Denver Broncos: Handing Out Game Balls for Week 3 Loss to Texans

On Sunday, the Denver Broncos faced what many people believe is one of the best teams in the AFC this year, the Houston Texans.

The Broncos fell behind big in this game, just as they did on Monday night against Atlanta. But much like they did in that game, the Broncos forged a comeback that fell just short.

Trailing 31-11 entering the fourth quarter, the Broncos scored two touchdowns in the period to get within six points, needing just one more score to win in improbable fashion.

They got the ball back with under 30 seconds to play and with no timeouts remaining; they weren't able to do much as the Texans escaped Sports Authority Field with the victory, the first time they have started a season 3-0 in franchise history.

While the Texans are one of only three teams still unbeaten, the Broncos dropped to 1-2. Despite the outcome, there were still some good players for the Broncos—which this article will recognize.

Offensive Game Ball: Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning did everything in his power to keep the Broncos in this game. Throwing 52 passes, Manning only completed 50 percent of those, but he threw for 330 yards and made some tough passes, including one on a third-down conversion where he was falling backward.

Most importantly, Manning did not turn the ball over as he did Monday against the Falcons when he threw three first-quarter interceptions.

Manning hit nine different receivers in the game, spreading it around to many players. Eric Decker caught eight balls for 136 yards, and Brandon Stokley came up big with six passes for 73 yards and a score.

On Stokley's touchdown, a 38-yard strike in the fourth quarter that brought Denver within 13, Manning threw one of his better passes of the day, fitting it into a tight window to beat the coverage. 

Plus, Manning surpassed Dan Marino for the most 300-yard passing games in NFL history with his 64th, an impressive feat to be sure.

Manning is clearly still trying to get comfortable in the Broncos offense and with the teammates around him, but his play through three games, all things considered, has been good.

Defensive Game Ball: Wesley Woodyard

When this season started, there were many questions surrounding the Broncos' linebacker spot normally occupied by D.J. Williams.

Wesley Woodyard has stepped into his role and played quite well.

Woodyard has the characteristics to be a leader for the defense, and he plays with a certain intensity that suits the team well.

On Sunday, just before the half, Woodyard made a one-handed interception of a Matt Schaub pass. It was a tough throw for Schaub to make, but he probably released the ball not thinking Woodyard had any chance of making the play that he did.

This athletic play by Woodyard not only gave the Broncos possession of the ball, it kept the Texans from padding their lead heading into the locker room.

The Broncos got the ball with just 34 seconds remaining in the first half, but they managed to get into field-goal range. Matt Prater banged one through from 53 yards.

This was a big swing in the game, and one that kept the Broncos within striking distance after the Texans got off to a fast start. It was all set up by Woodyard's tremendous defensive play.

Special Teams Game Ball: Britton Colquitt

Britton Colquitt has become a very useful weapon for the Broncos, becoming one of the league's top players at his position—punter.

On Sunday, Colquitt came onto the field eight times to kick it away. On those eight punts, he averaged 47.6 yards per kick, but more importantly, he dropped three of them inside the Texans' 20-yard line.

The Broncos got the ball to start the game. After four plays, Colquitt was summonsed to punt on 4th-and-7 from the Broncos' own 38-yard line. Colquitt trapped Houston return man Trindon Holliday at his own 6-yard line.

This would be very key, because on the Texans' first play from scrimmage, Schaub dropped back and was sacked by Elvis Dumervil in his own end zone, netting two points for the Broncos.

The Broncos weren't able to ride the momentum of their 2-0 start, but it was the team's first safety in 67 games.

Colquitt has become very good at both kicking the ball long and pinning the opposition deep in their own territory.