The Denver Broncos' defense fought to hold the Baltimore Ravens Sunday - and the offense needed all the help it could get.
The defense held the Ravens to just 38 yards in the first half Sunday - while the offense netted just 110 yards.
Danny Trevathan (ILB), Chris Harris, Jr. (CB) and Malik Jackson (DE) each had two tackles in the first half, while Brandon Marshall (ILB) recorded three.
Brandon McManus (K) alone was responsible for 113 yards of kicks in the first quarter - after a 57-yard field goal, followed by a 56-yarder.
"Broncos first team offense has not scored a touchdown since last season," 7NEWS Sports Anchor Lionel Bienvenu tweeted.
"Broncos offense is dying with run, run, pass on 3rd and long..." 7NEWS Sports Reporter Arran Andersen tweeted in the third quarter.
"I've said all along Broncos will win with defense, not depending on Peyton Manning. But this is ridiculous," Bienvenu said.
Manning was sacked four times in the first three quarters. The Broncos the gave up 17 sacks in all of last season.
The Broncos scored their second touchdown of the game in the third quarter - which was another victory for the defense.
Defense needed to make a big play... Aqib Talib. 51-yard pick six. 16-13 Broncos. both defenses have scored the only TD's of the game.
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) September 13, 2015
The score remained tight through the game, with the Broncos leading the Ravens 16-13 at the start of the fourth quarter.
McManus came to the rescue again with a 32-yard kick with three minutes left in the game. The kick capped off a 17-play drive that took 10:56 and put the Broncos ahead 19-13.
The defense hit hard again, with less than :30 in the game, when safety Darian Stewart caught an interception in the end zone. Manning took a knee to end the game.
Final score: Broncos 19, Ravens 13.