Broncos Vs. Bears: Peyton Manning Calls Preseason Appearance 'Rewarding' And 'Big Step'

Stuart Zaas of the official Denver Broncos blog passed along a number of post-game quotes on Friday, getting reactions from head coach John Fox, TE Jacob Tamme and QB Brock Osweiler, among others.

Most notably, QB Peyton Manning, playing in live football for the first time since the 2010 NFL season, appeared to feel good about his one drive in the game:

Considering where I was a year ago, the fact that I was out there and took a snap and completed some passes today, it has been a long haul for me. That was rewarding, even that first snap, the very first play – that was a big step for me, maybe in some ways I’ve even gotten better – now I have the ability to throw the ball into the linebacker’s hands and tip it to my own player (laughing)..."

Manning, 36, missed the entirety of the 2011 NFL season after undergoing a number of medical procedures on his neck. In his first preseason action in almost two years, Manning completed 4 of 7 pass attempts for 44 yards and 1 interception. He also threw another pass that was deflected by a Bears linebacker, but then caught by Tamme for a first down.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Denver Broncos Injury Update: Chris Gronkowski Pulls Groin

The Denver Broncos came through relatively unscathed after the completion of their 31-3 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thursday night. Though the Bears kept quarterback Jay Cutler out due to rainy weather conditions, the Broncos played everyone who was expected to play. However, fullback Chris Gronkowski (groin), rookie linebacker Danny Trevathan (ankle) and tackle Chris Clark (groin) did not make it through fully healthy.

However, these injuries are not expected to be (via Mile High Report) long-term issues:

John Fox said that these injuries were "not serious, but it's something we'll manage moving forward". The Danny Trevathan injury is one we should all be aware of, especially considering the upcoming DJ Williams suspension, which will have the Broncos scouring the depth chart for linebacker talent for the first 6 weeks of the season.

Wesley Woodyard is currently the projected starter on the weakside during Williams' suspension, but recently signed Keith Brooking will also get a chance to take the spot.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Broncos Vs. Bears Final Score: Denver Wins Preseason Opener, 31-3

The Denver Broncos won their opening preseason game of 2012 by defeating the Chicago Bears, 31-3, at Soldier Field on a rainy Thursday night. The Broncos accomplished all of their scoring after Peyton Manning concluded his night following his one drive of the game. The defense shut down a Jay Cutler-less offense, but had the former Broncos quarterback played, it likely would have been the opening drive, just like Manning.

Manning was 4-of-7 for 44 yards and threw a touchdown right outside of the Bears' endzone on the drive. That turnover led to a Bears fumble and three points for the Broncos after Matt Prater kicked a 28-yard field goal. Lance Ball (seven carries, 16 yards) scored a two-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

The offense really turned things on in the second half. Rookie quarterback Brock Osweiler looked the best of the backup quarterbacks, completing a 19-yard touchdown pass to Jason Hill in the third quarter. Osweiler finished the night 4-of-7 for 38 yards. Adam Weber completed a 25-yard touchdown pass for 25 yards, but it that was just one of two completions he made on five attempts.

Xavier Omon picked up the other touchdown by the Broncos when he punched the ball into the end zone midway through the third quarter. Omon showed great skill at absorbing hits and picking up yards after contact. He finished with seven carries for 36 yards.

The Broncos defense stymied the Bears offense, keeping them under 100 yards of total offense through three quarters. The Bears finished with 132 total yards to the Broncos' 338. The defense had six sacks, two each to rookie Derek Wolfe and Jeremy Beal and one apiece to Robert Ayers and Steven Johnson. Defensive back Joshua Moore, a former Bears player, picked off Matt Blanchard late in the fourth quarter.

The Broncos host the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7:00 p.m. MT.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Broncos Vs. Bears Score Update: Xavier Omon Extends Denver's Lead To 24-0

The Denver Broncos hold a 24-0 lead over the Chicago Bears through three quarters of play on Thursday night. Running back Xavier Omon, out of Northwest Missouri State, capped a seven-play, 52-yard drive with a touchdown run and later rookie quarterback Brock Osweiler connected with Jason Hull for a touchdown.

Omon picked up 21 yards on three rushes during his scoring drive, finding the end zone on a three-yard run. Brock Osweiler had started the third quarter for the Broncos and was decently. After Omon's score, Osweiler quickly got the ball back after the Bears failed to do anything on their possession. On Osweiler's 19-yard touchdown throw, Jason Hill had a slight cushion between Jeremy Ware to make the catch. Hill had Ware around his waist as he ran into the end zone.

