Broncos edge Raiders behind stingy defense for 8-2 start
DENVER — The Denver Broncos are not piling up many style points, but they continue to achieve what matters most — winning. Their 10-7 victory over the struggling Las Vegas Raiders came despite offensive inconsistencies and numerous penalties on both sides.
Defensive strength leads the way
Denver’s defense dominated the game, sacking Geno Smith six times. That performance pushed the team’s season total to 46 sacks — the most any NFL team has recorded in its first 10 games since at least 1990. The defensive unit’s consistency has been the backbone of the Broncos’ 8-2 record, now the best in the league.
“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 Coach Sean Payton.
The win marked the seventh straight for Denver, its longest streak in a decade, while also extending its home winning streak to ten games.
Offense still searching for consistency
Quarterback Bo Nix managed just 150 passing yards with two interceptions and one touchdown. Despite the low offensive output, he recognized the need for improvement going forward.
“At some point, 10 points ain’t going to be enough. We’ve got to find some juice somewhere,” said Bo Nix.
Even with their offensive struggles, the Broncos maintain momentum, relying heavily on their resilient defense to sustain their winning form.
Coach Payton on the big picture
“You search for that Shangri-La. Right now, you know, we’re sitting at eight wins. I think we’re the only team sitting there,” Payton noted, acknowledging the team’s position while emphasizing continued improvement.
With a mix of grit and defensive dominance, the Broncos continue to defy expectations on their path through a strong season start.
Author Summary
The Broncos secured their 8-2 start behind an overpowering defense, overcoming offensive flaws to notch their seventh straight victory under Coach Sean Payton.