The Denver Broncos secured their seventh consecutive victory with a narrow 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field in Denver on November 16, 2023. The game, characterized by a fiercely competitive defensive display, allowed the Broncos to remain at the top of the AFC West standings. Denver’s defense played a pivotal role, recording six sacks against Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and limiting Las Vegas to just 10 first downs.
Despite the defensive dominance, the Broncos faced challenges on offense. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin for the only touchdown for Denver, while Ashton Jeanty managed to score the Raiders’ only points. The Raiders had a chance to tie the game late, but kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal attempt with 4:26 remaining.
Broncos Overcome Offensive Struggles
The Broncos, now boasting an 8-2 record, demonstrated resilience in overcoming a sluggish offensive performance. They failed to secure a first down until just over five minutes remained in the first half and struggled significantly, recording seven three-and-outs during the game. Nix’s performance was marked by inconsistency; he completed 16 of 28 passes for 150 yards but threw two interceptions, one of which was a critical tipped pass late in the game.
The Denver defense, however, was the standout feature of this matchup. The unit allowed only 186 total yards and pressured Smith throughout, leading to six sacks, five of which occurred in the first half. With this victory, the Broncos are now positioned for an upcoming showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 26, 2023.
Raiders Face Growing Pains
The Raiders, struggling with a 2-7 record, displayed their youth and inexperience, particularly among their rookie wide receivers Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr.. The pair had opportunities to make significant plays but were hampered by penalties that negated critical gains. Additionally, Jeanty, who scored a touchdown, dropped two passes, further complicating the Raiders’ struggles on offense.
Despite being under constant pressure, Smith managed to complete 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards and one interception. His performance was hindered by a quad injury sustained in the second half, yet he still managed to lead the team to a potential tying score. Unfortunately for Las Vegas, Carlson’s missed field goal attempt dashed their hopes of evening the game.
A crucial moment came in the third quarter when A.J. Cole’s punt attempt was blocked by Broncos safety JL Skinner. This play allowed Denver to recover the ball at the Raiders’ 12-yard line, leading to a go-ahead field goal that solidified their lead.
The Raiders will look to rebound against the Dallas Cowboys on November 17, 2023, as they continue to navigate their challenging season. With Smith’s 12 interceptions marking a franchise record for a quarterback in their first nine games, the team faces significant hurdles as they aim to improve.
As the Broncos prepare for their next encounter, they will focus on refining their offensive strategies to complement their formidable defense, aiming to extend their winning streak further.
