Below are some key (non-scoring) plays from Denver’s 26-13 win at Oakland:
Third-and-5 from the Denver 37, 13:50 to play in first quarter:
On the first possession of the game, the Broncos needed an early third-down conversion to keep the drive going. After the first two plays went for 5 yards, quarterback Peyton Manning’s pass for tight end Jacob Tamme hit the turf, and it appeared like the team would have to punt. But, a yellow flag flew in from the secondary and the resulting defensive holding penalty against the Raiders kept the Broncos offense on the field.
Third-and-6 from the Denver 46, 13:10 to play in the first quarter:
Three plays after the penalty, the Broncos were faced with another third down. This time, Manning completed a pass to wide receiver Eric Decker for a 16-yard pickup into Raiders territory and keep the drive alive.
Third-and-10 from the Oakland 38, 11:47 to play in the first quarter:
After two incompletions followed the 16-yard pass to Decker, it was third down again at the edge of field goal range. Manning came through with another completion, this time to running back Knowshon Moreno for a gain of 26 yards. Two plays later Manning hits tight end Joel Dreessen in the end zone to give the Broncos a 7-0 lead.
Fourth-and-6 from the Oakland 24, 10:02 to play in the first quarter:
The Broncos defense forced a three-and-out on the Raiders first possession, but almost coughed up the football on the ensuing punt. Cornerback Tony Carter fell on the loose ball, and the offense drove down the field and added three more points to their lead.
First-and-10 from the Denver 22, 3:06 to play in the first quarter:
After quarterback Carson Palmer found WR Rod Streater for a 58-yard gain, cornerback Champ Bailey turned momentum back in the Broncos’ favor.
First-and-10 from the Oakland 28, 8:42 to play in the second quarter:
With the Broncos threatening to add to their 13-0 lead, Manning’s pass was intercepted by cornerback Phillip Adams in the end zone for a Raiders touchback. Oakland converted that turnover into a touchdown to cut the Broncos lead to 13-7 just before halftime.
Third-and-13 from the Denver 47, 12:36 to play in the third quarter:
The Broncos defense stopped the Raiders from getting any momentum going on their opening possession of the second half with a third-down stop. After a 36-yard run by Darren McFadden on the Raiders’ first play of the half, the drive stalled and punter Shane Lechler came on to punt.
Third-and-6 from the Oakland 12, 5:50 to play in the third quarter:
Linebacker Von Miller burst through the Raiders offensive line to strip-sack Palmer, and defensive tackle Mitch Unrein pounced on the fumble at the Oakland 2-yard line. Two plays later, the Broncos expanded their lead to 23-7 on a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Moreno.
Tags: Key Plays, Oakland Raiders, Week 14
Very good win on the road, against a division rival, who had an emotional lift, on a short week. I can’t say enough about Knowshon Moreno. He’s clearly gotten a bad reputation with fans, but the kid has grown up, worked hard, paid his dues, started from the bottom, and worked his way back to the top. That right there means something in my book.
The thing that impresses me the most about Knowshon is how he is handling himself on the field. No more celebrating first downs, he just pops up after a run and goes back for more. I hope he keeps it up, I think he’s a good kid, who just had a tough go at it the first time around.
And kudos to John Elway for keeping the former regimes underachieving 1st round pick around for another shot, most GM’s would completely clear house, to make room for “their guy.” I’m still scratching my head trying to find the massive ego of John Elway that so many were concerned with…
Morning OT!
Yup, a hard fought victory in enemy territory. How can anyone complain about that.
Kudos to Moreno on a heck of a game. Not only running the ball, but catching it as well. 167 all purpose yards is impressive. I’ve been a harsh critic of his for a while but I have to give him props for the way he’s handled himself this year. Hopefully he has grown up, and his game has as well. Keep it up Knowshon, we’re gonna need this type of effort game in and game out.
And in a fews blogs back, I have to disagree with HandofDoom that Manning was horrible. Sure we left a lot of points off the board, but we did control the clock for almost 40 minutes…..so obviously it couldn’t have been too bad. We moved the ball and kept the other O off the field. Did we even have a 3 and out? I don’t think that’s even an argument.
Now this sets the stage for a massive game in Baltimore against the OVER-RATED Ravens. If we can contain Rice, we’ll be able to fluster Flacco and force him to make some poor decisions. I also think Manning can pick that D apart. I’ll def be cheering for the Texans to beat the Pats on Sunday.
GO BRONCOS!
it seem like it takes Knowshon Moreno years to get through a running lane on each carry. hes a good back but awfully slow on hitting the holes
Actually nasty…….that’s one thing that’s improved with Moreno’s game……he’s being patient and letting the holes develop. Before he would just run straight ahead and into the lineman’s back for a loss.
I also think that if that were DT on that route and not Willis, DT would’ve made the adjustment and the catch. Just my opinion……Willis is no DT.