Osweiler is 4-of-7 for 38 yards and the touchdown pass while Omon has 30 yards on five carries. Denver has 270 total yards to Chicago's 97.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Broncos Vs. Bears Halftime Score: Denver Takes 10-0 Lead Over Chicago

For a first preseason game played in wet conditions, the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears have played a low-scoring, not-that-offensive game at halftime. The Broncos lead the Bears, 10-0, on a Matt Prater field goal and a Lance Ball two-yard touchdown run.

Peyton Manning (4-of-7, 44 yards) threw an interception during his first and only drive of the game. However, the Bears failed to capitalize on the turnover by committing their own. Running back Michael Bush fumbled the ball at his 23-yard line and saw Von Miller bring the ball to the six-yard line. After Caleb Hanie lost four yards on the ensuing drive, Prater kicked the field goal.

After that both offenses had trouble getting anything going. That changed for the Broncos late in the quarter when Hanie (7-of-13, 79 yards) made a few completions and was aided by defensive holding call. Cornelius Ingram caught a 20-yard and Jason Hill a six-yarder to move the chains. Ball (seven carries, 16 yards) then punched the ball into the end zone one play later.

Prater missed a 57-yard field goal attempt at the end of the half, leaving the game in favor of the Broncos, 10-0.

Rookie defensive end Derek Wolfe has looked good out there, picking up three tackles, two sacks and one tackle for a loss. Robert Ayers also picked up a sack.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Broncos Vs. Bears Score Update: Denver Leads Chicago, 3-0, As Peyton Manning Plays 1st Drive

At the conclusion of the first quarter, the Denver Broncos hold a 3-0 lead over the Chicago Bears on Thursday night. Peyton Manning played just the first drive of the game, which resulted in his throw of an interception at the Bears' four-yard line.

On the Bears' drive, Michael Bush fumbled the ball at his own 23-yard line. Von Miller picked it up at the 22-yard line and took it all the way down to the six-yard line. Manning stayed on the sideline and watched Caleb Hanie take over the offense. Hanie wound up losing four yards on a four-play drive, which ended with Matt Prater kicking a 28-yard field goal.

Overall, Manning was 4-of-7 for 44 yards and an interception. Willis McGahee also only played the first drive and rushed four times for 16 yards. All in all, it's what we should expect from the first preseason game for the team.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Broncos Vs. Bears Update: Peyton Manning Throws Interception During 1st Drive

On his first drive in a Denver Broncos uniform, Peyton Manning was close to lead his team to a scoring drive, but on a potential touchdown pass he threw an interception on a tip that Major Wright caught and landed at the four-yard line.As you can see below, Brandon Stokley really should have caught that pass, but the tip made it tricky do so. It wasn't Peyton's best throw, but Broncos fans have seen worse in recent seasons:

The rainy weather condition has made it hard for Manning to get tight, crisp throws out, but he was able to complete 4-of-7 throws for 44 yards. His first throw was an incomplete pass to tight end Jacob Tamme, but the two connected later after Geno Hayes tipped the ball into Tamme's hands.

Manning found Eric Decker for two catches and 29 yards, one going for 19 yards. On the 19-yarder, Manning had plenty of time to search the field and found Decker coming across the middle for the catch.

Running back Willis McGahee ran four times for 16 yards, including an 11-yard run for a first down.

The Bears, without Jay Cutler will now look to put points on the board.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Jay Cutler Status Update: Bears QB Won't Play Vs. Broncos, According To Report

According to a report from a radio station in Chicago, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will not start Thursday night's exhibition game against the Denver Broncos. Bears defensive end Julius Peppers is also expected to skip the game.

Because of the increased threat of injury that comes with rain, and insignificance that comes with a preseason game, the Bears will not play quarterback Jay Cutler or defensive end Julius Peppers in the preseason game tonight against the Broncos at Soldier Field, according to Chicago radio station WBBM.

