broncos' quarterbackPeyton Manning 39 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos tied the game, with Manning throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBrandon Stokley, then re-claimed the lead midway through the second quarter, with Manning connecting on a 14-yard touchdown pass to running backKnowshon Moreno. The Broncos had an opportunity to add to their lead just after the two-minute warning, but placekickerMatt Prater missed a 52-yard field goal, giving the Ravens excellent field goal position with 1:16 remaining until halftime. Three plays later, Flacco connected on another touchdown pass to Smith – this one from 32 yards.[126]
Holliday took the opening kickoff of the second half 104 yards for a touchdown, but after a Manning fumble, the Ravens tied the game late in the third quarter, with running backRay Rice rushing for a 1-yard touchdown. After each team's offense subsequently went three-and-out, the Broncos marched down the field on a 10-play, 88-yard drive, culminating with Manning throwing a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDemaryius Thomas midway through the fourth quarter. The Ravens, on their next possession, marched 44 yards in eight plays, but turned the ball over on downs with 3:12 remaining in regulation. The Broncos achieved one first-down with 2:23 remaining, which forced the Ravens to start using the last two of their three remaining timeouts on defense. After the two-minute warning, the Ravens had exhausted all of their team timeouts, however, the Broncos failed to convert a critical third-down run, and were forced to punt, giving the Ravens the football with 1:15 remaining in regulation. Three plays later, and with no timeouts, Flacco launched a 70-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverJacoby Jones to tie the game at 35 with 31 seconds remaining to force overtime.[126]
The Ravens won the overtime coin toss. Both teams were forced to punt on their first possessions. The Ravens once again were forced to punt on their next possession, and the Broncos' offense got the football with 3:37 remaining in the first overtime. However, seven plays into the Broncos' second overtime possession, Manning was intercepted again by Graham in Broncos' territory, giving the Ravens the football at the Broncos' 45-yard line with 1:01 remaining in the first overtime. Six plays later, Ravens' placekickerJustin Tucker nailed a game-winning 47-yard field early in the second overtime.[126] Broncos lost and in 2013, 2014 and 2015 will have division titles
Week 6: The Broncos' rally from a 24–0 halftime deficit during the team's Week 6 win over theSan Diego Chargers tied the largest comeback inMonday Night Football history. The 35 points scored after halftime tied the highest number of points that the Broncos scored in the second half,[102] and also marked the first time inNFL history that a team won a game by double digits after trailing by at least 24 points at halftime.[127]
Season: The Broncos set a franchise record for scoring 30 or more points in 11 games,[128] which was surpassed during the2013 season.
Week 1: Became the thirdquarterback inNFL history to achieve 400 career touchdown passes (joiningDan Marino andBrett Favre), as well as the fastest quarterback to achieve that feat.[129]
Week 3: Became the NFL's all-time leader in 300-yard passing games.[98]
Week 8: Set a new personal record for consecutive 300-yard passing games.[103]
Week 9: Surpassed Dan Marino for the NFL's all-time lead in game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime.[104]
Week 11: Surpassed Dan Marino for second-place on the NFL's all-time list fortouchdown passes.[107]
Week 13: Surpassed Dan Marino for second-place on theNFL's all-time pass completions list and set a franchise record for touchdown passes in a single season,[111] which Manning surpassed in2013.
Week 14: Became the second quarterback in NFL history to achieve 5,000 career pass completions (joining Brett Favre), as well as the fastest quarterback to achieve that feat. He also achieved his NFL-record 12th season with at least 10 wins during a regular season.[130]
Week 17: Set a new single-season franchise record for pass completions;[131] surpassed Brett Favre on the NFL's all-time list for games with three or more touchdown passes[132] and set a new NFL record with a .707 pass completion percentage in games played during the month of December.[133]
Overall, Manning set new Broncos' single-season franchise records in pass completion percentage (.686), pass completions (400),passer rating (105.9), passing yardage (4,659) and touchdown passes (37),[131] the latter four of which Manning surpassed in2013.[134] He was also named to theAFC Pro Bowl for the 12th time in his career, the most by a quarterback in NFL history.[123]
Britton Colquitt: Set a new single-season franchise record for net punting, with an average of 42.1 net yards per punt. Colquitt surpassed his own record that he previously set during the2011 season.[135]
Chris Harris, Jr.: During the team's Week 15 win over theBaltimore Ravens, Harris returned a 98-yard interception for a touchdown, which, at the time, set a new record for the longest interception return in Broncos' franchise history,[114] untilAqib Talib surpassed that record with a 103-yard return in2017.[136]
Week 9: 105-yard kickoff return for a touchdown set a new record for the longest play in Broncos' franchise history,[104] which Holliday tied in2013.[137]
Divisional playoffs: 90-yard punt return for a touchdown set a new record for the longest punt return inNFL playoff history, which was also the first punt return for a touchdown in Broncos' postseason history; became the first player in NFL history to return both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown in a playoff game.[138]
Mitch Unrein: Became the first defensive lineman in Broncos' franchise history to catch a touchdown pass, during the team's Week 13 win over theTampa Bay Buccaneers.[111]
The Broncos switched their primary home jersey color from navy blue to orange. The orange jerseys that served as the team's alternate colored jersey from 2002 to 2011 became the primary home jersey, while the navy blue jerseys that served as the team's primary home jersey from 1997 to 2011 switched to alternate designation. The change was made due to overwhelming popularity with fans, who clamored for the team to return to wearing orange at home, which was the team's predominant home jersey color from 1962 to 1996.[163]
On April 3, the Broncos, along with each of the other 31 NFL teams, unveiled the team's new uniforms for the 2012 season, withNike replacingReebok as the NFL's merchandising dealer. With the exceptions of a few tweaks (including the neckline), the team's uniform designs remained the same as the previous seasons.[164]
The Broncos set a new single-season franchise record for home attendance with 613,062 fans, surpassing the previous record of 612,893 that was set in2007.[166]
