It was, by all accounts orange and blue, a good time had by all.
The Broncos brought the hammer down on the Raiders, 23-3, Sunday afternoon in Oakland. What little there was of the Silver and Black before the blowout, undoubtedly nothing remained after. It was a team effort of terrific proportions.
“We talked all week about needing to play well in three phases in order to beat this team at home,” Broncos’ head coach Josh McDaniels told 850 KOA after the game. “We got a great effort by our kicking units, did a nice job defensively stopping the run (and) creating some turnovers and offensively dominated the time of possession.”
I’ll dispense of the obligatory “it was just the Raiders” preface and get right to the point: The Broncos have played pretty well to this point in the season.
That trend continued Sunday as they ran their record to 3-0. All the Broncos can do is beat the team that is on the schedule that week. They not only did that, but I thought continued to show improvement, even though it is tough to get a true measure of just how much improvement given the opposition was the Raiders.
Still, the Broncos showed me a few things that suggest they are becoming a team.
1 – They seem to have the makings of what could be a great defense. Against Oakland, the Broncos allowed three points, gave up only 137 yards of total offense and 42 net yards passing, forced three turnovers and collected three sacks. They certainly come close to numbers like that in either meeting against the Raiders a year ago.
I realize that the Broncos’ have faced Cleveland and Oakland, two teams with offenses that hardly have a pulse. But they still went out and crushed them. They got the job done.
Cincinnati’s offense seems to be better than what it showed in the season opener against the Broncos. I don’t know how good the Bengals are, but I know the Broncos held them to seven points and controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the game.
“Any time you don’t let them score more than six or seven points in a game, you have a great opportunity to win it,” McDaniels told 850 KOA on Sunday. “We know that will be tough to keep that pace up. We play a lot of good football teams coming up. But we feel we have a good defense. Those guys believe in each other and believe in what we’re doing.”
I believe, too.
2 – The Broncos’ running game can be downright scary. Correll Buckhalter rushed for 108 yards against Oakland and Knowshon Moreno added another 90 yards and a touchdown. The Broncos racked up 215 rushing yards and through three games are averaging nearly 160 yards rushing per game.
Assuming they stay healthy, Buckhalter and Moreno are going to be a great one-two punch. They are both talented but also different types of runners. And there is nothing like having at least two guys to whom you can turn every game.
“It allows us to stay fresh,” Buckhalter told 850 KOA. “We have no complaints. Whoever is in there, me, Knowshon or LaMont (Jordan), we’re going to get the job done.”
So far they have. If they continue to do so at this pace, the Broncos will win plenty.
3 – The special teams are making a difference. The Broncos kickoff return unit is allowing an average of 21.8 yards per return with a long return of 31 yards. The punt coverage team is giving up an average of 10.0 yards per return with a long of 17 yards.
No longer are we seeing the Broncos get gashed on special teams. They are more than holding their own, thus forcing teams to face a longer field.
So far, the Broncos are off to a good start.
In fact, as a team, they are off to a really good start. Now the schedule starts to get interesting. The Broncos will host the Cowboys and the Patriots the next two weeks, and then they’ll go to San Diego before getting a bye at the end of October.
It will be fun to find out how good the Broncos really are.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to share your thoughts about the win over the Raiders.
Best,
Mike
Tags: Correll Buckhalter, Head Coach Josh McDaniels, Oakland Raiders, Postgame
broncofan96- Just wanted to let you know Leftwich got fired as the starter and is the 3rd string quarter back in Tampa now behind Joshua Johnson as the starter and Josh Freeman is 2nd string! Just came out today!!!
iceberg12- ya I saw that I was just saying it to show the point that Morris isnt to bright Im not saying he is stupid just maybe he should of studied some more before taking a head coach job. I use to live in Jacksonville and went to the games got to see Leftwich first hand he has the slowest release ive ever seen. and he has two left feet hes funny when he runs he just trips over himself. lol
broncofan96, couldn’t agree more with you on Morris, it was just here a couple days ago that a blogger (can’t remember who, lucky for him, LOL) said that even so McD was doing well, he still believed we would of done better hiring Morris!!! He meant Morris would of kept the Cutler O intact. Whatever…. What was so great about the Cutler O, wins? And on top of that as far as I know the Tampa D is stinking up the joint. Anyone who thinks that way is free to do so, but they are no Bronco fans, they are still Cutler fans, too bad they missed the train’s departure this season, because it has since long left the station. Maybe you can catch us next year…whoever you are.
