Relief, Credit for Owner Pat Bowlen in Broncos Win

It was master meets mentor in Star Wars the prequel at Battlefield Invesco on Sunday. Darth Vader, the original hooded one, played by the Patriots Bill Belichick; up against master Luke Skywalker, Hoodie Jr., played by the Broncos Josh McDaniels. The dark side ultimately lost as the Force was with young McDaniels who used Jedi mind tricks called "Wild Horses" to confuse his former superior. However, the genius behind the curtain was Obi-Wan Kenobi played by Broncos owner Pat Bowlen. The mastermind behind the deal that took young McDaniels and the virtual Patriots playbook from New England to save the empire of Broncos nation.

It was either going to be the worst gamble in the 50-year history of the Broncos or just pure genius by owner Pat Bowlen after firing Mike Shanahan for the inexperienced Josh McDaniels. But, the 20-17 overtime victory over the Patriots on Sunday was the single victory that most validated the McDaniels deal and simultaneously earned the respect of the entire NFL galaxy on Sunday, keeping Denver a perfect 5-0.

How appropriate to celebrate the Broncos first ever game in 1960 against the same team, in the same uniform (design), with the same results; a win over the Boston Patriots. But looking at the Broncos recent history against the same team, the statistics favored Denver over Boston anyway. Tom Brady's 1-6 record against the Broncos represents the only team in the NFL Brady had a losing record against. And a 16-4 record over the Patriots was the best in 25 years. But stats don't win games, so the 2009 Denver Broncos did.

Kyle Orton had his fourth come-from-behind victory in five games leading the Broncos on a 98-yard drive to take the game into overtime. A Vonnie Holliday sack and forced fumble of Tom Brady on New England's final possession of regulation helped send the game into OT, tied 17-17. "All game, I was just waiting for that opportunity," said Holliday. "I was able to watch him on film to see how he holds that ball and was able to knock it out." It was Holliday's second straight game with a sack for the Denver defense which also, for the second week, did not allow any points in the second half.

For the first time this season the defense did allow one touchdown reception but was able to hold the Patriots Randy Moss to just one catch in the game. "I was matched up on him a couple of times," said Champ Bailey. "This team, keeping their best receiver out of the game is big for us."
Brandon Marshall scored both of Denver's touchdown receptions while Eddie Royal had 10 catches for 90 yards. Matt Prater had two field goals including the game winning 41-yard field goal, the first game-winner of his career. Prater was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month by the NFL.

Celebrating the win after the game Head Coach Josh McDaniels gestured with fist pumps to his family and fans in the stands. Belichick and McDaniels did not do the customary hand shake after the game but Belichick did visit McDaniels in the locker room after the game. "I owe him a tremendous amount of my success and will always be indebted to him," said McDaniels. "He's a great friend and a great teacher of mine. I have great admiration for him and I don't think he would have expected anything less of me than to compete against him."

The Broncos win leaves Denver atop the AFC West at 5-0 tied with Indianapolis for the best conference record. New England slips to 3-2 tied for first in the AFC East with the Jets. Next up is a Monday Night Football game against the division rival San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are 2-2 this season with a -1 point net in points in four games this season.