The Denver Broncos managed to extend their winning streak to seven games on Thursday, their longest since 2015. However, it was far from pretty in a 10-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite the victory, Denver’s offense struggled mightily, finishing with just 10 first downs, two turnovers, and moving backward on the final drive before Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal. According to NFL Research, the Broncos became only the third team since 2000 to win a game while scoring 10 or fewer points, gaining 10 or fewer first downs, and committing multiple turnovers.
“We’ve got to find some juice somewhere,” running back J.K. Dobbins said after the game. “The defense is carrying us right now. We’ve got to do our part.”
Both offenses were equally stagnant. Denver and Las Vegas each recorded 10 first downs and 11 penalties, marking just the second time since 1950 that both teams in a game had more penalties than first downs.
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 heading into the season’s second half.
