In New Orleans the Denver Broncos finally got things going early, looking even better than the team that jumped out to a 4-0 start to the season. They took a 10-3 lead into the locker room at halftime.
For the first time since Super Bowl 50, Denver led at the end of the first quarter. A 13-play, 85-yard touchdown drive to open the game put Denver up early. The Denver defense did its part as well, stopping Drew Brees and the NFL’s top offense on all fronts.
In their first five possessions, the Saints mustered just five first downs and 100 total yards. Darian Stewart intercepted Brees on consecutive drives, including one that looked like it was going to result in points.
On offense, Devontae Booker was a man on a mission running the ball. The rookie rushed for 51 yards on 12 attempts. Demaryius Thomas, meanwhile, was a beast downfield. Jordan Taylor found the end zone, but Thomas had five catches for 49 yards on six targets.
Brandon McManus hit a 50-yard field goal that would have been good from 60.
Denver’s only real negative in the half was a Trevor Siemian interception inside 1:00 when the Broncos were within field goal range. In prevent defense, Drew Brees got the Saints to the 12-yard line and finally put points on the board.
Here’s how the first half unfolded on social media, courtesy of the team at Mile High Sports and some of our favorite follows in Denver sports media…
That's just the second time in 10 games this season that the Broncos have held an opponent without a score on their first series.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 13, 2016
We're approaching the halfway point in the 1st qtr and the Broncos are still on their 1st possession. Progress. #4Broncos
— Steve Cox (@SteveCoxDenver) November 13, 2016
Denver's four first downs are the most by the Broncos in an opening drive this season.
— Erich Schubert (@schube13) November 13, 2016
Broncos can't start much better than that. Stop Saints on first drive and score on theirs. 7-0. #9sports.
— Rod Mackey (@RodMackeySports) November 13, 2016
#Broncos lead 7-0 after 1.. three positives. Didn't allow point on first drive, scored TD on first drive, produced turnover. @DenverChannel
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 13, 2016
This is the #Broncos first first-quarter lead since Super Bowl 50 #HolyCrap
— Michael Jaycox (@MilkyMike) November 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/RonnieKRadio/status/797873464451268608
Brandon McManus FG extends #Broncos lead 10-0, 13:42 in Q2.
— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) November 13, 2016
only thumb in the soup so far for the #Broncos: pass protection.
3 sacks on Trevor Siemian so far.#DENvsNO
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) November 13, 2016
Broncos are better team so far, but Saints play calling is certainly helping Denver's cause. Naked pitch to Von's side? Really? #4Broncos
— Steve Cox (@SteveCoxDenver) November 13, 2016
#Broncos have held #Saints high powered offense to 100 yards in the 1st half and have forced 2 turnovers. Best half of the season.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 13, 2016
This Trevor Siemain QB sneak package is working. Denver is moving the ball well & 18min+ of TOP. Broncos haven't gone 3-and-out all game.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) November 13, 2016
#Saints averaging over 30 points a game. Shut out by #Broncos in first half.
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) November 13, 2016
This had been #Broncos best first half of season. Still might be. But awful pick by Siemian w 29 secs left and in FG range. #DENvsNO
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 13, 2016
Could be at least a 6-point swing … Saints already in Lutz's FG range, at the DEN 38.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 13, 2016
Before Trevor Siemian INT, Saints had 2 turnovers and 3 punts and Denver was on verge of 13-point lead. Now they take 7-point lead into half
— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) November 13, 2016