For the first three quarters, the Denver Broncos performed poorly, allowing the game to slip away as they suffered a 27-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Denver failed to live up to expectations, starting the game without any noticeable energy. Despite the anticipation of a spark after Russell Wilson’s benching, the team fell short. After scoring just 16 points in a previous win, they managed only a touchdown until finding themselves down by three scores in the fourth quarter. The Broncos’ defense faced challenges throughout the game, contributing to an overall disappointing performance. Head Coach Sean Payton has considerable work ahead to strengthen the roster for the upcoming season.
Now, attention turns to free agency for the Broncos.
The final score of the Broncos vs. Raiders game is as follows:
**Denver Broncos:**
– 1st Quarter: 0
– 2nd Quarter: 7
– 3rd Quarter: 0
– 4th Quarter: 7
– **FINAL: 14**
**Las Vegas Raiders:**
– 1st Quarter: 7
– 2nd Quarter: 10
– 3rd Quarter: 0
– 4th Quarter: 10
– **FINAL: 27**
In the first quarter, after three consecutive punt exchanges and the Broncos’ defense forcing a three-and-out with a sack on the initial Raiders drive, the Raiders initiated a successful drive late in the quarter.
Baron Browning sack cellys 😅#EasyToCelebrate | @budlight pic.twitter.com/x4dS3eAacA
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 7, 2024
In the subsequent drive, the Raiders advanced down the field utilizing a short passing strategy and effective interior runs by Zamir White. The drive concluded with a unique play, featuring Jacoby Meyers executing a fake pass attempt, cutting back, and running into the end zone to secure an early lead for Las Vegas.
Raiders 7, Broncos 0.
As the game progressed to the second quarter, the Broncos responded to the Raiders’ scoring drive. The momentum was largely propelled by a 36-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham to Brandon Johnson. However, a sack by Maxx Crosby created a challenging second-and-22 situation. Despite the setback, a swift slant to Jerry Jeudy, followed by an agile run and dodge, resulted in a touchdown, knotting the game at seven.
Jerry Jeudy with the extra effort to get into the end zone and tie things up #Broncospic.twitter.com/AKQZtRT46S
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) January 7, 2024
The Raiders seemed poised to respond with points on their following drive, but Aiden O’Connell fumbled the ball, leading to a recovery by Alex Singleton. However, after a review, the ‘tuck rule’ came into play, overturning the fumble. The Raiders capitalized on the opportunity by kicking a 49-yard field goal to regain the lead.
In the final two minutes of the quarter, the Raider offense executed impressively against Vance Joseph’s defense, driving down for another score. A strategic decision not to assign Pat Surtain to cover Davante Adams in an obvious end zone route proved costly, as Adams broke wide open for a late touchdown, significantly widening the gap in the game.
The scoreboard entering the third quarter read Raiders 17, Broncos 7. The second half saw a continuation of punt exchanges, but Denver had a late opportunity to score in the third quarter. Unfortunately, Jarrett Stidham’s deep ball into the end zone was narrowly batted away at the last second. Additionally, he made two subpar throws on third and fourth downs under pressure, leading to a turnover and giving the Raiders advantageous field position heading into the fourth quarter.
As the fourth quarter commenced, Fabian Moreau appeared to lose coverage on a deep ball to Jacoby Meyer, resulting in a 34-yard touchdown pass that sealed the victory for the Las Vegas Raiders and concluded the Denver Broncos’ 2023 season.
Despite the odds, the Broncos managed to add another touchdown in the final quarter. Impressive pass plays to Brandon Johnson and Jerry Jeudy positioned them with a first-and-goal opportunity. However, it was a direct snap run on fourth-and-goal by Javonte Williams that secured Denver’s second score of the game.
Javonte Williams runs it in from the wildcat formation for a #Broncos touchdownpic.twitter.com/7bhpFo9pDC
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) January 7, 2024
In the final stretch of the game, Denver’s defense struggled to make stops on the Raiders’ subsequent drive, yielding third-down conversions one after another. Las Vegas effectively managed the clock, securing a home victory over the lackluster Broncos team. The Raiders’ field goal with just over two minutes left sealed the outcome.
**Final Score:** Raiders 27, Broncos 14.
**Poll: How would you grade the Broncos’ performance against the Raiders in the season finale?**
– A
– B
– C
– D
– F
**Broncos 2023 Schedule:**
1. 9/10/2023 vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 16-17 (L) – 0-1
2. 9/17/2023 vs. Washington Commanders – 33-35 (L) – 0-2
3. 9/24/2023 at Miami Dolphins – 20-70 (L) – 0-3
4. 10/1/2023 at Chicago Bears – 31-28 (W) – 1-3
5. 10/8/2023 vs. New York Jets – 21-31 (L) – 1-4
6. 10/12/2023 at Kansas City Chiefs (TNF) – 8-19 (L) – 1-5
7. 10/22/2023 vs. Green Bay Packers – 19-17 (W) – 2-5
8. 10/29/2023 vs. Kansas City Chiefs – 24-9 (W) – 3-5
9. 11/5/2023 BYE
10. 11/13/2023 at Buffalo Bills (MNF) – 24-22 (W) – 4-5
11. 11/19/2023 vs. Minnesota Vikings (SNF) – 21-20 (W) – 5-5
12. 11/26/2023 vs. Cleveland Browns – 29-12 (W) – 6-5
13. 12/3/2023 at Houston Texans – 17-22 (L) – 6-6
14. 12/10/2023 at Los Angeles Chargers – 24-7 (W) – 7-6
15. 12/16/2023 at Detroit Lions (Saturday) – 17-42 (L) – 7-7
16. 12/24/2023 vs. New England Patriots (SNF) – 23-26 (L) – 7-8
17. 12/31/2023 vs. Los Angeles Chargers – 16-9 (W) – 8-8
18. 1/7/2024 at Las Vegas Raiders – 14-27 (L) – 8-9
