The Denver Broncos used a strong performance on both sides of the ball to take a 24-7 lead over the New Orleans Saints into the fourth quarter on Sunday night.
The Broncos led 17-7 at the half and immediately extended the lead coming out of the locker room. Veteran quarterback Peyton Manning led Denver on an 11-play, 93-yard drive to open the half that was capped by a one-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas, giving the Broncos a commanding 24-7 lead just over five minutes into the third quarter.
The Saints would gain just 31 yards of offense in the quarter, with Denver forcing Drew Brees and company to punt on both possessions of the second half. The Broncos were marching down the field once more as time expired in the quarter following a three-and-out by the Saints at the end of the quarter.
Manning is 18-of-24 for 278 yards and two touchdowns through three quarters, while the Saints have been held to just 152 total yards thus far in the game.