While the first- and second-team offense put just three points on the board for the Denver Broncos in their preseason opener, it was the defense and a pair of rookies who delivered victory over the Chicago Bears.
Denver jumped on top early thanks to a 50-yard pick-six by Chris Harris Jr., then tacked on another three points on their first offensive drive led by Trevor Siemian. But that was all the scoring Denver would muster until the fourth quarter when the rookies had their chance to shine.
After second-overall pick Mitch Trubisky put the Bears up 17-10, rookie quarterback Kyle Sloter – an undrafted college free agent – announced his presence with authority by throwing a 47-yard touchdown pass on his first drive as a NFL quarterback.
Sloter stepped up into the pocket on a third-and-18 play and hit fellow rookie, fifth-round pick Isaiah McKenzie, in stride heading into the end zone.
Kyle Sloter tosses a 46-yard BOMB to Isaiah McKenzie for the score! #DENvsCHI #NFL pic.twitter.com/Nf79MeYaBi
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) August 11, 2017
On the Broncos’ very next drive it was sixth-round pick De’Angelo Henderson who got his chance to shine. After rattling off several big runs that were called back on penalties, Henderson broke free without the help of any infractions and took the ball 41 yards to the end zone for the game-winning score.
This is why we call him "Hop"#DENvsCHI » https://t.co/vUQPITLpQY https://t.co/BA9tKoopeb
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 11, 2017