Broncos came away Sunday with another AFC West Divisional win, holding Marshawn Lynch to 12 yards on nine carries and sending Derek Carr to the sideline with a back injury.
Starting off on the Right Foot
The only touchdown for the Broncos came from a one-handed grab by A.J. Derby for a 22 yard reception in the first quarter. Later in the quarter they tacked on an extra three, with 28 yard Brandon McManus field goal.
The score would remain 10-0 deep into the second quarter, but after 5 plays and a 99 yard drive. Johnny Holton found the end zone after a 64 yard reception.
The teams went to the locker room at the half with a score of 10-7. Considering this game was labeled a “Rivalry” game, I was expecting more intensity and excitement. The remainder of the games points were all scored via field goals, which says something about both teams defensive strength.
Field Goals and more…..Field Goals
In the third quarter Broncos put up two field goals, kicked by McManus from the 36 and 46 yard lines. A third field goal was attempted with 33 seconds left in the third quarter but it hit the left upright, and was no good. Although the extra 3 points weren’t crucial, they would’ve given the broncos a little extra breathing room. (which I’m sure they wished they would’ve had in the fourth quarter)
Also in the third quarter Derek Carr left the game with a back injury, after being sacked by Shelby Harris and hit by Adam Gotsis. Just four plays later the Raiders attempted a fake punt on a fourth-and-11 situation from the their own 33. (IMO really poor timing for a fake punt) Needless to say it was unsuccessful.
With 4:16 remaining in the fourth quarter Broncos’ Riley Dixon’s punt only traveled 37 yards to the Oakland 42. With Derek Carr out, due to a back Injury, EJ Manuel threw a high pass intended for Amari Cooper, but safety Justin Simmons came down with the ball just short of the goal line and ran it back to the 8 yard line. With that interception the Broncos sealed the deal, and ran the clock out to win 16-10.
[NFL-Broncos-footer]
