With the Broncos trailing the Bears 13-6 and 4:45 remaining in Sunday’s game, quarterback Joe Flacco threw an out route intended for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders that was intercepted by cornerback Kyle Fuller.
Denver’s defense responded by forcing a punt and giving the ball back to the offense with 2:48 remaining in the contest. The Broncos’ offense took advantage of the second chance, and Flacco connected with Sanders on a seven-yard touchdown pass to make it 13-12.
Denver went for two and converted with 31 seconds left, but Chicago then converted a 53-yard field goal as time expired to win 16-14.
Flacco finished the contest 35-of-50 passing for 292 yards with one touchdown pass and a costly interception. Sanders finished the day with 11 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles struggled mightly against Chicago’s defense and was called for holding four times (only two of those penalties were accepted). Bolles also held a fifth time, but the penalty was incorrectly credited to offensive guard Ron Leary.
Denver’s only other offensive tackle on the roster is Jake Rodgers, a first-year player who has yet to play in a regular-season game.
Up next for the Broncos is a road game against the Packers on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. MT. That contest will air on Fox.
