Broncos Falter in Payton’s Debut, Fall 17-16 to Raiders
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
The Sean Payton Era got off to a disappointing start on Sunday, as the Denver Broncos lost a close game to their archrival Las Vegas Raiders.
The game was a classic defensive battle, marked by the remarkably low amount of drives each team had on offense. For Las Vegas, the win is an exciting and unexpected start to the season. The Broncos were heavily favored to win the contest, but the Raiders came into Denver and gutted out a victory to spoil the Broncos’ home opener.
For Denver, it’s a stunning and discouraging start to their campaign. After an offseason of seemingly endless hype surrounding the team and their new-look offense, the Broncos failed to score 20 points against the Raiders defense - the same defense that was one of the league’s worst last year. That said, it wasn’t a bad offensive showing for Denver. The most important player on the offense, quarterback Russell Wilson, had a very efficient day, completing 79 percent of his passes and recording two passing touchdowns. Still, the Broncos only put up 16 points and Wilson only recorded 177 passing yards- numbers that will rarely yield high-scoring games.
After an excellent preseason, second-year corner Damarri Mathis had a poor showing in the first game of the year. Photo Credit: Justin Edmonds, Getty Images
Denver’s lauded defense also had an underwhelming day. While they only yielded 17 points, the Raiders seemed to give the Broncos more than they bargained for on that side of the ball, and the defense never seemed to have things under control. Among those who struggled the most on Sunday was second-year corner Damarri Mathis. The Broncos’ CB2 was targeted 9 times and gave up 8 receptions, in addition to almost 100 yards in coverage.
Less than a year after his horrific injury, Javonte Williams made his return to the field. Photo Credit: Jack Dempsey, AP Photo
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for Denver. Despite the defense’s mediocre day, they did dominate on the ground, holding 2022 rushing champion Josh Jacobs to less than 50 yards. Javonte Williams’ return from injury also went as well as Broncos fans could have hoped; Denver’s young running back clearly had some rust to shake off, but appears to have retained his explosiveness and physical running style. His workload figures to only get bigger from here.
The Broncos will have their chance to rebound next week when they face the Commanders in Washington. If they want to increase their offensive production, it won’t come easy against the young and talented Commanders defense.
