The Denver Broncos lead the New Orleans Saints, 17-7, at halftime on Sunday night. The Broncos led 7-0 after the first quarter thanks to a Willis McGahee one-yard run that capped an 11-play, 98-yard drive for Denver.
The Saints would answer on the next drive, tying the game when running back Darren Sproles scrambled 29 yards for the touchdown. The Saints defense would force a three-and-out for Peyton Manning's offense on the next possession, with New Orleans marching down the field once more upon receiving the ball.
Faced with a fourth-and-two from the Denver 47, the Saints made the controversial decision to go for it rather than punting the ball away. Quarterback Drew Brees was intercepted, with the Broncos getting a short field to work following the return. Manning connected with receiver Eric Decker six plays later, giving the Broncos a 14-7 lead.
Matt Prater's 33-yard field goal as time expired in the half capped a 72-yard drive to end the second quarter for Denver.