u know trying not to look past the Cowgirls. Yet when we play NE they will be without Jered mayo. And possibly WIthout Wilfork. If this is the case, it is very winable with our running backs Batman and Robin. Bruise and Bruiser.
marshisboss- I agree, not all analyst are smart people by any means! The only say Denver because of the expectations coming into the regular season for us and some of the teams we have demolished are sub par teams!!! Now if you ask them who is the most suprising 3-0 team in the NFL they would probably say Denver as well!!! They will be singing a different tune about Denver after we beat a couple more caliber teams!!! I consider Cinn. as a caliber team after they beat Green Bay and Pitt!!!
One of the things that McD did out of many that I like was to bring in Mike Nolan as the Def Cord!!!! That guy has been known for his defensive mastermind and is showing why with our Defense, I love it!!! It’s like having a HC for offense and a true HC for defense!!!! Truly brilliant!!!!
hey I think we have a better O then the Ravens of 2000 and they won a super bowl with their D so hey whats stoping us keep playing mistake free football and we can go all the way as long as we keep using the one game at time approach.
Hello all, I was just wondering because I saw it posted, who all is going to the Broncos and Redskins game in Washington? I am because my dad got tickets bc he is a skins fan!
I hear ya man, I would hate to sound cocky or anything but i dont base our talent level on who we play but what I see in our team. If we keep playing mistake free football, RBs keeps piling on yards and our D keeps it up and we improve every week like we have been. I see post season and possibly super bowl. Its not always the best team that makes it to the big game. Its the team with alot of heart, intensity, potential, and doing the right things at the right time. 10-6, post-season, here we come. Never hurts to be optimistic.
THE SEASON IS OURS FOR THE TAKING
GO BRONCOS!!!
I hear ya man, I would hate to sound c0cky or anything but I don’t base our talent level on JUST who we play but what I see in our team. If we keep playing mistake free football, RBs keeps piling on yards and our D keeps it up and we improve every week like we have been. I see post season and possibly super bowl. Its not always the best team that makes it to the big game. Its the team with alot of heart, intensity, potential, and doing the right things at the right time. 10-6, post-season, here we come. Never hurts to be optimistic. This season is ours to win or lose.
THE SEASON IS OURS FOR THE TAKING
GO BRONCOS!!!
BroncosFreak – Iceberg is going (cuz he is a navy man stationed in VA), Im considering it cuz I live a stones throw away from redskins stadium but depends on my availability, and U….those are the few I know so far.
Lookin like that win against Cincy is gettin better an better. The D looked great albeit against a bad Offense, but thats what good teams are supposed to do to bad teams right? .The O left ALOT of points on the field…but the running game is comin together…Ian Eagle said we where leadin the league in play over 25 yrds? Where? Must be on run plays!!!…The first real test is comin up this week against the Cowgirls..even without Barber there still explosive…Meanin field goals wont beat them..All i can say after three weeks is that it’s been worth my $300 bucks for the sunday ticket so far!
GOOD LUCK!!! GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!
Great game and effort! What I like about this team is they play very phyiscal and get better as the game goes on! Unlike the Broncos of the past few years they would jump on a team early then let the other team back in the game. They seamed to get weaker as the game went on. Not this team! Also Mr. Rice it is impossible to have a 19 yeards average per punt return with the longest being 17?! Has to be a mistake some where!
RoyalBeast, broncosfreak30- You better believe I am going to the game in washington! I already have my tickets! Denver doesn’t play to many games out here, gotta take advantage when I can!!! The sad thing is I will be with my father-in-law and he is a Skins fan! You better believe he is already regretting going to the game!!! Hopefully I won’t be!!!!
DENVER ALL THE WAY 2009!!!!! AND FOREVER!!!
