Moreno’s TD run, Prater’s 3 field goals give Denver 16-0 halftime lead over Giants

Broncos lead Giants 16-0 at the half

DENVER — Trying to snap a four-game losing streak, the Denver Broncos took a 16-0 halftime lead over the New York Giants, getting three field goals from Matt Prater and a short touchdown run from rookie Knowshon Moreno.

The Broncos, who started the season 6-0, broke through for the touchdown midway through the second quarter with an assist from the defense. Linebacker Mario Haggan jarred the ball loose from Giants running back Danny Ware, getting increased playing time in the absence of the injured Ahmad Bradshaw, and safety Brian Dawkins recovered for the Broncos at the Giants 38.

Brandon Marshall made a spectacular one-handed grab of a pass from Kyle Orton for a 28-yard gain, setting up a first-and-goal.

Moreno, who fumbled at the goal line in last week’s loss to San Diego, this time went in with authority on a third-down burst from a yard, putting the Broncos up 13-0.

Around that score, Prater connected on field goals of 47 yards and 32 yards.

He kicked a 26-yarder in the first quarter after an Orton-led drive stalled at the Giants 8, when his third-down pass soared over the head of Marshall in the end zone.

Orton was back as the starter for the Broncos. Chris Simms started in his place a week ago while Orton was nursing a sprained left ankle, though Orton ended up playing in the 32-3 loss to San Diego when Simms was yanked for ineffectiveness in the second quarter.

The Giants, who snapped a four-game losing streak with a victory over Atlanta on Sunday, had problems moving the ball against the Broncos. All three of their first quarter possessions ended in punts.

The Giants were outgained 103 yards to 21 in the first quarter by the Broncos, who had seven first downs to New York’s one.

Broncos outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who entered leading the league in sacks, notched his 13th when he took down Eli Manning late in the second quarter to stop a Giants drive. The sack total is a career high for Dumervil.

The game at Invesco Field was the first Thanksgiving Day game hosted by Denver since 1963, when the Broncos were still members of the AFL.