The Denver Broncos played host to the Houston Texans and it was the return of Demaryius Thomas that caught the attention of everyone — and rightfully so — on Sunday.

Shortly after the National Anthem, the Broncos — who also displayed “thank you DT” signage outside the stadium — took a moment to thank Thomas for his eight-plus years of service to the Broncos.

The Broncos played a highlight video of Thomas of his career in Denver, which included 965 receptions and 9,055 receiving yards as a Bronco. His 60 touchdown receptions ranks second in franchise history only behind Rod Smith and his receiving yards mark also stands as second-best in franchise history.

Denver’s heir to replace Thomas even honored his mentor when Courtland Sutton showed up to the stadium in a Demaryius Thomas jersey.

But as soon as the ‘welcome back’ moments were over, the football was flying. An important game for the Broncos trying to rebound off their 30-23 loss to Kansas City with the bye week approaching, Denver’s defense took the field first and after two straight receptions by Thomas against his former team of 31 and 18 yards. Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson hit Jordan Thomas in the back-left corner of the end zone to push Houston ahead 7-0. Denver countered with a quick three-and-out. But after Derek Wolfe sacked Watson on third-down on the ensuing drive, Denver drove the field, finishing with a 44-yard field goal by Brandon McManus to make the score 7-3.

Denver’s defense contained the Houston offense for the most part in the first half, however was put in a tight situation midway through the second quarter when Devontae Booker fumbled on the Broncos 22. The Texans later scored on a 16-yard floating touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins over the head of Justin Simmons to make the score 13-3 after the missed extra-point by Fairbairn.

Denver’s offense however answered and in a strong way. Keenum was 3/3 on the drive for 73 yards. A drive capped off by a 14-yard touchdown run by Devontae Booker to make it 13-10.

Houston’s offense once again sputtered after a DeMarcus Walker sack and Denver got to near mid-field before stalling. Head coach Vance Joseph elected for a 62-yard field goal with :18 seconds left. McManus missed wide-right and gave the Texans good field position.

Before the miss, the Broncos had an injury of note when center Matt Paradis, who hasn’t missed a snap in his NFL career, was rolled up on with an ankle injury. Paradis was officially reported with an ankle injury and will not return.

After icing the kicker (on a miss,) Houston’s kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn nailed the second attempt from 46-yards out to take a 16-10 Houston lead into halftime.

The Broncos finished the first half 2/6 on third-down, while the Texans offense went 4/8 on third down. Sutton in his expanded role was only targeted twice, catching a single pass for 21 yards.

Thomas finished his first, first half as a Texan with three receptions for 61 yards.