The Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday finally managed to nab their first win of the 2022 season and first win for new coach Josh McDaniels, defeating the division rival Denver Broncos 32-23.
In an AFC West that figures to be hotly contested, it was a much-needed victory for a team that had somewhat surprisingly began the season 0-3. The Raiders played a very good game on both sides of the ball, winning the battle in the trenches, the turnover battle, the time-of-possession battle, and the game itself.
The Raiders used a defensive score to propel themselves, with Amik Robertson scoring a 68-yard touchdown when he scooped-and-scored off of Melvin Gordon's fumble. Josh Jacobs also found the end zone twice for Las Vegas, while rushing for 144 yards on 28 carries. Davante Adams had himself a strong afternoon despite often facing man coverage from star Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
For Denver, even beyond the game, it suffered a couple of potentially meaningful losses. Javonte Williams suffered a knee injury on the opening play of the second half, and he was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. In the fourth quarter, edge rusher Randy Gregory -- the team's big free agent signing this offseason -- appeared to suffer a knee injury of his own.
The Broncos dropped to 2-2 with the loss, and their offense still looks out of rhythm. Now, they may be without an important defensive piece as well. It's not a great situation to be in, and they're frankly lucky to have nabbed two wins already given the way they have played.
Here are a few more takeaways from this game.
Why the Raiders won
A dominant showing from the defensive line, and perhaps the best game of Jacobs' career. Russell Wilson was "only" sacked three times by Las Vegas' defensive front, but he was constantly under duress throughout the afternoon. Broncos running backs were also held to just 56 yards on 16 carries, an average of 3.5 a pop. Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones lived in the backfield, and combined to draw multiple penalties in addition to all the plays they made. On the other side of the ball, Jacobs led the way, running through a Denver defense that seemed overmatched when it came to dealing with his north-south running style. Adams chipped in with a performance typical of his skill level as well, nabbing nine catches for 101 yards.
Why the Broncos lost
Poor offensive line play, poor defensive line play, penalties, and missed opportunities. As previously mentioned, Wilson was harassed all game long by the Vegas defensive front, and the running backs were stuck getting hit behind the line of scrimmage for the majority of the game. The NFL's most-penalized team, the Broncos took seven flags for 50 yards in this contest. They were also victimized by drops (Mike Boone had a critical one on a last-ditch drive) and turnovers (Gordon fumbled on his first touch of the game, and it was returned 68 yards for a touchdown.)
Play of the game
Jacobs put pretty much the entire Raiders defense in the spin cycle before breaking away for a 43-yard gain that eventually set up a field goal.
Sheesh. Jacobs wound up having a very strong day with 28 carries for 144 yards and two touchdowns, while adding five receptions for 31 additional yards. He was the most consistent option on either offense for much of the afternoon, and the 175 total yards were the most of his NFL career to date.
Turning point
Sadly, it might have been the first play of the second half. Williams was tackled behind the line of scrimmage by Crosby, and awkwardly twisted his knee on his way to the ground. He tried to get up and go to the next play, but instead went back to the ground and waited for trainers to come out and visit with him. He walked off the field but was moving very gingerly, and was eventually carted into the locker room. He was quickly ruled out, and did not return to the game. Denver's running backs didn't do much the rest of the way, with the team's offense mostly coming via a deep ball from Wilson to K.J. Hamler.
What's next
The Broncos have a quick turnaround before they play host to the Indianapolis Colts on "Thursday Night Football." It's possible that both teams could be without their star running backs, as Jonathan Taylor was also injured during Indy's game on Sunday. The Raiders do not play until "Monday Night Football" next week, as they travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs.