After starting the season 0-5 on the road, the Raiders were able to win away from home for the first time, defeating the Broncos 22-16. 

First half

Despite making it to Denver’s 38-yard line on the opening drive of the game, the Raiders decided to forgo attempting nearly a 60-yard field goal (which would be Daniel Carlson’s longest field goal of his career) and punted to Denver, pinning the Broncos at their 8-yard line.

However, the long field proved not to be an issue for Denver’s offense. The Broncos then embarked on a 7-play drive, including a 33-yard pass to Kendall Hinton, that ended with a Latavius Murray touchdown rush.

On their second drive, the Raiders’ offense was able to cross into Broncos territory once again, setting up a 46-yard field goal attempt by Daniel Carlson. Carlson, however, missed the field goal wide right, and the Broncos kept their 7-0 lead.

Faced with a shorter field, Denver was able to produce another quality drive, setting up Brandon McManus to hit a 48-yard field goal. Down 10-0, Las Vegas needed to get on the board, and on their next drive, they did. In seven plays, the Raiders got to the Denver 31-yard line. On the eighth play of the drive, Derek Carr found Davante Adams for a 31-yard touchdown, cutting the Denver lead to three.

Looking to recoup some of their lead on the last drive of the half, the Broncos’ offense was able to push to the Las Vegas 7-yard line. With two seconds left, Denver’s field goal was blocked, keeping the lead at 10-7 going into halftime. 

Second half

Down 10-7, the Raiders’ defense came out of the half looking to get their team the lead back and started off the half forcing a quick three and out to give their offense the ball. With a starting field position around midfield, the Raiders’ offense was able to set up for a field goal, tying the game at 10-10.

Following punts by both teams, the Broncos reclaimed their lead, as Brandon McManus scored a 52-yard field goal. After trading punts, the Raiders and Broncos both kicked field goals, setting the Broncos up 16-13.

After a Raiders three and out and a short Broncos drive ending in a punt, Las Vegas had the ball with under two minutes remaining. Following a 21-yard pass to Keelan Cole that brought Las Vegas to midfield, Derek Carr found Josh Jacobs on the left sideline for a 43-yard pass.

Despite this, however, the Raiders’ offense was not able to get past the No. 1 scoring defense in the league, and Las Vegas had to settle for a game-tying field goal to end regulation. 

Overtime

Overtime was as eventful as it was short, as three plays into overtime Derek Carr found Davante Adams for a wide-open 35-yard touchdown to win the game. Adams’ second touchdown proved to be his most important of the season, as it stops a three-game losing skid overall, including a five-game road losing streak.

Takeaways

If the Broncos want to be relevant, their offense needs to catch up to their defense.

So far this season, the Broncos’ defense is second in total yards allowed per game, first in passing yards allowed per game, and first in points allowed per game.

However, the offense is quite the opposite. Last in points per game, as well as 24th in rushing yards per game, the offense has been playing quite terribly this season. If the Broncos’ offense scored 20 points at the end of regulation in every game this season (which is under league average), the Broncos would be 9-1, instead of 3-7. 

Winning close games will make the Raiders a much better team next season.

While the Raiders have almost certainly missed the playoffs this season, one thing of note is that if the Raiders can continue to win close games, they will have a much better record next season than they do now.

So far this season, the Raiders are 1-6 in one-score games, with this being their first close game won. If coach McDaniels can learn how to close out games and apply it next season, the Raiders will be a much more dangerous team to match up against.

Up next

The Raiders face the Seahawks next Sunday, Nov. 27 at 2:05 p.m. MT. The game can be seen on CBS.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats are via ESPN.

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