The Denver Broncos are 0-1 after their first game of the 2011 NFL preseason. The team held a 23-16 lead with over five minutes left in the game. But the defense saw Stephen McGee quarterback the Cowboys from their own 35-yard line to Denver's five-yard line. Jason Hunter came up with his second sack for a loss of eight yards on 3rd-and-5. However, Stephen McGee found Dwayne Harris in the middle of the field for a short pass that turned into a 13-yard touchdown. Instead of going for the tie, Dallas head coach Jason Garrett opted for the two-point conversion, which was a McGee-to-Martin Rucker reception. The Cowboys won, 24-23.
Cornerback Nate Jones was routinely beat, especially on the touchdown and the two-point conversion plays. McGee was throwing all over the place during the second half of the game. He went 14-of-24 for 208 yards and three touchdowns. McGee's second touchdown pass was the highlight of the second half, as he connected with Harris for a 76-yard pass.
The Broncos offense put up three field goals in the first half and two touchdowns in the second half. Kyle Orton played one series and failed to find Brandon Lloyd on several attempts in the end zone. Tim Tebow overcame a rough first drive (sacked, waived off interception) to finish 6-of-7 with 91 yards. He had a touchdown run called back after a holding penalty on the line.
Brady Quinn played the second half of the game and was showing his skill out there after a shaky beginning. He went 8-of-14 for 120 yards and one touchdown. He hit Eron Riley for an eight-yard touchdown reception and had a 26-yard pass to Mark Dell.
The running game had 30 carries (27 throws by the quarterbacks) and averaged four yards per carry. Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee combined for 40 yards in their first action of the preseason. Jeremiah Johnson impressed during the second half with four carries for 28 yards. He ran 13 yards in the fourth quarter for a touchdown.
The Broncos return to Mile High for an Aug. 20 game with the Buffalo Bills.
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