Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders: A Defensive Showdown

Date: November 6, 2025
Authors: Jeff Legwold & Ryan McFadden
Published by: ESPN

A Tightly Contested Battle at Empower Field

In a gripping defensive struggle, the Denver Broncos clinched their seventh consecutive victory, edging out the Las Vegas Raiders with a final score of 10-7 at Empower Field at Mile High. This match showcased the prowess of the Broncos’ defense, which consistently pressured Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, sacking him six times and limiting Las Vegas to a mere 10 first downs.

Scoring Breakdown

The game started cautiously, with the Broncos struggling to find rhythm offensively. It wasn’t until 2:41 left in the first half that they broke the scoring drought, tying the game after Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin for a touchdown. The Raiders managed to score first, thanks to rookie running back Ashton Jeanty’s touchdown, but missed opportunities, including a failed 48-yard field goal attempt by Daniel Carlson, proved costly for them.

Defensive Dominance

The standout aspect of the game was undoubtedly the Broncos’ defense. They not only sacked Smith but also stymied the Raiders’ offensive flow throughout the game. While the Raiders put together a brief scoring drive, the Broncos’ defense quickly reasserted itself, holding Las Vegas to only 186 yards in total, which included five sacks in the first half alone.

Offensive Struggles for Both Teams

Offensively, the Broncos had a rough outing, failing to secure their first first down until late in the second quarter. They recorded a staggering seven three-and-outs and turned the ball over with an interception during a crucial moment. Nix, despite the victory, struggled with his accuracy, finishing with 150 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

For Las Vegas, Smith’s performance mirrored that of Nix—serviceable but hindered by pressure and mistakes. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards but also faced challenges with two critical interceptions. The lack of running game support compounded Smith’s difficulties, as he continuously faced relentless pressure from the Broncos’ front seven.

Coaching and Strategy

Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s offensive play-calling came under scrutiny, particularly regarding sequencing and a conservative approach in the first half. With a dismal six rushing attempts, questions arose regarding the team’s commitment to establish the run early on. Decisions like having wide receiver Courtland Sutton throw a pass during a third-and-short situation instead of opting for a straightforward run also raised eyebrows.

Conversely, the Raiders’ rookie wide receivers faced their share of trials, committing penalties and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Calls against Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. negated potential big plays, further highlighting the team’s youth and inexperience.

Crunch Time and Missed Opportunities

As the game approached its climax, a critical moment came when Broncos safety JL Skinner blocked a punt from the Raiders’ AJ Cole. This resulted in a favorable turnover that allowed Denver to take the lead with a late field goal. The Raiders failed to respond adequately, and the Broncos’ defense once again proved to be the bedrock of their victory.

Looking Ahead

With this win, the Broncos improved to 8-2 and now face a crucial AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Raiders, grappling with inconsistencies and costly errors, will look to regroup before their next matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

Both teams have key aspects to scrutinize moving forward, especially the Broncos’ defensive legacy as they seek to break the NFL sack record established by the 1984 Chicago Bears.

The game is a striking testament to the importance of defense in football, illustrating that while offensive fireworks may dazzle, it’s often the unsung heroes on defense that lead their teams to victory.