Broncos frustrate 49ers
| • | Lelie finds himself in middle of the action |
By Greg Beacham
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — Though radio problems reduced the Denver Broncos to hand signals and player relays on offense, their defense sent a message that every team in the NFL should be able to hear.
Associated Press
Mike Anderson ran for 95 yards and caught a touchdown pass, and Brian Griese threw two TD passes as the Broncos beat the punchless San Francisco 49ers 24-14, knocking off an NFC Super Bowl hopeful for the second straight week.
San Francisco cornerback Ahmed Plummer breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Denver's Ashley Lelie.
Because of interference from the 49ers' communications systems, the Broncos (2-0) used old-fashioned methods for nearly everything they did. While Griese called several plays off the top of his head, the Broncos' defense simply hit hard and tackled harder, forcing the 49ers into one of their worst games in recent memory.
"That's one of the most complete games we've played in a while," linebacker Ian Gold said. "They got frustrated because we were stopping everything they did."
Denver held the 49ers (1-1) to 261 yards — 67 on a meaningless final drive. Fans booed their team heartily in the second half, and thousands headed for the exits early.
"We just stunk it up all across the board," said Terrell Owens, who caught five passes but had just one in the first three quarters. "Everybody messed up. It's early in the season, and we've got time to correct our mistakes. But basically, we just stunk."
The Broncos, who have missed the playoffs in two of the past three seasons, appear ready to reclaim their spot among the NFL's elite after an impressive victory at Candlestick Point, where the 49ers lost for just the second time in 10 home games.
Olandis Gary ran for 61 yards and a TD as Denver followed up a surprising 23-16 win over St. Louis with another powerful defensive performance.
"There probably weren't many people who thought we'd start off 2-0, but here we are," Griese said. "You've got to be impressed with the quality of teams we've beaten so far."
Broncos defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes dropped two safeties and a linebacker into deep coverage, forcing the Niners to throw short completions.
"The defense did a good job," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "That's an excellent offense to contain, and being able to put them into a one-dimensional game is really great."
Griese completed 14 of 19 passes for 119 yards. He threw a 1-yard scoring pass to Anderson in the third quarter.
