The Broncos and Lions traded touchdowns on three possessions to end the first half (not counting Matt Stafford’s kneel down to kill it), with the Broncos owning two and a 14-6 lead at halftime.

But before the scoring action got rolling, the first half was dominated by defense, and takeaways (and near takeaways) were the big story.

After trading punts for two possessions, the teams traded interceptions. The Broncos nearly had to more turnovers as the half unfolded, but when time ran out on the first 30 minutes in Detroit the game was 14-6 Broncos.

Denver blocked an extra point, which was nearly returned for a touchdown by Chris Harris.

As usual, the Mile High Sports team and the Denver media at large was all over the action on social media as the turnovers unfolded (with a few assists from the NFL).

Bradley Roby got the turnover game started with this wildly athletic interception.

On the ensuing possession, Haloti Ngata got his hand up and blocked a Peyton Manning pass intended for a wide open Owen Daniels. The ball was picked off the carpet by Glover Quin. After a review, the interception was upheld, though Detroit could not manifest anything on the possession.

Aqib Talib nearly matched Bradley Roby with his own athletic pick, but Calvin Johnson had another idea for how the play would unfold.

Darian Stewart nearly created his third turnover in as many games with a strip that was eventually overturned.

Talib may not have made the pick earlier, but he did get up and block Matt Prater’s extra-point attempt, which Chris Harris nearly returned for two points.