Broncos’ Defense Carries Team in 10-7 Win Over Raiders Despite Offensive Struggles.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

DENVER — The Denver Broncos are proving that winning matters more than style points. On a windy Thursday night in the Rockies, the Broncos narrowly defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 10-7, relying heavily on their defense while the offense and special teams faltered.

“We’ve got to clean up some of the penalties. We’ve got to clean up the execution, and that is an ongoing thing that probably never ends,” said head coach Sean Payton. “Right now, we’re sitting at eight wins. I think we’re the only team sitting there.” At 8-2, Denver holds the best record in the NFL despite an unpolished performance. The Broncos’ defense, however, was dominant, sacking Raiders quarterback Geno Smith six times and increasing the team’s season total to 46 sacks — the most by any team in the first 10 games since at least 1990.

The win extended Denver’s winning streak to seven games, their longest in a decade, and their home streak to 10 victories. Quarterback Bo Nix admitted the offense needs to improve. “At some point 10 points ain’t going to be enough. We’ve got to score more... We’ve got to find some juice somewhere,” he said after passing for just 150 yards, throwing two interceptions, and one touchdown.The Broncos struggled offensively, committing 11 penalties, converting only 10 first downs, and facing seven three-and-outs in 13 possessions. Despite these difficulties, Denver’s defense did not allow a first down over seven straight Raiders drives and created multiple turnovers, including an interception, a turnover on downs, and a blocked punt. Las Vegas’ final drive ended with a missed field goal. J.L. Skinner blocked AJ Cole’s punt late in the third quarter, setting up the game-winning field goal. “I’m glad his face was there,” said linebacker Alex Singleton. Skinner admitted he didn’t realize the ball hit his facemask until later, calling it “a heads-up play… a head-butt play, honestly.” Wil Lutz converted a 32-yard field goal to break a 7-7 tie with just five seconds left in the third quarter.

The Raiders, who recently traded top receiver Jakobi Meyers, fell to 2-7. Kyu Blue Kelly’s second interception gave Las Vegas a chance late, but Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal, continuing a season of struggles that included a blocked game-winning attempt in Week 4 and a missed extra point last week. “He’s got to kick better. I know it kills him, too,” said Raiders coach Pete Carroll. The Broncos ran out the clock on their final possession, kneeling in victory formation inside the Raiders’ 20-yard line. The game was marked by penalties and slow offensive starts. Denver managed only six yards on six first-quarter plays and trailed 7-0 after Ashton Jeanty’s four-yard touchdown run. The Broncos finally tied the game on a five-play drive that ended with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Nix to Troy Franklin.

Injuries affected both teams. For Las Vegas, RG Jackson Powers-Johnson left with a leg injury, LG Dylan Parham sprained an ankle, and S Tristin McCollum was evaluated for a concussion. Denver saw All-Pro RG Quinn Meinerz leave with an illness, star cornerback Pat Surtain II miss his second consecutive game with a strained pectoral, and several others dealing with injuries.The Broncos will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 16, while the Raiders face the Dallas Cowboys at home on Nov. 17.