The Denver Broncos snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Las Vegas Raiders with a 34-18 win over their division rivals on Sunday. Here are five quick takeaways from the victory.
1. Pat Surtain is a DPOY candidate: After shutting down top wide receivers in the first four games of the season, PS2 had a game-altering 100-yard pick-six against the Raiders on Sunday to help swing the game. He later grabbed a second interception. Surtain is an early contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
2. Javonte Williams is back: Williams struggled in the team’s first three games, but he’s been solid over the last two weeks. After rushing for 77 yards last week, Williams led the Broncos in carries (13), rushing yards (61), receptions (five) and receiving yards (50) on Sunday. He has emerged as a key part of the team’s offense.
3. Riley Moss is a rising star: Surtain gets the spotlight, understandably so, but Moss has also been brilliant this season. The first-year starter is not only holding up in coverage but excelling in coverage, and he secured his first career interception against the Raiders in Week 5.
4. Bo Nix’s sideline outburst was not a bad thing: After failing to connect with Troy Franklin on a deep pass in the third quarter, Nix was caught on camera in a heated exchange with coach Sean Payton on the sideline. The Broncos scored two more touchdowns after that incident and Payton did not seem bothered by the QB’s fiery outburst. “He works his tail off and I am that way [too],” Payton said. All good between coach and QB.
5. The Broncos might be legit: The two teams that beat Denver this season are a combined 6-4 and the Broncos have now won three straight games, putting the team into the early playoff hunt. With an impressive defense and Nix trending up, Denver suddenly looks like the real deal.
Up next for the Broncos is another home game against a division rival, this time against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6.
