DENVER — The Denver Broncos (1-3) host the Arizona Cardinals (1-2) in their final preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High Thursday night.
First Quarter - Quarterback Kevin Hogan gets the nod at quarterback as he competes with Brett Rypien to backup Joe Flacco to start the season.
On their first offensive drive, Hogan completed three passes for 46 yards to set up a 50-yard Brandon McManus as the Broncos take an early 3-0 lead.
Defensively, the Broncos defense has been stout early with sacks by Justin Hollins and Malik Reed as well as a forced fumble by Josh Watson.
After the first quarter, the Broncos lead the Cardinals, 3-0.
Second Quarter - Kevin Hogan continues to move the football in the second quarter capping a 13-play, 78-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Fred Brown. It's the third passing touchdown and fifth overall of the preseason.
Mailk Reed picked up his second sack of the night and Su'a Cravens added a forced fumble late in the half.
At the half, the Broncos lead the Cardinals, 10-0.
Third Quarter - Brett Rypien gets the second half snaps for the Broncos and throws an interception on their opening drive.
Arizona gets on the board via a Drew Anderson to A.J. Richardson touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 10-7.
On the ensuing drive, Khalfnai Muhammad takes over with three rushes for 68 yards, including a 47-yard scamper on a fake punt to set up a 2-yard Devontae Jackson touchdown run. The Broncos extending their lead to 17-7 and never looking back.
Fourth Quarter - Starting to pick up momentum Rypien leads Denver on an 11-play, 73-yard drive to set up a 33-yard Brandon McManus field goal to give the Broncos a 20-7 lead.
Both defenses would stymie the opponent in the final quarter with Alijah Holder recording an interception to essentially end the contest.
The Broncos defeat the Cardinals 20-7 to finish the preseason at 2-3. Denver's next order of business will be to cut the roster down to 53 players before opening their season in Oakland one week from Monday.
