Broncos’ pass rush too much for Raiders in defensive struggle

Denver – It wasn’t artistic, but denver broncos Recorded seventh consecutive victory by defeating las vegas raiders 10-7 in a defensive battle at Empower Field at Mile High.

Broncos stay on top of AFC West thanks to defense that sacks Raiders quarterback geno smith Six times and held Las Vegas to only 10 in the first period. bo nix Kill troy franklin Denver’s rookie running back scores a touchdown ashton jeantyThe Raiders’ only score was the . attacking kicker Daniel Carlson Missed a game-tying 48-yard field goal with 4:26 left.

Here are the most important things to know from Thursday night for both teams:

The Broncos continue to test the limits of one of the league’s best defenses week after week. Thursday night was no exception. As the Broncos overcame their own migraine-inducing struggles to survive and win on offense and in the punt game.

The Broncos improved to 8–2 and won their seventh consecutive game for the first time since 2015, but they didn’t make it easy. They didn’t get their first offensive performance until there were just five minutes left in the first half and didn’t score until tying the game 7–7 with 2:41 left in the first half. The Broncos’ offense had seven three-and-outs and an eighth possession that ended in an interception.

But apart from Las Vegas’ 41-yard touchdown drive on its second possession of the game, when the Raiders inherited the ball in Broncos territory after a 30-yard punt by rookie jeremy crawshawThe Broncos’ defense was in lockdown. It held the Raiders to 186 yards rushing and had six sacks (five in the first half) in preparation for a showdown with the AFC West. kansas city chiefs A week from Sunday.

What is meant by QB performance: The Knicks looked shaky early on, as their first three dropbacks of the game included a sack and a misfire at the end. evan engram On three-and-out. But unlike previous weeks, he was never able to regain his balance. They certainly weren’t helped by the Broncos’ field-position struggles in the first half – three of Denver’s first four possessions of the game started on the 2, 20 and 1-yard lines, respectively – but 43 of their 101 passing yards in the first half came on a completion to the rookie. Pat BryantNix threw two interceptions cue blue kellyOne on an overthrow in the second quarter and the other on a tipped pass in the fourth. He completed 16 of 28 passes for 150 yards with one touchdown and two picks.

Biggest hole in the game plan: Broncos coach Sean Payton talks a lot about “sequencing” when discussing playcalling, but the Broncos continued to struggle to find a rhythm in the first half, especially when it came to running the ball. The Broncos scored six rushing attempts in the first half and did little more than that until the third quarter. Yet, when faced with third-and-1 in the third quarter, Payton elected to wide receiver Courtland Sutton Try a pass – he was sacked – instead of a short-yardage run. Will Lutz A 59-yard field goal attempt on the next play was missed.

Viewing Trends: The Broncos are looking for a record that has stood since 1984. With six more sacks on Thursday, the Broncos have 46 sacks after 10 games. Single season record, set in 1984 Chicago BearsIs 72. Denver’s 46 sacks through 10 games are their most since New Orleans Saints Had 44 after 10 games in 2000. –Jeff Legvold

Next game: versus kansas city chiefs (Sunday, November 16, 4:25 PM ET)

The Raiders’ rookie growing pains became apparent Thursday. Las Vegas recruits first-year wide receiver jack sell And donte thornton jrGame time extended after Tuesday trading Jakobi MeyersAnd they failed to take advantage of that moment.

The big Las Vegas games failed due to fines on both players. A holding call on Beech stripped the rookie running back of a 32-yard pass in the first half. ashton jeantyDuring this time, trey tuckerA 31-yard touchdown catch on fourth down was wiped out due to an offensive pass interference call on Thornton.

Jeanty also dropped two passes, one of which resulted in an interception on the third down. The Las Vegas defense had its best performance of the season by holding the Broncos to 220 yards passing. However, the unit’s performance was not enough to offset the mistakes of the youth.

What is meant by QB performance: Smith’s performance was not good by any means, but he gave his team a fighting chance. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards and one interception. It didn’t help that Smith faced pressure throughout the game – he was sacked six times and forced on 13 dropbacks. Despite playing with a quad injury sustained in the second half, Smith managed to get his team into a position to at least tie the game. However, the Raiders were unable to take advantage, with Carlson missing the game-tying field goal.

turn: The Raiders’ bad luck continued in the third quarter. AJ ColeA punt attempt deep in the Raiders’ territory was blocked by the Broncos safety JL SkinnerThe ball bounced off Skinner’s face mask and the Broncos recovered at the Las Vegas 12-yard line. Key field position allowed Denver to convert a go-ahead field goal to take a 10–7 lead.

Statistics to know: Smith’s 12 interceptions, with another interception on Monday, are the most by a Raiders quarterback in the first nine games of a season since Kerry Collins’ 12 in nine games in 2004, according to ESPN Research. –Ryan McFadden

Next game: versus dallas cowboys (Monday, November 17, 8:15 PM ET)