This week’s game against the Broncos was a must-win for the Raiders. Vegas was 0-3 heading into this Week 4 rivalry matchup. For a team that was expected to improve upon a playoff appearance last season, they had been underwhelming, to say the least. The offense has not been able to produce in the way that was anticipated and it has caused frustration for the Raiders fans. If they could find a way to beat their long-time rivals from Denver this week, however, that could bring some much-needed momentum to the team. 

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First half

The Raiders started off the game with the ball and were able to drive down the field 60 yards. Kicker Daniel Carlson was able to make a 26-yard field goal to put Vegas up by three early. This was a good start to the game for the Raiders, but consistency from the offense has been the issue for this team. Could they keep this up?

After a series of three-and-outs by each team, the Broncos would take the lead via a 5-yard touchdown reception by Courtland Sutton from Russell Wilson. The Broncos would not hold the lead for long though, as Vegas would march down the field 75 yards and tack on a touchdown of their own. This one was a 10-yard rush from running back Josh Jacobs. 

 

After the Raiders’ touchdown, they elected to try an onside kick but did not recover it. With the short field that they had, the Broncos would add a field goal from kicker Brandon McManus from 28 yards out. This tied the game at 10 points a piece. 

The next Raiders’ next drive would stall after just three plays and they were forced to punt the ball back to Denver. The Vegas defense would make a massive play during this drive, as they force the ball out of running back Melvin Gordon’s hands and return the fumble for a touchdown. Amik Robertson took the ball 68 yards to the end zone on the scoop and score for Vegas. Daniel Carlson would miss the extra point, making the score 16-10.

Denver would show resilience during their following drive, marching 75 yards down the field to score a touchdown of their own. This one was another passing touchdown from Russell Wilson, going to receiver Jerry Jeudy from 20 yards out. Brandon McManus missed his extra point following the touchdown as well, knotting up the score at 16. 

The Raiders would have the ball one last time in the first half, getting the ball with just under a minute and a half to go before halftime. They would be able to drive into field goal range and Daniel Carlson was able to drill a 39-yard attempt and put Vegas up 19-16.

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Second half

After an exciting offensive exhibition in the first half of play, the game would turn into a defensive battle in the third quarter. Each team had the ball several times during the quarter but only the Raiders were able to add to their score. Daniel Carlson added three more points to the Raiders’ total off a 22-yard field goal make. This extended the Vegas lead to 22-16.

The Raiders would add another field goal with just under 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. This one was from 30 yards out, Daniel Carlson was very busy in this afternoon’s game. The score was now 25-16, putting Vegas up by two scores.

The Broncos would respond quickly though, scoring a touchdown in just over two and a half minutes of game time. They drove the ball down the field 75 yards and finished off the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run from quarterback Russell Wilson. This put the Broncos down 23-25. Now the question was, could the Raiders be blowing another game this season?

The offense had to go out and score another touchdown to seal this win for Vegas. This drive was massive for the implications on the Raiders’ season, and just for them to gain some confidence in picking up their first win. They were able to pull it off. The offense drove the ball down the field 75 yards and took up over five minutes of game time, capping it off with a touchdown. This massive drive was capped off by a 7-yard touchdown rush from Josh Jacobs to put the game on ice for a 32-23 Vegas win.

Thoughts

This win was obviously massive for the Raiders’ hopes to make a second consecutive playoff appearance, but it also should install some confidence back into a team that had struggled to win close games. Picking up a division win is always big as well, especially if this team can somehow claw their way back into playoff contention.

They are currently in last place in the AFC West but there is still a lot of football to be played this season. Vegas will need some more performances like this to get to where they want to be. Another tough test next week will show if this win was just a one-time occurrence or if this team has the juice to be real contenders this season for the AFC West. 

Up next

The Raiders head to Kansas City to face the Chiefs on Monday Night Football. The game kicks off on Monday, Oct. 10 at 6:15 p.m. MT, and can be seen on ESPN.

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