The Denver Broncos lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 32-23 on the road in Week 4 of the 2022 NFL season, dropping to 2-2 on the season. Here are five quick takeaways from the defeat.
1
Josh McDaniels seems to still have beef with the Broncos
The family that fired Josh McDaniels in 2010 no longer owns the team and not many staff members remain from the McDaniels era. But the coach still seemingly wanted to prove a point against the Broncos, opting to attempt an onside kick in the second quarter when the Raiders were winning 10-7. The onside attempt failed, but McDaniels did ultimately get a win against his former team.
2
Denver's run defense is a concern
The Broncos’ defense looked excellent through three weeks, but it wasn’t truly tested going up against a trio of underwhelming offenses. On Sunday, Denver allowed Josh Jacobs to rush 28 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns and receiver Davante Adams caught nine passes for 101 yards. That’s an alarming sign for the defense, especially with Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor up next.
3
Melvin Gordon's fumble essentially cost the game
Gordon didn’t receive a carry until late in the second quarter and on his first touch, he fumbled and the Raiders returned it for a touchdown. Before his fumble, the game was tied 10-10 and Denver’s offense was driving. After the fumble, the Broncos had to try to play catchup the rest of the game. Gordon has now fumbled in five-straight games dating back to last season. He’s been a huge liability.
4
Denver's in trouble if Javonte Williams misses any games
Williams left Sunday’s game in the second quarter with a knee injury and he was seen after the game using crutches. That likely puts his status for Thursday in doubt, and fans will hope it’s not the kind of injury that will sideline him well beyond Week 5. If Williams does miss any games, the Broncos will have to rely on the unreliable Gordon and third-string running back Mike Boone, who dropped a pass that would have helped Denver’s slim comeback chances against the Raiders.
5
Russell Wilson wasn't the problem in Las Vegas
Wilson wasn’t perfect, but he’s not the reason Denver lost to the Raiders. The veteran quarterback threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first half and then rushed for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, helping keep the Broncos in the game. Gordon’s fumble and the defense’s inability to get a stop prevented Denver from getting a win over their division rival.
