Broncos 23, Raiders 3: Denver Dominates in Oakland Once Again

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

For the second consecutive year, the Denver Broncos went into the hostile environment of their bitter rivals the Oakland Raiders and absolutely dominated from start to finish, and they did it with power football all the way to a 23-3 victory

Quick Hits

• The Broncos ran for a season high 215 rushing yards while holding their third straight opponent under 100 yards (95).
• Denver committed its first turnover of the season on a fumble in the third quarter by running back Correll Buckhalter.
• Kyle Orton continues to play smart football, going three games as a Bronco without throwing an interception.
• Brandon Marshall had his first touchdown of the season.
• Knowshon Moreno scored his first rushing touchdown in the NFL.
• The Broncos' defense has decreased in points allowed with each game, holding Cincinnati to seven, Cleveland to six, and Oakland to a mere three points.
• Renaldo Hill and Andre' Goodman, both acquired this offseason from Miami, had their first interceptions as members of the Broncos.
• Elvis Dumervil had two more sacks, increasing his season total to six.
• Bronco punter Brett Kern did not see the field until the fourth quarter.  Denver's offense controlled the game with nearly 13 more minutes of offensive possession.

Scoring Recap

First Quarter

The Broncos drove the ball right down the field on their first drive and failed to convert on a fourth-and-goal from the one yard line.

On their next possession, they did much of the same, driving the ball down the field and this time, they were able to capitalize.  More specifically, Kyle Orton threw a short pass across the middle to Brandon Marshall for a touchdown.

Denver capped off the scoring in the first quarter with a 48 yard field goal from Matt Prater, increasing their lead to 10-0.

Second Quarter

The Raiders started the scoring in the second quarter, much to the dismay of Denver fans who saw a forced fumble by Mario Haggan that could have been recovered by Elvis Dumervil turn into a 3rd-and-16 for the Raiders, and Zach Miller caught his longest pass of the day to put Oakland back in field goal range. 

Sebastian Janikowski connected from 48 yards to put the Raiders on the board, and cut the lead to 10-3.

After an impressive 11 play, 76 yard drive, the Broncos were forced to settle for a Matt Prater field goal, but they took a 13-3 lead into the locker room.

Third Quarter

The third quarter was fairly quiet for both sides, but Knowshon Moreno was able to cap off an eight play, 80 yard Denver drive with his first touchdown in the NFL.

Fourth Quarter

The Broncos had arguably their best drive of the season, lasting 16 plays and 88 yards but they were only able to get three points out of it, increasing their lead to what would eventually be the final score at 23-3.

Analysis

Although not impressive offensively, this was probably the best Bronco performance of the 2009 season.  Their defense was suffocating, allowing a season low 137 total yardage and three points. 

The Bronco offense was not staggering by any means, but they kept their defense fresh, and made only one mistake all game, their first of the season.

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