Denver Broncos: 4 Observations from Loss to Raiders

Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) has the ball stripped by Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack, rear, as defensive end Mario Jr.

“We started throwing the ball a lot at the end of the game, trying to get ourselves in position to win, which caused our tackles to be in some one-on-one [situations]”, Kubiak said. In the four games since Smith was suspended for a full calendar year by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Mack has 29 tackles, nine sacks, four stops behind the line of scrimmage and a forced fumble. Their 10-3 record speaks to the fact that Denver presents a real challenge.

Manning watched the game from the sideline Sunday, the first time he’s done that.

-QB Brock Osweiler absorbed his first loss as the starter despite completing 35 of 51 passes for 308 yards.

Mack also is helping beleaguered Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie with his reputation and job security. Osweiler missed a chance to become the first Broncos signal-caller to win his first four career starts.

It could have been any number of things, but when it all comes down to it, turnovers and the lack of red zone efficiency are killing the Broncos. Raiders punter Marquette King was having a good day and things would get even better as Broncos Emmanuel Sanders muffed the punt and the ball was recovered by Raiders long snapper Jon Condo.

“What you see statistically, it doesn’t really determine whether you think is better or not, but at the same time, I’m going to keep working to get better”. Oakland (6-7) outscored the Broncos 15-0 in the second half. They finished with 34 yards on the ground.

The Denver Broncos held a 12 point lead going into half-time, but wasted it as the Raiders offense mounted a second half rally to overcome their deficit.

Osweiler has gone 3-1 in Manning’s place. Khalil Mack was the main reason why Osweiler didn’t stay undefeated with this Broncos’ team. We don’t need another Baltimore Ravens-style playoff game around here. “We don’t point fingers around here”. It was the only drive that produced more than one first down. He has not scored a touchdown since Week 2.

One sack, two sacks, three sacks …

Denver went three-and-out on two series that began inside its own 20.

The Vikings were already well within range for a game-tying field goal when offensive coordinator Norv Turner called for a pass play to get some more yards. He had four last season as a rookie.

If NFL.com’s Elliot Harrison, who does the site’s Power Rankings each week, felt the desire to move the Broncos down his list this week after a disappointing loss to the Raiders, fine. Sanders is also risky on special teams as a returner.

King will have to make at least one more adjustment before the season is over. This will be a true test for the offensive line that has held up fairly well under pressure this season.

While it might be unreasonable to expect the Raiders to win out against the schedule they have left, it’s absolutely unrealistic to believe they can make it to the playoffs if they lose again. Rivers studied Exercise Physiology and Sports Psychology at Brigham Young University as a student-athlete. The Steelers can’t afford to give the Broncos an opportunity to run the scoreboard.