Yeah Moreno has grown leaps and bounds as I already alluded to when he first came back. Once again imo it’s due to his time spent with the scouting team. He simply had to emulate other running backs therefore he saw and learned how they operate, which is settle down, wait for your blocks to develop and hit the holes forward without all that helter skelter non sense. And he has also learned to act like he has been there, no more stupid celebration for small stuff. Funniest part last night though was when he scored the TD on the one yard run and he celebrated like he had never done that, because with all the third and fourth and ones he couldn’t muster in his career that felt like the elephant was finally off his shoulders.
Other than that typical intra division game, much tougher than the majority expected even so the Raiders can’t score if their life depended on it. Had a good feel for it with my 24-17 prediction, 6 points off.
Oh I remember I saw DJ once this time, even with Woodyard out so many said it would be his time to go, think again, haha!
To reiterate for the ones who don’t read all the posts, I have no problem accepting Moreno with open arms now that he has learned his position and is producing because other than the one DUI mistake he has been clean with no major character issues, so GO MORENO, looks like you are buying yourself a new lease on Bronco life. Now DJ is a completely different animal, he is going to have to produce like Miller and act like Tebow before I ever warm up to him, LOL.
Prediction:
Moreno will be a Bronco in 2013
DJ won’t.
Or actually it’s more of a wish.
A small thing I appreciated last night was on that final drive, manning threw that short cross route to pick up a first down. It was great to see the O put a pass in the mix when trying to close out the game.
I agree bay……..the Broncos decision to keep Moreno around this season is def paying dividens now and I think he’s starting to prove he’s worth keeping around next year as well.
Hey there kod, long time. Too bad we still have no hockey, but I think I’d happily trade it in every year, if it meant our Broncos would be this relevant!
I’m not saying Knowshon is the second coming of Gale Sayers, all I’m saying is he looks to be turning his career around, and he is contributing to the team. People seem to forget, that the NFL draft is a complete crap shoot. The Von Miller’s, RG3′s, and Doug Martin’s of the world are the exception – not the rule. The amount of draft ‘misses’ completely outnumbers the amount of draft ‘hits.’
Given Knowshon’s draft status, he could have thrown a fit when put on the scout team, and demanded a trade. He did none of that, and rather shut his mouth, and put his head down and went to work, and this should be recognized IMO.
Peyton threw for 36 and Knowshon and Hillman carried it for 36. Balanced. Exactly what we want! GO BRONCOS!
Knowshon looked to get better as the game went on, this is a sign of maturity. All the Greats get better after 10 or so runs, but I didn’t expect 36 touches. Knowshon got me 21 points in my FFL GO KNOWSHON ! ! !
The D really missed Woodyard, but Trevathon played well when He had the chance. And did you see Steven Johnson!?! Awesome!
I loved seeing Unrien in the Jumbo FB position, thats gotta scare the D…
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Thank you guys/gals for everything you write. Whether I agree or not with every comment, it is especially important to have these reports. It has been difficult to see the whole games this year and I missed the Raiders entirely. Reading these broncos blogs helps a lot and saves the misery of not being able to see it live.
I know the NFL is all about professionalism and hard truths, but you gotta admit we been blessed with some luck. I never expected Moreno to do this well. I like to think that the class of the organization has something to do with bringing out the best in people. There are a lot of really classy people with the Broncos!
Go Broncos
Yeah OT, I’ve been so busy with my pipefitting trade in school and my family I haven’t had as much of a chance to blog. Try to read up as much as possible tho.
I think the hockey season is done, but I’m with you……..with our Broncos playing like this, it makes it easier to deal with.
I’m thinking I’ll be finally getting points this week. Predicted 27-13, 1 point off.
By the way! time to brag about the only starter in the whole NFL from my State. Go Mitch Unrien!
Hey whack, you could at least listen to the games on line with this link.
http://www.850koa.com/main.html
Great win last night in the black hole! Great to see Demaryius come up w/ clutch catch in 3rd qtr!
Kudos to Knoshon Moreno for working hard and staying focused. No doubt spending time on the scout Team was a humbling experience for him. Also kudos to Coach Studesville for not giving up on him and keeping him focused.
Loved his catch out of the backfield on first drive for 26 yds and help set up the 1st TD!
Big plays by Miller & Champ on D!!!
GO BRONCOS!!!!
What’s rbf1 – it’s almost draft time! Lol
For record, I’m not (nor should anyone else) anoint Moreno for anything. No one knows what the future holds for him, and if he gets hurt again, so be it. All I know is his behavior and work ethic this season thus far has earned my respect.
Gotta run..
