The Denver Broncos had a defensive and offensive explosion against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday as the Broncos snapped an eight-game losing streak to their longtime AFC rival at home on a very special day in the Mile High City.
In a game that paid homage to teams of yesteryear, the Broncos certainly looked and played the part of the Orange Crush. Here’s a look at the studs and duds from the victory.
Stud: QB Bo Nix
Call it a massive coming-out party for Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, as he had a combined three touchdowns for the first time in his young career. Nix finished the game 19-of-27 for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Nix nearly had a third touchdown pass that went right through the hands of his Oregon college teammate Troy Franklin. Nix also scored a rushing touchdown against the Raiders.
Stud: CB Pat Surtain
Cornerback Pat Surtain had himself a huge game, tying a career-high two interceptions in a game, including a massive 100-yard pick-6 that pulled the Broncos even with the Raiders at 10-10 in the second quarter. Surtain’s other interception in the fourth quarter set up the final Broncos points, putting a big exclamation point on the win.
Stud: CB Riley Moss
After beginning the season opposite star cornerback Pat Surtain, Riley Moss was targeted by opposing quarterbacks multiple times across the first four games. He came fingertips away from saving the Seattle game, but finally got the better of Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew, snagging the first interception of his career.
Dud: First quarter defense
The Broncos’ defense came out looking flat in the first quarter, giving up a three-play touchdown drive that gave fans headaches of what could possibly be coming down the pike. After going down 10-0, the defense adjusted to the Raider offense in a big way.
The rest of the game, the Broncos surely made Hall of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar proud of the way they flew around the field, making huge play after huge play.
Stud: '77 Throwback uniforms
On a week where the Broncos were paying homage to the 1977 team that first went to the Super Bowl in franchise history, Denver embodied the spirit of that Orange Crush team with stifling defense and explosive offense. The throwback uniforms were a huge hit, and the team showed this three-game winning streak isn’t just a fluke: it may be a new normal.
