NFL Recap: Denver Broncos battle through adversity, defeat Miami Dolphins at home 39-36.

By Andrew Dill | Nov 23, 2014

Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates with guard Orlando Franklin (74) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos fell behind to the Miami Dolphins early but battled back, improving to a perfect 6-0 record at home on the season. Denver rallied back as they defeated the Dolphins at Sports Authority, 39-36.

39. 45. 36. 59. Final

One thing that frustrated me early on was a ridiculous play-call. On third down, the Broncos decided to run one of their patented plays – the bubble screen. Instead of involving Demaryius Thomas or Emmanuel Sanders in the play, they thought it was a stellar idea to put Jacob Tamme out there. It didn’t work. Denver was forced to punt on that drive.

Miami drew quick blood on their first possession as Daniel Thomas capped a seven-play, 80 yard drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown. Denver responded late in the first quarter but with a field-goal. Kicker Brandon McManus‘ lone highlight of the night came on a 38-yarder to bring Denver within four.

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Another thing that peeved me was John Fox. It wasn’t his coaching for the most part, but his questionable challenge flag really got to me. Fox is known for his idiotic challenges but this time it made me speechless. Ryan Tannehill‘s intended pass went behind his receiver as Bradley Roby appeared to pick it off. Once they showed the replay, the ball bounced a foot in front of Roby which led to Denver being charged with a timeout.

Ryan Tannehill played very well besides one pass late in the game. In the second quarter, Tannehill scrabbled for a one-yard touchdown run and connected with wide receiver Mike Wallace for a 10-yard strike. Denver responded with two touchdown passes of their own, both going to Demaryius Thomas who hauled in three touchdowns on the night. Denver went into the half trailing Miami by four, 21-17.

C.J. Anderson was a spark on the offensive side for the Denver Broncos. Anderson rushed for 167 yards on the afternoon, carrying the ball 27 times which led to 6.2 yards yards per carry. Anderson recorded a touchdown in the fourth quarter and also caught four passes for 28 yards.

The lone score from the third quarter came from the Miami Dolphins. At Denver’s five yard line, Tannehill found Jarvis Landy for the five-yard touchdown, pushing Miami’s lead to 28-17. From that point on, it was all Denver.

Early in the fourth quarter, Peyton Manning hit none other than Demaryius Thomas for his third touchdown reception of the game. Denver went for two and it was successful as Manning found Emmanuel Sanders wide-open. Nearly nine minutes later, C.J. Anderson capped his solid game off with a 10-yard touchdown run, giving Denver their first lead of the afternoon, 32-28.

Denver’s defense came up big on the ensuing Dolphins drive. Tannehill’s pass intended for his receiver was tipped and into the hands of safety T.J. Ward. Ward returned the interception 37-yards, setting Denver up in prime field position. The Broncos would convert as Manning hit Wes Welker for the two-yard catch and score. Denver’s lead suddenly jumped up 11 points.

Miami made Broncos fans everywhere hold their breath as they drove 84-yards on nine plays; a 1-yard pass from Tannehill to Jarvis Landy, bringing them within four. Miami elected to go for two as Lamar Miller scampered in to cut Miami’s deficit to three.

On the ensuing onside kick, the ball went straight to the player of the game – C.J. Anderson. Anderson corralled the ball and immediately hit the ground, leading to a Broncos victory.

The Denver Broncos (8-3) resume action next Sunday night as they take on the Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) at Arrowhead Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST, 6:30 PM MST.

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