3 Key Lessons from the Broncos’ 10-7 Victory Over the Raiders
The Denver Broncos narrowly defeated the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football, earning a 10-7 win that was far from inspiring. It was perhaps the least convincing victory of the Payton–Nix era.
Despite their struggles, the Broncos extended their winning streak to seven games and now hold an 8-2 record — their best start since 2015. While that statistic is encouraging, the team’s performance under the primetime spotlight left plenty to be desired.
Offensive Struggles Continue
The prevailing takeaway is simple: Denver’s offense is broken, and accountability falls squarely on head coach Sean Payton. As the play-caller, his decisions played a major role in the team’s inefficiency.
“Explain why a savvy play-caller would get his ground game going on a much-needed third-quarter drive, only to call a head-scratching trick play on 3rd-&-1 that lost five yards.”
The ill-fated play involved a behind-the-line throw to Courtland Sutton that burned five yards and turned a manageable 53-yard field goal into a much harder 58-yarder for Wil Lutz. The Raiders easily recognized the trick, neutralizing the play’s intent.
Nix’s Rough Outing
Quarterback Bo Nix delivered one of his weakest showings as a professional, struggling to sustain drives and contributing to a series of frustrating three-and-outs. The offense never found its rhythm, making the victory feel hollow despite the final score.
Final Thoughts
Thursday’s game may have gone in the win column, but it raised pressing questions about Denver’s offensive direction and Payton’s decision-making heading into the latter half of the season.
Author’s Summary: A narrow Broncos win hides deeper issues with play-calling and offensive execution, exposing cracks behind their seeming success.
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