Bo Nix, Sean Payton Criticized as Broncos Offense Struggles in TNF Win vs. Raiders

The Denver Broncos became the first NFL team to reach eight wins this season after surviving a rock fight with their AFC West rival Las Vegas Raiders 10-7.

Neither offense did much at all, while the defenses were consistently powerful and made big plays. Of note, Denver's defense had six sacks en route to an NFL-leading 46 sacks for the year.

This was a bit of a surprising offensive result for the Broncos, who sported an above-average scoring unit (25.0 PPG, good enough for 14th in the NFL) leading into Thursday. Meanwhile, the now 2-7 Raiders have struggled defensively (26.3 PPG allowed through nine weeks, 23rd in the league).

Quarterback Bo Nix had an off-night, completing 16-of-28 passes for 150 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The run game was largely dormant outside the final drive and ultimately finished with just 3.1 yards per carry (84 yards on 27 rushes).

Denver went three-and-out on its first four drives, gaining just 17 total yards. The Broncos did bounce back on drive No. 5, when Nix found ex-Oregon teammate Troy Franklin for a seven-yard touchdown.

However, the Broncos' offense reverted back to its early game struggles. Denver's final first-half drive ended Nix throwing an interception to Kyu Blu Kelly.

The second half was even uglier. Denver started with a three-and-out before missing a 59-yard field goal short on its second drive. The Broncos then proceeded to gain just one total yard over its next four drives.

However, one of those drives ended with a Lutz 32-yard field goal after getting a short field. JL Skinner blocked an AJ Cole punt that was recovered by Tyler Badie, giving Denver the ball at the Las Vegas 12-yard line.

The Broncos then had another three-and-out before a second Kyu Blu Kelly interception.

However, despite having many chances, the Raiders couldn't break through for more points after running back Ashton Jeanty scored a first quarter touchdown.

Daniel Carlson tried for a 48-yard field goal with 4:30 remaining, but it sailed wide right. The Broncos then saved its longest drive for last to run out the clock thanks to good runs by J.K. Dobbins and a Nix 18-yard pass to Franklin.

And with that, the Broncos survived another week.

If you're looking at the glass half-empty, there are some serious question marks about the offense, especially after a rough performance.

Denver has had some below-average offensive games this year (13-11 win versus the now 1-7 New York Jets; zero points through three quarters before a 33-point outburst against the now 2-7 New York Giants; 20-12 win over the 1-7 Tennessee Titans). The 10-7 win over the 2-7 Raiders doesn't inspire confidence, and fans and analysts had comments on what they saw.

If you're looking at the glass half-full, Nix and Payton are leading an 8-2 team that should be heading to the playoffs barring a monumental second-half collapse. And Denver could grab a great victory next week over the rival 5-4 Kansas City Chiefs, the three-time defending AFC champions.

For now, the team can enjoy some rest for the remainder of the week before looking forward to that game, which will take place on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4:25 p.m. ET in Denver.