*what’s up
*For the record
Yikes… Now I’m out. Lol
I am really glad to see so many people pulling for Moreno but I for one am a little hesitant. After all the Raiders do have the 30th ranked run defense. That leaves only two teams worse than them, Jacksonville and New Orleans. Ok, ok, before you all jump down my throats I do realize he did have 69 yard against the TB defense but I would still like to see just a few more games. I do agree that he has learned to be a patient runner instead of just running full speed ahead into the lineman. It is obvious that he has improved as a runner since coming into the league. Still I cross my fingers and hope that I am wrong to be so hesitant. One more point, can he stay healthy?
@whack. I will do a shout out with you. No place like Wyoming.
What’s up OT … yeah draft time just around the corner….lol!
Sorry kod, I know most of you will disagree with me on that one. But I live in Indiana and I have been forced to watch Peyton Manning on many a Sunday for the last bazillion years when I couldn’t watch the Denver game. He doesn’t have it this year I am sorry to say. He has no guts. there isn’t a rookie qb in the league that doesn’t throw those long balls. there was literally no one in front of our reciever and it’s a home run if you connect…. and he checks it down to moreno underneath with a guy 3 yards away waiting to make the tackle. I was dissapointed to say the least. Those are the types of plays that win big playoff games, you make them you win, you miss them you lose.. you too afraid to throw them.. why are you even there.
Handofdoom – despite what you saw from Manning in the past he will never produce exactly the same again after his operations. He may not have the same long ball or same delivery but he still moved the offence at will at points in this game….. Just came up short in the red zone where you have no use for a 60 yard bomb (that would just land in the terraces)..
DJ was tied for the team Lead in Tackles, for anyone that missed the stats blog a couple back
I to am from Indiana though living in Chicago now. I’ve been a manning fan sense he was at Tenn. You provide one example where instead of going for the guy down the field he threw to Moreno underneath. That could be that he didn’t feel he could get the ball to the guy over the top or it could be that he was flushed out of the pocket and didn’t see the guy was open. Even the greats don’t see them all in all scenario’s. From what I’ve seen of him this year he is not in any way “without guts”. Just look at that pass to DT in the endzone! The guy was double covered!!! Sure it came up incomplete with a flag for interference but that shows trust and guts to me.
As for this feeling of him not being able to throw the long ball….I’ve actually been impressed with how many long balls he has thrown this year. While my memory isn’t great I don’t remember him throwing even close to this many deep throws in 2009 or 2010.
Handofdoom u sound like a hatter get of this blog . Who is your team cause all I heard about Payton From the announcers . Was that he is having one of his best years . Watching him is like watching Michel Jordan go to work . They both are the best ever to play there game. So go somewhere with that none sense . And let by gones be by gones, and start appreciating that u got to see the best ever play in your time here on earth . What a loser looking for attention ! Lol had to do it this is your second stupid post .
well DOOM, I’ll still disagree with you. We are 2nd in the league with gains over 20 yards and up there with gains of 40 yards.
I realize that Manning might not be as explosive as he was in Indy……..I mean he is older and he did go though neck surgeries. He’s evolving his game and still figuring out what he can and cannot do….and slinging it deep all the time is not what he’s about.
But hey, he’s been keeping the clock moving, he’s scored 30 TD’s and he’s raised the level of competition in our organization tenfold.
So while he might not seem like the same Manning to you, that’s fine. But what he’s done for our team is totally awesome and the ride is far from over so why don’t ya just sit back and see where it takes us before saying he’s a disappointment.
WhackMack… There is one other Wyoming Cowboy Starter in the NFL and it’s Malcom Floyd WR in SD
While Manning did miss WRs over the top and dumped it off for a few of them he was pushed out of the pocket or had pressure in his face.
Anyways what needs to change is the 2 TDs in 6 attempts (technically 7 but the 7th was the last drive to wind down the clock) One of those TDs was on the goalline. We also missed a goaline TD as well. We need to be able to drive like we were AND score the TD in order go deep into the playoffs.
Our run game was good. I love Morenos patience to wait for the hole to open then busts off for a 5+ yard gain, but he also waits to long at times and leads to a small gain or a TFL.
Right before the play were Champ picked the ball off I turned to my dad and said Champs going to get the pick right here. No way he said if he does ill give you 100$. Well that 100$ is going to buy Christmas presents now lol
New Blog…
Peyton is playing like Peyton… the man is simply one of the very best to ever play. Second best of his generation and top 10 all time. I’ll move him up that list when his career playoff record goes above .500. DOOM, really nothing to complain about from what I saw of Peyton, I was hesitant to jump on the Bandwagon, but once he proved he was healthy and the stem cells did their thing regenerating Nerve Cells I’m as happy as a guy can be with him!!!
VON MANNING FOOTBALL 2012!!! BEAT THE PATS!!!
What up AB! Congrats on your 100 bones!
BT glad to see you on board lol
Denver is the only team to have a player being talked about for MVP OPOY (Both Manning) and DPOY
Dont’ forget Comeback player of the year as well AB… I never hated on Mannings talent, so I feel good about cheering for him now that he has proven he is still everything he was before