NEW ORLEANS -- The showdown is one that the Denver Broncos weren't favored in. The team headed to the Superdome Sunday to take on the New Orleans Saints. Due to several errors on both sides of the ball, it could have gone either way.
But the Broncos were determined to win it. Darian Stewart was a huge factor, but there were other critical factors that led to the Broncos win.
Here are some of the critical plays that led to the victory.
1.) Interceptions. Turnovers. Three of them.
The Broncos secured the turnover battle victory in epic fashion. Darian Stewart secured two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. The plays were evenly spaced throughout the game, making a huge impact.
The Broncos have scored 97 points off takeaways this year -- an NFL record.
D-STEWWWWWWWW! https://pic.twitter.com/y8FpupDXgm
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 13, 2016
2.) First quarter curse broken.
Broncos have been notoriously bad in the first quarter, allowing a host of points on first drives -- scoring no points in return. That flipped Sunday when the Broncos were able to score 7 points on their first drive. The team held the Saints to no points on that drive.
The momentum proved critical, allowing the team to pull through the half with a 10-3 lead.
Von Miller and the Broncos are shutting down the NFL’s second-highest scoring team, lead 10-3 at half #DENvsNO https://t.co/uTYTB3WCoH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 13, 2016
3.) Finding the run.
The Broncos were able to both stop the run and find their own run. The latter may have been more critical than the former. Between Bibbs and Booker, the Broncos racked up more than 100 yards on the ground. It felt like more than 300 yards on the ground, but regardless of how many yards they racked up, they opened up the pass game for Siemian.
.@DemaryiusT out wide?
Just throw the jump ball.
6 points! #Broncos #DENvsNO https://t.co/USp75UkuAp— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2016
4.) Siemian sacked hard.
The Saints racked up a surprising number of not just sacks, but hits on the Broncos quarterback. The hits took a toll on the young signal caller, who has struggled with a shoulder injury this year.
The offensive line needs to be able to block for passing in the future if the Broncos want to continue winning.
SACKED!!
On 3rd & 9 at the NO 18-yd line, @C__Robertson fires through the line for the #Saints 5th sack of the day! #Saints50
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 13, 2016
5.) Interceptions haunt Siemian.
Several mistakes by the Broncos, including mistakes by the offensive line, led Siemian to toss two interceptions.
It also put the game in peril. The Saints were able to capitalize on the mistakes, bringing the game to 17-17 in the fourth quarter.
INTERCEPTED!!!
On 3rd & 9 at the NO 44-yd line, @KennyVaccaro4 picks it off #Saints50 pic.twitter.com/GARnKnlf05
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 13, 2016
BONUS #6.) Will Parks makes incredible game-winning play.
This play receives an incredible honorary mention. Justin Simmons, a rookie, vaulted over the Saints during an extra point attempt. Will Parks then returned that for an extra two points.
ARE YOU KIDDING?! #DENvsNO pic.twitter.com/tXiOJeZ9Hc
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 13, 2016
In the end, the Broncos were able to overcome the interceptions and triumph over the Saints. With a 7-3 record, the Broncos look forward to
---------
Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.