CHICAGO — Peyton Manning’s first appearance with the Denver Broncos was brief and a bit uneven.
CHICAGO — Peyton Manning’s first appearance with the Denver Broncos was brief and a bit uneven.
Manning got intercepted near the goal line on the game’s opening possession and watched from the sideline the rest of the way as Denver beat the Chicago Bears 31-3 in the preseason opener on Thursday night.
On a cool and rainy night, Manning completed 4 of 7 passes for 44 yards, but didn’t have to contend with Julius Peppers or Brian Urlacher. He had all the time he needed, too, so it remains to be seen how he’ll handle a big hit.
REDSKINS 7,
BILLS 6
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Robert Griffin III needed only three passes on his third and final drive to show glimpses of stardom in his much-anticipated NFL preseason debut Thursday night.
After a muffed handoff and no first downs in his first two series, RG3 found his rhythm by completing his final three passes for 58 yards, capped by a 20-yard touchdown to Pierre Garcon.
It was an eventful cameo appearance for the Heisman Trophy winner, who was drafted with the No. 2 pick out of Baylor. Griffin finished going 4-of-6 for 70 yards and a lost fumble.
EAGLES 24,
STEELERS 23
PHILADELPHIA — Alex Henery kicked a 51-yard field goal with 12 seconds left after the Steelers went up on Daniel Hrapmann’s 42-yarder with 1:57 left. Trent Edwards led the Eagles back on an 11-play drive to set up Henery’s kick.
Rookie Nick Foles threw two long TD passes to help the Eagles overcome a 13-0 third-quarter deficit.
In his only series, Ben Roethlisberger led the offense on a 16-play scoring drive.
RAVENS 31,
FALCONS 17
ATLANTA — Baltimore backup Curtis Painter threw three second-half touchdown passes.
Atlanta’s Matt Ryan led two touchdown drives, including a scoring pass to Julio Jones, before Painter took over.
PATRIOTS 7,
SAINTS 6
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Tom Brady left after two series and 15 plays and finished with four completions in seven attempts for 30 yards.
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees also played two series, lasting just six plays. He was 1-of-4 for 4 yards in his second exhibition game.
CHARGERS 21,
PACKERS 13
SAN DIEGO — Shannon Eastin became the first woman to officiate an NFL game, and Philip Rivers had a touchdown, an interception and a fumble in limited action for the Chargers.
Aaron Rodgers had an interception and a fumble in three series for the Packers.