Broncos rookie starts both ways vs. Atlanta

Spencer Larsen made history in his first NFL start.

Larsen, a rookie, became the first Denver player to start on offense and defense in the same game when he opened Sunday’s matchup against the Falcons at Atlanta as the team’s middle linebacker and fullback. He opened the game on special teams, too.

Larsen was third on the team with seven tackles. He didn’t have a carry or a catch at fullback.

He also played on Denver’s kickoff coverage and kickoff return teams.

Larsen is the first NFL player to start on offense and defense since Dec. 14, 2003, when Baltimore’s Orlando Brown started at offensive tackle and defensive tackle at Oakland.

A sixth-round draft pick from Arizona, Larsen worked at linebacker and fullback in training camp before becoming a full-time fullback behind starter Peyton Hillis.

“I didn’t think I’d ever play linebacker,” Larsen said. “I thought I’d be able to contribute a little bit at fullback.”

Injuries at linebacker and running back forced coach Mike Shanahan to devise the plan for Larsen’s two-way duty.

Stover sets record for consecutive PATs

Matt Stover of the Baltimore Ravens set an NFL record, kicking his 372nd consecutive point after touchdown at East Rutherford, N.J.

The kick broke the record Stover shared with Jason Elam (1993-2002) and Jeff Wilkins (1999-2007). Stover started his streak in 1996.

Chicago can’t find right fit at QB

The end came appropriately for Kyle Orton. Facing fourth-and-10 midway through the fourth quarter, the Bears quarterback dropped the ball.

Orton bobbled a clean shotgun snap, losing it to Packers defensive end Jason Hunter, who scooped up the ball and ran untouched for a touchdown in Green Bay’s 37-3 victory.

Worse, in trotted Rex Grossman to replace Orton after his fumble in the fourth quarter and, predictably, Grossman turned the ball over on downs. To be fair, Orton was wearing special footwear to protect his ankle and he returned after missing a game and a half with the injury, but Chicago seemingly can’t ever find the right fit at quarterback.

Of course, it helps that the Bears are still tied for the NFC North division title along with Green Bay and Minnesota with six games left.