The Denver Broncos did something Thursday night they were unable to do in eight quarters of play against the Seattle Seahawks in 2013.
Take a lead.
Denver lost to Seattle 40-10 last preseason and 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII without ever having a lead in either contest.
Peyton Manning led the Broncos on 14-play, 61-yard scoring drive that lasted over nine minutes on his second possession of the preseason. Manning and receiver Demaryius Thomas set Super Bowl records for completions and receptions, respectively, in February. The duo picked up right where they left off, connecting for five receptions and 52 yards in the first quarter with cornerback Byron Maxwell the frequent target.
Maxwell is set to replace Brandon Browner as a starter opposite Richard Sherman in Seattle’s secondary. Seattle is playing without safety Kam Chancellor and linebackers Bobby Wagner, Malcolm Smith and Bruce Irvin.
The teams have already combined for eight penalties for 65 yards in the first quarter with an unnecessary roughness and taunting penalty called against Seattle following Ronnie Hillman’s 1-yard touchdown run.
Safety Earl Thomas returned the first punt of the game for Seattle as he currently leads the competition to replace Golden Tate.
The game has currently been delayed due to lightning in the area of the stadium with 1:30 left to play in the first quarter and Seattle set to start from their own 10-yard line. The Broncos lead 7-0. The Seahawks have a nine-game preseason winning streak.