Coming into this game, many people across the NFL world viewed this as an easy win for the Denver Broncos. Considering they have the best defense in the NFL and were going up against a struggling Geno Smith-led Raiders offense at home, however, it ended up being one of the sloppiest prime time games I can remember.
The Raiders actually began the game well, opening the night by forcing a quick three-and-out from the Denver offense. Following the punt, the Raiders capitalized by marching down the field for a quick touchdown score on a 4-yard rushing touchdown by rookie running back Ashton Jeanty — his fourth rushing touchdown on the year.
It seemed as if this could be a great night for the Raiders offense, but it only went downhill from there. The first quarter touchdown drive would be their only points for the entire game after countless mistakes. Such as a crucial missed field goal by kicker Daniel Carlson, bad pass protection and the Broncos defense looking like the 85’ Bears.
As bad as the Las Vegas offense looked, Bo Nix and the Broncos offense looked just as bad, if not worse. They were shut out in the first quarter, managing only two offensive possessions that both resulted in quick three-and-outs. Maxx Crosby and the Raiders defensive line played exceptionally well, constantly pressuring Nix and keeping him uncomfortable in the pocket.
The second quarter was not much better for Denver as they started off with back-to-back possessions leading to punts. The home crowd grew restless, and loud boos echoed throughout the stadium. It looked like Bo Nix was lost out there and that the Broncos might drop a huge game to the underdogs. Then they decided to step it up a bit.
The following possession the Raiders would end up going for it on fourth down in Denver territory but would be stopped after a sack by Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga, who came in unblocked off the edge with a safety blitz. A fantastic play call by head coach Sean Payton.
This gave Denver some momentum as they proceeded to march down the field for a five-play, 53-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a Nix touchdown pass to rookie receiver Troy Franklin. However, on the following possession, Nix tried to target Franklin again but the ball would end up being intercepted after it went right through his hands. The Raiders could not capitalize on this opportunity and the teams went to half tied 7-7.
Up to this point, Bo Nix and Geno Smith couldn’t get anything going and that trend continued for the remainder of the game. Denver had an opportunity to take a three-point lead when they decided to let Will Lutz go out there to attempt a 59-yard field goal. This was a head scratching decision considering the windy conditions. Instead of going for it on 4th-and-6, Lutz lined up to kick the field goal; it had the accuracy but not the distance, falling just short of the uprights to keep the score tied at 7–7.
The Broncos would get the ball right back when Geno Smith threw his 12th interception on the year, the most in the NFL. But once again, it would be another three-and-out for Denver. The biggest play of the game came with 2 minutes remaining in the third quarter, when the Broncos special teams unit blocked a punt, setting themselves up for a 32-yard field goal to take the 10-7 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Geno Smith was banged up while scrambling for a first down. He came in and out of the game, playing through pain, which would not help the Raiders offensive struggles.
Just when it seemed like it might be over, Bo Nix would throw his second interception of the night on a questionable deep ball thrown into double coverage to Troy Franklin once again with seven minutes remaining. This set up Geno Smith for a potential game-winning drive. The Raiders would get into Denver territory where they had a chance to tie the game, but Daniel Carlson would go on to miss a 48-yard field goal attempt which essentially put the game to rest.
Bo Nix finished his night going 16-for-28 with 150 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Geno Smith went 16-for-26 with 143 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The Denver Broncos have now won their seventh straight game to improve to 8-2 on the year, but this is not a win to celebrate, as it was their worst offensive game of the year. The Raiders now fall to 2-7, with their playoff hopes over by week 10.