The Worst Thursday Night Football Game: Colts vs. Broncos 2022

When it comes to Thursday Night Football, some games stick with fans for all the wrong reasons. A standout example is the 2022 matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos—a game that was as heart-wrenching as it was ennui-inducing. With a final score of 12-9, the game featured star quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson, both of whom seemed well past their prime. Not a single touchdown was scored throughout the evening, leaving viewers questioning their life choices as they watched the clock tick down to zero.

A Stinker of a Game

The Colts vs. Broncos debacle is oftentimes regarded as one of the worst games in the history of Thursday Night Football. The action—or lack thereof—on the field was painfully slow, with both teams struggling to establish any semblance of an offense. While there were many offensive misfires, the special teams also contributed little to no excitement, making it hard for fans to find any silver lining. The game felt like a living documentary on what happens when football teams forget how to score.

Broncos vs. Raiders: The Contender

Fast forward to a more recent Thursday night featuring the Denver Broncos squaring off against the Las Vegas Raiders. On a windy night in Denver, both teams were equally matched in their struggles. The game attempted to challenge the Colts vs. Broncos contest for the title of “Worst Game,” but could it really stand up to such an infamous legend?

As the game unfolded, it was clear early on that offensive efficiency was nowhere to be found. Denver’s offensive strategies faltered while the defense appeared to be carrying the weight of the team on its shoulders. Fans inside the stadium made their discontent heard, booing the offense off the field repeatedly after yet another failed drive.

Rough First Half for Both Teams

The first half was a grim showcase for both teams. The Amazon Prime Video broadcast showed a beautiful stadium, free of rain or snow, yet both teams were held captive by high winds that created havoc for offensive plays. Denver’s Jeremy Crawshaw almost entirely whiffed on a punt, highlighting the disconnect between expectations and reality on the field.

Despite being lesser-known, the Raiders managed to get on the board first, but a quarterback who was once considered an elite signal caller had more sacks against him than completed passes. Geno Smith took five sacks in the first half alone, and to put it plainly, the Broncos could not muster a rushing game either, chalking up a meager 24 yards.

The teams combined for fewer highlights than any dedicated sports fan would like to remember. A touchdown by Troy Franklin in the second quarter kept the game tied at 7-7 at halftime, but even that felt like a mere afterthought in an otherwise dismal affair.

Second Half Deterioration

If fans were hoping for a shift in momentum after halftime, they were sorely disappointed. The Broncos decided to mix things up by attempting a trick play; however, it backfired spectacularly when the Broncos’ attempts to find a receiver ended in yet another sack. Following a failed 59-yard field goal attempt, frustrated fans let their dissatisfaction resonate throughout Empower Field.

The ensuing drives lacked any offensive rhythm. The Raiders went a staggering seven possessions without a first down—a record streak of ineptitude that cemented their standing as the worst offense of the evening. Smith, visibly struggling with a leg injury, attempted to show resilience but could only lead his team a short distance before a key interception thwarted any hopes the Raiders had of a comeback.

The Broncos finally managed to score three additional points, which held up as the game’s only score in the second half. The result? A 10-7 victory for the Denver Broncos, a scoreline that felt like a bittersweet aftertaste to anyone who had dared to invest their time watching.

An Unforgettable Night

The night was filled with more booing than cheering, and none of the fans would likely want to relive such an experience. Even as the Broncos improved to 8-2 following their win, discussions about their performance revolved more around missed opportunities and poor execution than about any sense of triumph.

While the Broncos claimed victory, the game served as a painful reminder of what can happen when talent and execution fail to align. Any hope for celebratory highlights melted away, leaving a lingering disappointment that may very well haunt both teams for years to come. This was a night that showcased football’s ability to be both captivating and utterly forgettable—an ironic juxtaposition in a sport designed to entertain.