The Denver Broncos managed to extend their winning streak to seven games on Thursday, the longest since 2015. However, it was far from pretty in a 10-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite the win, Denver’s offense struggled mightily, finishing with just ten first downs, two turnovers and moving points. backwards on the final drive before Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal. According to NFL Research, the Broncos became just the third team since 2000 to win a game while scoring 10 or fewer points, getting 10 or fewer first downs and committing multiple turnovers.
“We’ve got to find some juice somewhere,” running back JK Dobbins said after the game. “The defense is carrying us now. We have to do our part.”
Both offenses stagnated equally. Denver and Las Vegas each recorded 10 first downs and 11 penalties, marking only the second time since 1950 that both teams had more penalties than first downs in a game.
Still, head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Geno Smith (who threw for just 143 yards) were relieved to escape with the win, even if it came with boos from the home crowd.
“I’ve been booed before and I’ll be booed again,” Payton said with a shrug.
The Broncos improved to 8-2, but their offense remains a glaring concern in the second half of the season.
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