Broncos Edge Raiders Behind Strong Defense for 8-2 Start
Denver Broncos secured a 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, relying heavily on their defense to compensate for inconsistent offense and special teams, despite a game marked by numerous penalties from both sides.
Defensive Mastery
The Broncos' defense sacked Raiders' quarterback Geno Smith six times, raising Denver’s season total to 46 sacks in 10 games—the highest since 1990. This defensive effort was crucial to their win on a challenging, windy night in the Rocky Mountains.
Team Performance and Challenges
Although the Broncos did not showcase a polished performance, they prioritized winning over style. Denver improved to an 8-2 record, holding the best standing in the NFL. The victory marked their seventh consecutive win, the team’s longest streak in ten years, and extended their home winning streak to 10 games.
“We’ve got to clean up some of the penalties. We’ve got to clean up the execution and that is an ongoing thing that probably never ends,” said Coach Sean Payton after the game. “Right now, you know, we’re sitting at eight wins. I think we’re the only team sitting there.”
Offensive Concerns
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw for 150 yards with two interceptions and one touchdown pass. He acknowledged the need to improve the offense, noting,
“At some point, 10 points ain’t going to be enough. … We’ve got to find some juice somewhere.”
The Broncos remain focused on cleaning up execution and penalties as they aim to maintain their strong position in the league.
Author’s summary: The Broncos rely on their dominant defense and persistent effort to maintain the NFL’s best record at 8-2 despite offensive struggles and numerous penalties.