Broncos Edge Raiders in Sloppy Thursday Night Football Showdown
Full Transcript
In a lackluster display of football, the Denver Broncos edged out the Las Vegas Raiders 10 to 7 on Thursday Night Football. Both teams struggled offensively, combining for just two touchdowns, three turnovers, and a staggering 22 penalties totaling 161 yards.
According to Fox News, the Broncos managed only 220 total yards while the Raiders produced an even lower 188 yards. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was 16 of 28 with 150 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, while Geno Smith of the Raiders completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards and an interception, also facing six sacks throughout the game.
The first half was a defensive battle, with the Raiders initially taking the lead with a touchdown run from Ashton Jeanty. However, the Broncos responded with a scoring drive capped off by a touchdown pass from Nix to Troy Franklin, tying the game at 7-7 before halftime.
The Denver Post highlighted that the decisive moment came late in the third quarter when JL Skinner blocked a punt from Raiders punter A.J. Cole, which set up the Broncos for a go-ahead field goal by Will Lutz.
This play was significant not only for the score but also for demonstrating the importance of special teams in a game where both offenses faltered. The fourth quarter saw both teams continue to struggle, with the Raiders missing a crucial 48-yard field goal that could have changed the outcome.
Ultimately, the Broncos' victory improved their record to 8-2, while the Raiders fell to a dismal 2-7, extending their losing streak in the AFC West to nine games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Fans and analysts alike expressed disappointment over the overall quality of play, with Silver and Black Pride noting the missed opportunities and mistakes from both sides that characterized this game as one of the worst in recent memory.
The Broncos must now prepare for a much tougher matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, and if their performance does not improve, they may face severe repercussions in that game. As the season progresses, questions loom over the state of both franchises, particularly the Raiders, who seem to be spiraling further into a rough patch.