Related: Broncos Vs. Bears: What To Watch For In Preseason Opener

The rainy conditions in Chicago led to officials placing a tarp on the field hours ahead of kickoff, and it appears that some lightning in the area has forced the field to be cleared for the time being.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Jay Cutler's Baby Not Expected To Cause Bears QB To Miss Game

On Wednesday, former Denver Broncos quarterback and current Chicago Bears signal-caller Jay Cutler welcomed his first son into the world with Kristin Cavallari, little Camden. There has been some wonder as to whether Cutler would play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Broncos, but those hushed questions are likely to evaporate. A Bears official has told Brad Biggs that Cutler is expected to play on Thursday -- or at least that's the official's hunch.

Of course, Cutler will only play a few snaps and call it a night, just like Peyton Manning. Cutler missed last year's regular season game against the Broncos with his injured thumb. His replacement is the current backup to Manning, Caleb Hanie. He was 12-of-19 for 115 yards and was sacked four times. It was the one game after taking over for Cutler that he didn't throw three interceptions.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Broncos Vs. Bears: What To Watch For In Preseason Opener

Here are five things to look out for during the Denver Broncos game against the Chicago Bears.

Broncos Vs. Bears Weather Update: Rain, Thunder Possible At Game Time

When the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears kick off on Thursday night in the Windy City, there is a good chance that rain and thunderstorms could accompany them throughout the night. Rain is expected during the afternoon and that might be followed by thunderstorms starting around 4 p.m. CT.

Wunderground.com places the chance of rain at 80 percent, with accumulation of 0.4 inches. Winds are expected to range between 10 and 20 miles per hour north northeast.

If rain does roll through Soldier Field at the start of the game, this certainly could cap Peyton Manning's time under center at just one series. A slippery ball, a slick field -- it could all lead to something bad for Manning. But let's not be pessimistic. Manning will hand off to Willis McGahee to start his drive and then zip a pass to Eric Decker for a touchdown on the second play, right?

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Broncos Vs. Bears: Brandon Stokley May Play Early In 3 WR Sets

The Denver Broncos are gearing up for their preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night, and veteran wide receiver Brandon Stokley may get a shot to hit the field in three-wide receiver sets with Peyton Manning and the first unit offense. Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas figure to see the bulk of work with the first unit, but Jeff Legwold of The Denver Post suggested in his column on Thursday morning that Stokley may see time on the field and take some opportunities away from Andre Caldwell to fill the same role.

Stokley used to be a favorite target for Manning back when both men played for the Indianapolis Colts, so it will be interesting to see their rapport is still a level above what the Broncos' QB has with the other WRs in the first game.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Peyton Manning's Debut Depends On Offensive Line, Says John Elway

Peyton Manning is going to play one or two series in his preseason debut for the Denver Broncos and that will largely depend on how the offensive line plays, says John Elway (via NFL.com):

"It's gonna come down to how much our first offensive line plays," Broncos head honcho John Elway told NFL.com and NFL Network reporter Albert Breer. "I asked (Manning) the other day, 'one or two series?' I think you get a feel for it during the game"

Elway goes on to say that he wants Manning and the team to have a good scoring drive their first time on the field, giving them confidence. Having Manning in for longer than that would likely mean the team has gone three-and-out, which serves no one well.

The offensive line will only have one player in the lineup on Thursday who is not expected to start the season there: right guard Manny Ramirez. Chris Kuper is still making his way back from a leg injury and is not expected to play. Still, the line will need to be at the top of its game in keeping defenders from knocking Manning down.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Broncos Vs. Bears: Ronnie Hillman's Hamstring May Prevent Rookie RB From Playing

The Denver Broncos are hoping for big things out of third-round draft pick, running back Ronnie Hillman, but the coaches and fans might not see that happen on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears. Hillman has traveled with the team to the Windy City, but it is possible that his hamstring injury will keep him out, reports the Denver Post.

Hillman is currently third on the depth chart at running back, but he is expected to plenty of playing time as long as he can become a strong pass-blocker. He can be used as a change of pace back and as a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Six players did not travel with the team (via the Denver Post) due to injury: DT Justin Bannan, S Quinton Carter, WRs Greg Orton and Tyler Grisham, LB Keith Brooking and S Jim Leonhard. Bannan and Carter are currently starters at defensive tackle and strong safety, respectively.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes as we continue through the preseason.

Broncos Vs. Bears Odds: Denver, Chicago In A Push, Essentially

The Chicago Bears are favored by 2.5 points over the Denver Broncos in the preseason opener.

Broncos Vs. Bears 2012: Game Preview, Kickoff Time, TV Schedule And More

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos start the preseason with a game against Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.