The St. Louis Rams looked like they might fumble a lead that was as wide as 33-13 in the third quarter, but they held on even after a furious Kyle Orton comeback and a blocked punt put the Broncos within three points, taking the win—their first on the road in 13 months—36-33 in Denver.
Kyle Orton, who finished 24-for-41 for 347 yards and three touchdowns, was a man possessed in the fourth quarter, where he put up 129 yards and two of those touchdowns. A blocked Donnie Jones punt with just a minute left in regulation put the Broncos back in control of the ball with no timeouts remaining.
Rams DE Chris Long was a difference-maker in that final Broncos drive. On first and 10 he sacked Kyle Orton for a six yard loss and—crucially—20 seconds off the clock. After two deep incompletions he got to Orton again, forcing an awkward pass on fourth-and-16 and ending the game.
Sam Bradford had a career game for the Rams. Bradford finished 22-for-37 with 308 yards and three touchdowns, carrying the Rams while Steven Jackson struggled for consistent yardage. Danario Alexander, returning from another left knee surgery, was outstanding early, picking up four receptions for 95 yards.
With the Seattle Seahawks’ 42-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the Rams move into first place in the NFC West, at 5-6.