Broncos Lead Packers 16-10 After Three Quarters
The third quarter commenced with news of injuries for the Packers. Defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (knee), safety Darnell Savage (calf), and cornerback Eric Stokes (hamstring) have been ruled out.
A promising start for the Packers in the second half as Jones carried the ball for a 6-yard gain. They continued their momentum by converting on a crucial third-and-4 with a 17-yard pass to Dontayvion Wicks.
Love kept the drive alive with a nine-yard scramble on a third-and-6, advancing the Packers to the Denver 39-yard line. Unfortunately, center Josh Myers got injured on the subsequent play, an eight-yard rush by Dillon.
Myers was replaced by Zach Tom at center, while Yosh Nijman filled in at right tackle.
During a second-and-2 play from the Denver 31-yard line, the Packers executed a trick play. Wicks threw a pass across the field to Aaron Jones, who caught the ball after an end-around, gaining 14 yards.
With 10:24 remaining in the third quarter, the Packers finally added points to the board. Carlson successfully kicked a 29-yard field goal, reducing Denver’s lead to 9-3. The 12-play drive covered 64 yards and lasted 4 minutes and 36 seconds.
The Broncos responded powerfully, advancing to scoring territory after an 18-yard pass from Wilson to Jerry Jeudy and a 21-yard run by Williams, reaching the Green Bay 36-yard line.
Although Quay Walker and McDuffie combined to tackle Michael Burton for a 2-yard loss, Denver’s drive continued due to a defensive holding penalty on Jonathan Owens during a third-and-3 play.
The Broncos expanded their lead to 16-3 with 6:17 left in the third quarter. Sutton caught an 18-yard touchdown pass on a third-and-4 play. The impressive, seven-play drive covered 75 yards and lasted 4 minutes and 7 seconds.
The Packers swiftly responded on their next drive, with a 23-yard pass to Watson on a deep crossing pattern. Denver had to call their first timeout after Love nearly caught them with 12 men on the field during a third-and-7 at the Denver 49-yard line.
On the subsequent play, Surtain was penalized for defensive holding on Wicks, granting the Packers a new set of downs. The Packers continued their progress with a 12-yard pass to Reed on an out route during a third-and-7 play.
The Packers managed to close the gap, as Jones ran for 11 yards up the middle. Doubs fought through tight coverage and caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Love, bringing Denver’s lead down to 16-10 with 1:46 left in the third quarter.
The third quarter concluded with Rashan Gary tackling Williams on a third-and-3 play, resulting in a three-and-out for the Broncos.
