Expecting big passing numbers from both the New Orleans and Denver, the first quarter is shockingly low scoring.

Not much there for Drew Brees and they go 3 and out in their first drive. Broncos get the ball on the 32 with a fair catch for their first drive. Surprisingly the Broncos also go 3 and out and it’s time for the Saints to have another drive.

Brees and company have a much better drive but they can not convert the first down once they reach mid field and punt. The Saints down the ball close to the one so the Broncos will take over deep in their own territory and need a first down just to get some breathing room.

It takes two runs but they get the first down. 4 plays and 4 runs for Willis McGahee and they have their second first down. Then a nice pass to Demaryius Thomas and they are in Saints territory.

A few plays and it’s first and goal on the 1/2 yard line. The Broncos score on the next play and they take the lead and it’s 7 to 0.

The Bronco defense really needs to shut down Brees at this point and give the Broncos the early edge and an attempt to keep the Saints from gaining any momemtum. And they do just that and in fact strip the ball away from Brees and almost force a turnover but the Saints manage to recover but are forced to punt.

The New Orleans defense need to keep Manning guessing more then ever now. Allowing them to get a touchdown lead this early in the game would be a bad thing for sure. And the defense does step up and they force a turnover.

As the 1st quarter is winding down the Saints are just getting into Bronco territory. Denver has the lead 7 to 0.