It might be premature to call it “the dawning of a new era,” as some Broncos fans and observers have been doing in anticipation of Brock Osweiler‘s first start, but after one quarter of play, things were looking positive for the fourth-year quarterback out of Arizona State who has spent the first three-and-a-half years of his career as Peyton Manning‘s understudy. The Chicago Bears adjusted and forced multiple three-and-outs in the second quarter. Two Robbie Gould field goals brought the Bears within a point, but Osweiler responded with a huge drive to extend Denver’s lead at the half.

In the first quarter, Denver’s offense looked more balanced than it has almost all season, scoring on the first drive of the game for the first time this season since Week 4.

Osweiler was under center for every play in the seven-play, 74-yard scoring drive that took 1:34 off the clock and kickstarted his career as a starter with a bang. He was 2-for-2 with both completions going to Demaryius Thomas, including the 48-yard catch and run for the Broncos’ first touchdown.

Denver was solid on defense, allowing just two first downs and 44 yards of total offense in the first quarter.

Things didn’t go so well on his second possession, getting sacked on second down, but C.J. Anderson came up with a huge third-and-12 conversion to follow. Play-action got the Broncos to midfield, where Osweiler converted a big third down pass to Vernon Davis. But a Michael Schofield penalty knocked Denver back to the wrong side and needing 25 yards in two plays to keep the drive alive. A short draw and then a sack put an end to the drive and the first quarter.

Chicago took the ball 58 yards on the first possession of the second quarter for a Robbie Gould 46-yard field goal.

Osweiler’s first touch in the second quarter was a short one. Facing third-and-two to open the drive, Ryan Harris took a false start penalty to force a third-and-seven. Owen Daniels couldn’t hang on to a bullet thrown a step behind him and the Broncos went three-and-out.

Following a bad punt from Britton Colquitt, Aqib Talib got burned on Chicago’s second play on the ensuing drive and Cutler connected with Joshua Bellamy for a 38-yard pass to put Chicago deep into Broncos territory. But the Denver defense responded and again limited Chicago to a field goal.

A major gaffe followed by Omar Bolden, who didn’t field the following kickoff in the end zone and the ball bounced backward to the two yard line where Bolden had to scramble to gain possession. The mistake pinned Denver on their own territory. Chicago brought pressure on second and third down and Denver was forced to punt after just three plays again. Fortunately, Denver forced its own three-and-out against a short field and Osweiler got another chance.

Ronnie Hillman got Denver out of its own red zone with a catch and a run to open the drive and get the Broncos into their two-minute drill. Owen Daniels and Vernon Davis also got into the action and the Broncos marched downfield and a Brandon McManus field goal gave the Broncos a 10-6 lead at the half.

As the first half unfolded, the MHS team and our friends in the Denver media were giving blanket coverage of Osweiler’s first start…

Osweiler’s first possession starts with a bang…

Things continued to look positive on the second drive, despite a punt…

Mistakes from multiple parties led to some three-and-outs…

Brock runs the 2:00 offense…