The Broncos headed to Oakland for a huge AFC West game against the Raiders on Sunday night. The matchup featured two 6-2 teams in a battle for first place. The Raiders dominated from the get-go and cruised to a convincing 30-20 win over the Broncos in a statement game for both teams. Denver never lead the game and trailed 13-0 early and played from behind the whole game. The Raiders ran the ball down the Broncos throats, and now the Broncos are facing many questions as they fell to 6-3 and out of first place in the division. It was a not a good night on both sides of the ball, and this Broncos team is at a crossroads right now as we head into the latter part of the year. Here are my thoughts and observations about the game.
1) This offense is broken right now, and it has been like that for over a month. They can't run the ball at all. Denver had 33 total rushing yards. They couldn't get much movement on the Raiders defensive line, and there was just no room to run for Devontae Booker and Kapri Bibbs. Also, there are too many three and outs to start the game. How many times are the Broncos going to start a game with multiple three and outs? This game they started the first three possessions like that and next thing you know, they are down 13-0. Trevor Siemian is just not that good. Let's be honest on this one. I know it was a cute story early in the year, but the Bengals game in Week 3 was an aberration. His ceiling is average at best. I know he wasn't helped by some drops early in the game, but forget about his numbers, not once did he put fear into the hearts of the Raiders and their secondary. He can't continually throw short on 3rd and long/medium. It just can't happen anymore. There is also no rhythm and rhyme to this offense. The play calling early in the game had my head scratching at times. This offense is just bad at this point.
2) Speaking of bad, the run defense is right there as well. The Broncos front got gashed by bigger and stronger Raiders offensive line. They just couldn't match up physically. The Raiders knew that and dominated to the tune of over 200 yards rushing. There was nothing the Broncos could do at that point. I don't want to hear about effort and mistakes. It is what is it is at this point: The Broncos struggle at stopping the run. It isn't going to change overnight. It will be a problem every week unless they face a weak offensive line or have a big lead and the other team has to throw.
3) Bradley Roby had a rough night. He ot burned a lot and was overmatched, which resulted in a bunch of pass interference and defensive holding calls. It was a tough game for him.
4) The Broncos got behind 13-0 early in the game, and I never felt that they were going to get back into the game. Even after Siemian's TD throw to Jordan Norwood to make it 13-7, it just felt like they were in trouble. It felt like the game was being played on a tilted field in favor of the Raiders. Oakland had the advantage in field position for most of the game, and they dominated in time of possession. It was about as convincing of a win as you are going to get.
5) Derek Wolfe injured his elbow and left the game and the early word is that he could be a out for a month. The Broncos really missed Aqib Talib. You could see the difference without him and Roby is simply better suited as a nickel corner at this point. We need to get healthy on defense and we need to get healthy fast.
6) Broncos were due for a loss in Oakland. They had won five straight there, and it looked like it was going to be the Raiders night. Now, Denver has lost two straight on the road in the AFC West. They are 1-2 in the division as well. All is not lost in the AFC West, but the Broncos still have a visit to KC on Christmas Night, and I have a lot of doubts about their ability to win a big game on the road at this point.
7) The Raiders were the better team on this night. They deserve to be in first place in the AFC West. It was their moment and hopefully the Broncos can return the favor in Week 17 in Denver. The Broncos now fall to 6-3, and they are behind the Raiders at 7-2 and and behind the Chiefs at 6-2. This is a must win game at New Orleans on Sunday. The Saints are playing better and are now 4-4. If Denver loses this game and stands at 6-4 heading to the bye, there will be a lot of panicking from the fanbase. They have to find a way to come out on top on Sunday.
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