Rypien overcomes pressure, rallies Broncos past Cards 24-15
Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) celebrates with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jack Dempsey]
DENVER (AP) — Backup quarterback Brett Rypien overcame relentless pressure from a J.J. Watt-led Arizona defense, Justin Simmons had two interceptions and the Denver Broncos held off the Cardinals 24-15. The game featured two backup QBs, but Arizona lost Colt McCoy to a concussion early in the third quarter after he took a hit while diving for a first down. McCoy was intercepted once and his replacement, Trace McSorley, threw two more picks. Rypien was sacked seven times, including three by Watt, but directed three second-half scoring drives to help the Broncos snap a five-game losing streak. Latavius Murray ran for 130 yards and a touchdown for Denver. The Cardinals have lost four straight.
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Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates his sack as Denver Broncos guard Graham Glasgow (61) helps quarterback Brett Rypien (4) up during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jack Dempsey
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws under pressure from the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jack Dempsey
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) runs as Denver Broncos defensive tackle Jonathan Harris (92) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jack Dempsey