DENVER -- The NFL Network is apologizing to viewers of the Denver Broncos-New York Giants game.

The network accidentally aired clip of coach Josh McDaniels cursing at his players after they committed three false starts in the red zone. The network's executive producer said the broadcast was operating on a delay and McDaniels' language should have been caught and bleeped out.

McDaniels is a young, emotional coach who has stocked his roster with passionate players, and that was on full display Thanksgiving night as the Giants got their fifth loss in six games.

When asked about McDaniels' choice of words, tight end Tony Scheffler retorted "No -- not our coach!" in mock surprise.

Hosting their first Thanksgiving game since 1963 in the AFL, the Broncos returned to the physical style of play that marked their 6-0 start.

Behind three takeaways, the Broncos halted their freefall and pulled within a half game of AFC West leader San Diego. New York (6-5), which snapped its four-game losing streak on Sunday, fell two games behind Dallas, which beat Oakland earlier Thursday, in the NFC East.

"We didn't have any tempo and we didn't make any plays," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "We keep talking about winning the physical battle and controlling the line of scrimmage. We thought this would be the night and it wasn't."

The Giants have lost five of six since their 5-0 start.

"We're a good football team," Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora said. "We just played bad today."

The Broncos outgained the Giants 213-38 in the first half but settled for field goals on three drives, including their first two trips inside the Giants 10-yard line as they continued their red zone struggles.

That led to the NFL Network's embarrassing mistake.

Their second trip inside the Giants 10-yard line turned into a game of flag football as tight end Daniel Graham, left tackle Ryan Clady and center Casey Wiegmann all were whistled for false starts -- costing the Broncos five yards for each penalty, or a total of 15 yards. The Broncos sent out Prater for a second straight chip-shot field goal, this one making it 6-0.

Coming out of a commercial break, the NFL Network showed a clip of McDaniels yelling at his players on the sideline saying, "All we're trying to do is win a (expletive) game!"

The vulgarity was clearly audible to viewers, and announcer Bob Papa immediately apologized on air.

McDaniels was unapologetic about his obscenity, which was followed by another, not nearly as audible one as he ripped his players for their three false starts by the goal line.

"That's their business," McDaniels said of the NFL Network's gaffe.

"No, I have no idea where the camera was. I was just trying to do what I thought was best at the time."