All three quarterbacks got reps, the defense dominated and the Broncos shutout the Bears, 22-0, in Chicago. (Photos by Eric Bakke unless otherwise noted)
1. Sanchez goes long to D.T
Questions at quarterback and the offense have lingered this offseason, but co-No. 1 quarterback Mark Sanchez silenced critics momentarily in his first drive as a Bronco. Without strikes to TE Virgil Green on two third downs, the drive would have ended far from paydirt, but a poised Sanchez helped march the Broncos downfield before completing a 32-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas in the end zone down the right sideline. Sanchez adeptly read cornerback Bryce Callahan's misplay and threw a lofty pass to get the Broncos on top 7-0 early int he first quarter.
2. Dora ends a Chicago drive
Much like last year's preseason opener (and the season the followed, of course), the Broncos' pass rushers brought heat on quarterbacks consistently. Rookie outside linebacker Vontarrius Dora did that as well as anyone, bringing down Bears QB Brian Hoyer twice in the second quarter, including one that forced a fumble. Dora's first sack, though, came on fourth down, turning the Bears away after a 35-yard drive. Dora's sack led to a Brandon McManus field goal to put the Broncos up 13-0.
3. Fowler, Anderson combine for special teams TD
The most electrifying play of the game may have come on special teams when Bennie Fowler fought through a block to deflect a punt. The ball bounced into the end zone, where inside linebacker Zaire Anderson recovered for the touchdown. The Broncos truly dominated in all three phases Thursday night.
4. Lorenzo picks off Hoyer
Second-year cornerback Lorenzo Doss showed his training camp progress in the second quarter, picking off Brian Hoyer. In the absence of Aqib Talib and when Chris Harris Jr. didn't practice on veteran days, Doss was promoted to the first team defense, and this interception showed why.
5. Watson's safety dance
The Broncos' vicious defense continued its scoring ways with linebacker Dekoda Watson ran a stunted blitz and sacked David Fales in the end zone for a safety.
The following promotions are available after the Broncos' 22-0 victory over the Bears:
- Papa John's is offering the "If the Broncos win, you win!" promotion, which gives fans in Colorado 50 percent off all orders the day after a Broncos win (home or away).
- McDonald's is offering fans in Colorado one-dollar Big Mac sandwiches or one-dollar sausage egg McMuffins on Friday and 30 percent off any jersey in the Broncos team store.
