Broncos Report Card: Poor team effort against Raiders puts playoff hopes on life support – The Denver Post

Offense — F

Quarterback Drew  Lock had his team’s two longest carries of the game (five and six yards) and the Broncos’ 18 rushing yards were tied for the third-lowest in franchise history. Lock was 15-of-22 passing for 153 yards and the only touchdown drive was one yard (Javonte Williams rush), set up by Bradley Chubb’s late second quarter interception. Receiver Jerry Jeudy had two key mistakes — he stopped a route a yard short of the third-down marker and he dropped a pass on another third down. The Broncos were 1 of 10 on third down.

Defense — D

The three turnovers were great — Chubb’s interception, a forced fumble by Shelby Harris (on a sack) and a Mike Purcell fumble recovery. But the Raiders did whatever they wanted in the running game. Las Vegas controlled the clock for 36:37 and rushed for 160 yards. They had two drives of longer than 7 1/2 minutes and they ran out the final 3:54 of the game. Josh Jacobs was terrific, rushing 27 times for 129 yards and Derek Carr was his usual efficient self against the Broncos, completing 20 of his 25 passes for 201 yards. The Raiders were 6 of 12 on third down.

Special teams — C

Brandon McManus had field goals of 49 and 55 (season-high) yards in the first half and missed a 55-yard attempt with the Broncos trailing 14-13. On the missed field goal, McManus appeared livid that the field goal team was sent out late and hurried up the operation. Sam Martin started the day with a 54-yard punt (4.66-second hang time) that was downed at the Raiders’ 4-yard line. Martin averaged 43.4 yards net on five attempts (three inside the 20-yard line).

Coaching — F

One of the worst rushing games in Broncos history (18 yards) and the fewest first downs (eight) in a game in which they had an available quarterback since 1992. A defense that was on the field for nearly 37 minutes and was gashed for 160 yards rushing. The offense was 1 of 10 on third down and the defense allowed Las Vegas to go 6 of 12 and run 27 more plays. The two-hour flight back home to Denver may seem like 22 hours for coach Vic Fangio.

Source: Read Full Article