Chicago Bears fans got a good look at what the future of the franchise could be like under the guidance of quarterback Mitch Trubisky. The No. 2 draft pick got ample playing time in Thursday night's preseason game. While he led the team to take the lead into the second half, ultimately the Denver Broncos had several big plays late to capture the Week 1 preseason victory. Here's the latest Broncos vs. Bears game recap including top performers and stats, as well as what's up next for these two NFL teams.

NFL game recap

Thursday's home game allowed the Chicago Bears to put all three of their quarterback options on the field.

Mike Glennon got the start but was 2-for-8 with 20 yards and an early interception that led to a 7-0 Broncos' lead. Mark Sanchez got four attempts for four yards. Mitch Trubisky finally stepped onto the field late in the second quarter and played the entire second half for the team. He finished with 18-for-25 completed passes for 166 yards and a touchdown strike to victor cruz. In addition to showing his precision passing and playmaking abilities, Trubisky showed his ability to get mobile when necessary, picking up a few first downs on the ground.

For the Broncos, it was Chris Harris Jr. who picked off Glennon in just the first minute of the game. That led to a 50-yard pick six to give Denver an early lead.

They would add a field goal in the first quarter to jump out to a 10-0 advantage. Chicago roared back in the second to the crowd's delight as it was Trubisky throwing his first strike to new Bears' receiver Victor Cruz.

Trubisky led the team down the field on another TD drive in the third quarter.

This time around it was running back Benny Cunningham who punched it in past the goal line for the score. Cunningham finished with 41 yards on seven carries for the game.

Chicago would extend to a seven-point lead in the fourth after a field goal, but the Broncos had big plans. They exposed the Bears' defense on several long passes down the field to get touchdowns or in position for them.

One of those passes went to Isaiah McKenzie for a 47-yard catch. Another helped set up DeAngelo Henderson for a big 41-yard rushing play to help give his team the lead for good.

Trubisky looked like he was going to lead the team down the field for a late scoring drive. They closed in on the red zone, but with just three seconds to go, Mitch Trubisky was unable to find a receiver in the end zone to tie up the game. Still, fans of the Bears had to be happy with what they got to see in just this early look at their rookie QB.

What's coming up next?

The Chicago Bears are now 0-1 to start the NFL preseason.

They've got an away game next Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals scheduled for 10 p.m. Eastern Time. They'll follow that up with another away game against Tennessee the following Sunday, and then a home game against the Browns on August 31st to close out their preseason.

The Denver Broncos get a 1-0 start for their preseason as they prepare for their next game. That matchup comes on Saturday, August 19th when they visit the San Francisco 49ers for a 10 p.m. Eastern Time game. They follow that the next Saturday with a home game against the Packers before closing out the preseason with the Arizona Cardinals on August 31st.
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