The Denver Broncos looked down and out to start the horse race against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Indy, trailing 17-0 just before halftime.

But, then Omar Bolden returned a punt 83 yards to the house just as the first half ended to bring the game to 17-7 Colts at the break.

To start the second half, the Denver defense allowed one first down and then forced a Colts punt — Bolden wasn’t allowed to return that one, he was interfered with — and three plays later Emmanuel Sanders scored.

On 3rd and 14, Peyton Manning was rushed and he moved left and then stepped up into the pocket and unloaded a bomb to the sensational Sanders; he caught the ball while accelerating and then coasted into the end zone while taunting the Colts defenders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe_b8UwSBHI

After the 64-yard score, Sanders did his touchdown bow and Mile High Salute to bring the Broncos to within three points as they trailed 14-17 in the third quarter. Denver would then add on a field goal in the third quarter to score 17 unanswered points and tie the game at 17.

The game swung Indy’s way to start the fourth quarter as they took the 24-17 lead. Denver tied it up at 24 when Owen Daniels caught a touchdown from Manning midway through the fourth quarter.

Denver eventually lost 24-27 after dumb defensive penalties doomed the team.

• More Broncos vs. Colts stories
  • Recap: Defensive penalties doom Denver in 24-27 loss to Indianapolis Colts
  • Broncos Kubiak opens up about Aqib Talib: “He has to keep his composure out there”
  • “We were just out of whack:” Colts are still Denver’s Achilles heel
  • Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward sounds off on NFL about officials
  • Ed McCaffrey, Shannon Sharpe drop knowledge about losing
  • Watch Emmanuel Sanders score a 64-yard touchdown
  • Watch DeMarcus Ware’s sack which makes him No. 10 all-time
  • Watch Owen Daniels’ game-tying touchdown catch
  • WATCH: Omar Bolden’s 83-yard punt return touchdown