Broncos Triumph 24-17 Against Raiders: Highlights and Lowlights

The Denver Broncos have solidified their position atop the AFC West with a 24-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. This win marks the team’s 10th consecutive victory, elevating their season record to 11-2. The triumph also assures them of the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, as they now hold the tiebreaker over the New England Patriots who share the same record.

Key Highlights from the Broncos vs. Raiders Game

The Good: Dominant Rushing Performance

The Broncos showcased a strong rushing attack during Week 14. They outmatched the Raiders in possession time, holding the ball for 39:03 compared to the Raiders’ 20:57. Denver’s three scoring drives each lasted over eight minutes, demonstrating their offensive strength.

• RJ Harvey led the ground game, rushing for 75 yards on 17 carries.
• Harvey notched his ninth touchdown of the season, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
• Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin also contributed with averages of 4.0 and 5.5 yards per carry, respectively.
• Overall, the Broncos accrued 152 rushing yards out of a total of 326 yards for the game.

The Bad: Penalties Resurface

Despite a brief improvement in managing penalties, the Broncos reverted to their previous issues, accumulating eight penalties for 50 yards against the Raiders. Two of these penalties were intentional delays, but the overall performance highlights an ongoing challenge for head coach Sean Payton.

Successful teams, including the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs, may capitalize on such mistakes more effectively than the Raiders did.

The Ugly: Missed Opportunities

Receivers struggled with drops during the game, with Troy Franklin notably missing a key catch that could have extended a scoring drive. Heading into Week 14, the Broncos had recorded the second-most dropped passes in the NFL.

Reducing these errors is crucial as the Broncos aim to enhance their passing game efficiency moving forward.

Looking Ahead for the Broncos

While the Broncos celebrated their victory against the Raiders, they must address the areas of concern, particularly penalties and dropped passes, that could impact future performances. With the postseason on the horizon, tightening these aspects of their game could be the key to sustaining their winning streak and performing well in the playoffs.