DENVER (AP) – Newly acquired kicker Brandon McManus hit a short field goal after a methodical Denver drive stalled near the goal line, helping the Broncos to a 3-0 lead over the Indianapolis Colts after the first quarter Sunday night.
Peyton Manning led the Broncos on a promising drive before three straight incompletions at the 3 led to a 21-yard field goal from McManus, who was picked up with Matt Prater serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Manning was 7 of 13 for 86 yards in the quarter, mostly finding his newest weapon Emmanuel Sanders, who caught three passes for 21 yards. Manning is trying to join Brett Favre as the only quarterbacks to earn a win over each of the 32 NFL teams.
Another new offseason acquisition, Aqib Talib, tipped a pass that was intercepted by Rahim Moore, giving the Broncos excellent field position. After a 34-yard catch by Julius Thomas, the Broncos were deep in Indy territory when the quarter came to an end.
The Colts have won six straight over Denver, including Manning’s homecoming game last October at Lucas Oil Stadium.