Broncos Edge Raiders Behind Strong Defense for 8-2 Start
Denver overwhelmed Geno Smith with six sacks to compensate for inconsistent offense and special teams, securing a 10-7 victory marked by frequent penalties from both teams.
Broncos’ Tough Defense Secures Victory
The Denver Broncos may not impress with their style, but they focus on outscoring their opponents regardless of the game's appearance. Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized the need to reduce penalties and improve execution after a narrow win against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders.
“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 Payton.
The Broncos currently hold the NFL’s best record at 8-2, standing alone in that position despite not appearing dominant in a windy Rocky Mountain game.
Record-Breaking Defensive Performance
Denver’s defense, which sacked Geno Smith six times, boosted their season sack total to 46—more than any team has recorded in the first 10 games since at least 1990. This defensive effort powered the Broncos to their seventh consecutive win, their longest streak in ten years, while extending their home winning streak to 10 games.
Quarterback’s Reflections on the Game
Quarterback Bo Nix acknowledged the team’s limitations, throwing for only 150 yards, with two interceptions and one touchdown pass, while stressing the need to improve the offense.
“Yeah, we’ve got to do better. At some point, 10 points ain’t going to be enough. … We’ve got to find some juice somewhere,” Nix said.
Author’s Summary: The Broncos rely on an exceptional defense to maintain their league-leading 8-2 record, but must improve penalties and offensive efficiency to keep winning.