Denver Broncos Beat Raiders 10-7 in a Struggle
The Denver Broncos secured a gritty 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night. The game appeared less like a tactical battle and more like a contest to determine which team could avoid mistakes.
The Raiders had an opportunity to tie late in the fourth quarter, but kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal, ending their final chance to equalize.
Broncos Extend Winning Streak to Seven
With this win, the Broncos improved their record to 8-2 and have now won seven consecutive games. However, the performance did little to convince skeptics who doubt the Broncos' contention status.
Factors Contributing to the Sluggish Game
- Short preparation time due to the Thursday night schedule
- Windy conditions in Denver
- General poor play from both teams
Defensive Highlights for Denver
The Broncos' defense pressured Raiders quarterback Geno Smith throughout the game, recording six sacks and multiple hurries. Despite Smith being visibly hampered late in the game, the Raiders stuck with him rather than substituting Kenny Pickett.
Nik Bonitto led the defense with 1.5 sacks and was a constant presence, especially when big defensive plays were needed.
Summary
The Broncos won a gritty, low-scoring game largely thanks to their relentless defensive pressure, but the overall quality of the contest left much to be desired.
Author's summary: Denver's defense carried them to an 8-2 record, but the chaotic 10-7 win over the Raiders exposed lingering doubts about their championship potential.