Broncos-Raiders: A Disturbing Reality in Denver

As the final seconds tick away of the Denver Broncos' game against the Raiders today, the players must think about why this keeps happening.

Why do they have inspiring, statement wins against teams that they are not supposed to beat, and then get their proverbial "butts" kicked by teams who are clearly worse then them?

The Raiders have not scored more than 23 points in a game all season, and today they scored 31. They had not scored an offensive touchdown in their last three games, and today they scored three.

The Falcons came into Oakland and walked all over them, and then the Raiders came into Denver and walked all over the Broncos.

Losing games they are supposed to be winning is becoming a disturbing reality for the Broncos.

The Broncos do not have any excuses for today's embarrassment. The offensive line played up to their normal standard, not allowing any sacks. The turnovers hurt them, but did not doom them as in other weeks. The Raiders simply looked like they "wanted it more."

I know that that is cliche', and that it was the slogan for last year's super bowl, but it is a factor in all sporting contests. Who wants it more? The Broncos seem to lack that intensity in games like this; games that they think they will win.

Denver is a young team, overall. The younger players have a lot of heart and resiliency. The one thing they do lack, though, is that greater perspective of the opponent.

You have to go into every game thinking that the other team has just as much of a chance to beat you as you have to beat them. Teams who think they will win easily, mentally think that they will win, almost never do.

We have seen this before. Week four, in Kansas City. Week nine, against Miami, and this week, against Oakland. As a fan, it is very frustrating. Games that you think you will enjoy watching you end up sick to your stomach. When watching games you think your team will lose horribly, and they end up winning, you feel exuberant.

Credit should go to the Raiders this week. They came in with nobody expecting to see them win. Nobody even expected them to get an offensive touchdown. The high powered Broncos offense would open up a lead on them within the first 10 minutes, like they did in the season opener. They ignored all that, and they clearly wanted this win more.

Going forward from here, all Bronco fans are cheering for the Colts to win in San Diego. The Broncos are now 6-5, and the Chargers 4-6.

If the Chargers win, it's a race for the West once again.

If the Chargers lose, the Broncos will still have a comfortable lead, but they must play the Jets in New York. The Jets now look like the strongest team in the AFC after knocking off the mighty Titans.

The Broncos should be nervous about that game,  but with the way things are going for them, who knows?