BEHIND ENEMY LINES

Denver's brand of football isn't perfect. With a running game as moody as a teething toddler and an offensive line bound together with Band-Aids, the first quarter of a long season has been far from ideal — except in the standings. How do they explain it? "Mind control," Antonio Smith said. "When that ball is supposed to drop, that team you're going against is wishing they can win. But for some reason we got a mental [thing] that says, 'There's no way I'm going to lose.'"

— Paul Klee, Colorado Springs Gazette

MANO-A-MANO

Vikings LB Anthony Barr vs. Denver QB Peyton Manning

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Manning

WHO WON?

Barr had an interception and led the Vikings with six tackles — and help limit Manning to 213 passing yards. He won the battle … but Manning won the war.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Hillman heads off to the races

One play after the Vikings missed a second-quarter FG, Denver RB Ronnie Hillman (23) took a pitch from QB Peyton Manning (18) and got outside, thanks to TE Owen Daniels (81), who blocked Vikings CB Terence Newman (23) to the sidelines. Hillman raced 72 yards for the touchdown and 10-0 lead.

THE QUOTE

"You always need something to spark the running game. It was just our time. "

— Hillman