Denver Broncos With 10-3 Half Time Lead Against The Cincinnati Bengals

With 1:45 remaining in the second quarter, down by seven points from the Bengals 23-yard line, Andy Dalton's offense continues suffering plays that strikes momentum off the proverbial hope for any sustained offense. Thus Andy Dalton took a quarterback sack, losing three yards on first down, followed by a poor Brandon Tate route that led to an incomplete pass. It's third and 13 from the 20-yard line with 1:13 remaining in the half when Andy Dalton completes a strike to Andrew Hawkins, who shifts around, picking up 18 yards and the first down.

Nice. Finally.

It's the first conversion of the game between both teams with five yards or more to go on third down.

Eventually with third and one from the Bengals 47-yard line, Dalton shovels the football to Brian Leonard for a three-yard gain, wasting precious time on the clock for such a limited play. Following a Broncos timeout, Dalton was forced to scramble for a five-yard gain, using the team's final timeout of the first half.

From the Broncos 45-yard line with :22 seconds remaining, Dalton floats the football after contact, targeting Brandon Tate near the right sidelines where the receiver hauled in the 17-yard reception to Denver's 28-yard line. Unfortunately the clock continued ticking after Tate's momentum was stopped in-bounds, before stepping out of bounds -- at least that's what suspect for the continuing clock.

After spiking the football with four seconds remaining, Mike Nugent pushes the 45-yard attempt wide right, heading into the locker room with a 10-3 deficit.

All things considered the Cincinnati Bengals have managed to make it a defensive game, despite the yardage numbers by the Denver Broncos. Problem is that the Cincinnati Bengals offense has done the same thing, generating a lifeless stare against the onslaught of Denver's defense.

Dalton has completed 13 of 22 passes for 123 yards passing for a passer rating of 74.6. Manning, though productive, hasn't established any massive influence on the game, completing 15 of 20 passes for 160 yards passing and a touchdown. Neither team has a recognizable rushing offense, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis leading the Bengals with 21 yards rushing on seven carries. Willis McGahee has generated only 20 yards on 10 carries, thanks to a staunch Bengals rushing defense.

The Broncos will open the second half with the kickoff.