LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo played a crucial role in the Las Vegas Raiders’ continued dominance over the AFC Denver Broncos. Garoppolo threw his second touchdown pass of the game to wide receiver Jacobi Meyers with just 6:38 left on the clock, securing the Raiders’ seventh consecutive victory over the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
The Raiders have been the dominant force in this matchup, holding a 72-54-2 record against the Broncos. They also secured their fourth straight win in Denver, which was no small feat considering they were up against the highly-respected Coach Sean Payton.
However, Coach Payton’s decision to attempt an onside kick at the beginning of the game turned out to be a costly mistake when the ball didn’t travel the required 10 yards, giving the Raiders excellent field position.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Raiders drove 44 yards in 10 plays, culminating in Garoppolo’s first touchdown pass – a three-yarder that put them ahead 7-0 with 9:28 remaining in the game.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson did manage to respond for the Broncos, throwing a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey with just 44 seconds left in the first quarter.
However, the game took a decisive turn when kicker Wil Lutz missed the extra point wide to the right. Lutz’s struggles continued when he missed a 55-yard field goal attempt to the right with 9:32 left in the third quarter.
In the final quarter, after the Raiders took the lead, their defense stepped up, forcing a quick three-and-out from the Broncos. Garoppolo then orchestrated a critical 41-yard drive in the last 5:08 to run down the clock and secure the victory over the Broncos. You may also check Coco Gauff Shatters Records.
One pivotal moment came when Garoppolo completed a six-yard pass on third down to Meyers. Although it left the Raiders one yard short of a first down, safety Kareem Jackson’s helmet-to-helmet hit on the defenseless Meyers resulted in a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty.
Meyers had to leave the game due to a concussion, and the Raiders gained a first down at Denver’s 35-yard-line three plays later. Garoppolo’s eight-yard scramble with 1:42 remaining allowed the Silver and Black to run out the clock with three kneel-downs.
Garoppolo, who joined the Raiders as a free agent after his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, had a solid performance, completing 20-of-26 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. His offensive line did an excellent job of protecting him, as Denver failed to record a sack.
Garoppolo did have one rough series, first fumbling on the Denver one-yard-line while attempting a quarterback sneak. Three plays later, after a five-yard penalty, he threw an interception in the end zone to Jackson from the six-yard-line.
Meyers led the Raiders with nine catches on ten targets, amassing 81 yards and two touchdowns, while All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams contributed six receptions for 66 yards.
The Broncos had high hopes for running back Josh Jacobs, the NFL’s leading rusher last season, but the Raiders held him to just 48 yards on 19 carries, with two catches for 23 yards.
Russell Wilson completed 27-of-34 passes for 177 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Tight end Adam Trautman led the Broncos with five receptions for 34 yards, while running back Javonte Williams rushed for 52 yards on 13 carries in his first game back since a knee injury sustained against the Raiders last season.
The Raiders’ defense was led by cornerback Nate Hobbs with 12 tackles, two for losses, and a quarterback hit. Linebacker Divine Deablo contributed nine tackles, one for loss, and had a pass defensed, while linebacker Robert Spillane and rookie cornerback Jakorian Bennett both recorded seven tackles.
Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby had five tackles, one for a loss, two quarterback hits, and a sack, while defensive lineman Jerry Tillery added three tackles, one for a loss, and a sack. In total, the Raiders tallied seven tackles for losses.
In close games like this, adjustments are crucial, especially when younger players find themselves matched against seasoned quarterbacks with playoff experience. You should also read NFL Star Carl Nassir Shatters Records and Shocks Fans.
The team must work on reducing penalties and avoiding self-inflicted wounds, even among veterans like Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons. In a game that could have swung either way, the Broncos unfortunately came up short this week. Losing is always a bitter pill to swallow, but the team remains determined to bounce back and strive for better results in the future.
