Oakland Raiders make a statement with big win over the Denver Broncos
The Oakland Raiders knew exactly what area of the game to exploit as they victimized the Broncos run defence, ranked 30th in the NFL, for 328 yards and five touchdowns for a huge 59-14 win on Sunday, 24 October.
The Raiders' top rusher Darren McFadden led the way with 165 yards on 16 carries with four touchdowns (one receiving), including a 57-yard run for a touchdown late in the third quarter.
The Raiders also managed to hold quarterback Kyle Orton and the Broncos high flying passing game to under 200 yards, forcing three turnovers.
Orton's only interception of the day occurred on the Broncos first offensive play and was returned for a touchdown by Chris Johnson, making it 14-0 early in the first quarter.
The Broncos turned the ball over for the second time in as many plays when Demaryius Thomas fumbled the ball. The Raiders recovered and once again, were able to convert the turnover into seven points.
Just over 20 minutes into the game and the Broncos were staring at a 38-0 deficit.
With the prospects of a miracle comeback seeming unlikely, the Broncos hoped to salvage some pride by putting together a couple of 60-yard drives for touchdowns, but the Raiders made a statement by scoring three more touchdowns in the third quarter.
The Raiders shocking start, jumping out to a huge lead, surprised everybody.
"You blinked and looked up and it was out of hand," Denver defensive back Nate Jones said.
Winning in convincing fashion has many people among the Raiders, who have struggled in the NFL over recent seasons, believing that this win could spark a turnaround.
"When you win a game, it's like, 'OK, we won, let's go onto the next one,'" Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. "Now, this one, it's like, 'We won and we won convincingly. Let's let this build into a momentum swing for us."'
The Raiders will be happy about winning a crucial divisional matchup in the AFC West, especially since most teams appear to be struggling. Currently in second place behind the Kansas City Chiefs, they host the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday.
The Broncos now fall to 2-5 on the season and have given up 199 points – only the Jacksonville Jaguars have conceded more.
They travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers, who are at an abysmal 1-6 this season. The 49ers are a team the Broncos will feel they have to beat if they hope to contend for a play-off spot.
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