In Pictures – Broncos 16, Buccaneers 13

Denver Broncos 16, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13 – telling the story of the game in pictures.

Ahh… Broncos football. (Getty Images)

Welcoming old friends back to Mile High.

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The defense gave up a big play to start.

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Jay Cutler hits Eddie Royal to move the chains.

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Cutler can make plays with his feet, too.

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And when needed, he can make some more.

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The defense steps up big time after the early stumble.

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The Broncos and Bucs have a first half field goal-fest.

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We’re tied, 6-6 at the half.

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Gary Zimmerman gets honored at halftime.

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In the third quarter, Champ Bailey knocks Brian Griese out of the game.

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Who will step in for the Bucs? None other than…

This guy.

Brandon Stokley scored the first touchdown of the game.

Rocky Mountain News/Joe Mahoney

Prater nails another. He’s 3/3 for the day, including another 50+ yarder. He also had five touchbacks on six kickoffs – in a defensive football game, it’s all about field position. Way to go Prate.

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The defense continued to step it up.

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They tally three sacks for the day, consistently putting pressure on the quarterback.

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Marcus Thomas comes up with a game-sealing interception! … then fumbles it away.

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Royal goes out with a left ankle sprain. No word yet on recovery time.

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The Bucs start to come back.

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An Ike Hilliard touchdown makes it a three-point game with two minutes to play.

The Broncos need a pair of first downs to win. First one comes courtesy Tony Scheffler…

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Then Michael Pittman bulldozed over his former teammates to put the game away.

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Broncos win! 4-1! What a game!

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Much joy and glee were had by all.

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