Broncos Edge Raiders Behind Strong Defense for 8-2 Start
Denver Broncos' defense dominated, sacking Geno Smith six times to compensate for inconsistent performances from their offense and special teams in a 10-7 victory marked by numerous penalties from both teams.
Defensive Domination Secures Win
Despite a rough offensive night, the Broncos' defense pushed their season sack total to 46, the highest in the first 10 games of an NFL season since at least 1990. This strong defensive effort helped Denver extend their winning streak to seven games, the longest in a decade, and a 10-game home winning streak.
Coach Sean Payton on Team Performance
“We’ve got to clean up some of the penalties. We’ve got to clean up the execution and that is an ongoing thing that probably never ends,” said Coach Sean Payton after the game. “You search for that Shangri-La. Right now, you know, we’re sitting at eight wins. I think we’re the only team sitting there.”
Quarterback Bo Nix's Reflections
“Yeah, we’ve got to do better. At some point, 10 points ain’t going to be enough. … We’ve got to find some juice somewhere,” Broncos quarterback Bo Nix said after throwing for 150 yards, two interceptions, and one touchdown pass.
With an 8-2 record, the Broncos currently have the NFL’s best standing despite the imperfect play, relying heavily on their defense to carry them through tough conditions at home in the Rocky Mountains.
Author’s summary: The Denver Broncos rely on their formidable defense to maintain the NFL's best record at 8-2, overcoming offensive struggles and penalty issues to secure a key win over the Raiders.