Yes, im new and I think I just made my first mistake. Lets try again. I live just north of cinci and watched the game with a few bengirls fans. Yes, I took a lot of flack when the bengirls scored the go ahead touchdoun. So when the replay came on I paused the screen so they could get a good look at the catch. You should have seen the faces. ahhh it was great. Browns game, well they are the browns. Raiders,well what can you say good about the Raiders. What I can say is cutler is not a Bronco, GOOD. Orton is a team player and he is our quaterback. So far he is playing good football, and his overall record is very good. Give the man a chance, bad finger,new system, 3-0 , not a bad start. The next 6 games or so will say a lot about our team. Not an easy road. Defence looks solid and they are still learning a new system. O also looks solid and time of poss helps our D. Running game, Ahhhhh man it looks good. We are at home for the boys, so that will help following the Monday night game. No need to look forward, one game at a time. GO BRONCOS !!!!!
I must say I haven’t been this proud of my broncos since 2005 but I know we’re still a long way from the playoffs. I love how we’re running the ball and how Orton is just simply handling the game while our defense is forcing turnovers, getting sacks and just playing aggressive.
I know we can beat the cowboys and if we just keep playing like we’re playing we can do anything. Key word CONSISTENCY, from the first quarter to the fourth, and keep our foot on back of their neck all game. This is going to be a true test to our abilites and I’m sooo excited.(Too bad the game doesn’t broadcast in Indiana)
After 2 years of suffering I’m even more glad to be a Bronco.
GO BRONC’S!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. I always hope that our next opponent loses before they play us does anyone else do that? Any hope the boys lose tonight
I do as well, but thats cuz I dont like the mooboys….plus I dont need a team having momentum coming against us, I like us having momentum going against them tho lol. Who’s ready for some cow tipping? lol
Yeah… I like Carolina some anyway… maybe I shouldn’t because of last year, but whatever, you know.
if the Broncos play this consistently this week against the Cows, no doubt a W in inevitable.
I was impressed with how Jack Williams stuck with that raider’s TE(name) he limited his YAC.tackled immediately after catch.
No doubt Witten will be double covered.
Oour OLBs will be faster than their Ts(too tall,BIG,flat-footed)i’d say both Doom and Reid get pairs of sacks…
I know what we have to worry about that Tackle they have he likes to trip he is as big a baby as seymour
Wow – Our Defense is now ranked #1 in the league !!!! (I must be dreaming)
We’ve allowed a league low 16 points and only giving up 3.9 per carry. Allowing little over 200 yds a game.
Baylinor – how did you have us doing in the first 6 games with your pre-season predictions?
Really enjoyed this one! Great win. We’re getting better with each game. Orton is looking better each week and as he mentioned, a good week of practice translates to their gameday performance. Good to see Marshall involved in the game plan. The screen pass with Daniel Graham fooled the Raiders. Bucky broke a few nice runs.
Agree with Brian.. would have liked to have seen Hillis carry the rock near the goal line rather than Jordan, but what the heck – we won!
That’s all that matters !!!
GO BRONCOS!!!!!
Time
It’s eating me alive
Unable to rewind
Sink deeper while I’m climbing
Never to arrive
I gave you everything
But still you need to feed
And underneath it all I’m screaming out
Just carry on
Just prove me wrong
I know that I’m dying right now
And it seems that I’m so far gone
But not for long
I’ll just be strong and keep knowing
That now I will overtake you
Just one that you can use
One risk but you can’t lose
Play the victim while abusing
Anyone you choose
Painful consequence
Of standing on your lies
I’m barely breathing but
I’m screaming out
Just carry on
Just prove me wrong
I know that I’m dying right now
And it seems that I’m so far gone
But not for long
I’ll just be strong and keep knowing
That now I will overtake you
I know that I’m dying right now
And it seems that I’m so far gone
(Overtake you)
I’ll just be strong and keep knowing
That now I will overtake
You’ll come to get me, but
You’ll end up dead
You’ll come to get me, but
You’ll end up dead
You’ll come to get me, but
You’ll end up dead
You’ll come to get me, but
You’ll end up dead
Just carry on
Just prove me wrong
I know that I’m dying right now
And it seems that I’m so far gone
But not for long
I’ll just be strong and keep knowing
That now I will overtake you
You’ll come to get me, but
You’ll end up dead
You’ll come to get me, but
You’ll end up dead
(Overtake you)
You’ll come to get me, but
You’ll end up dead
(Overtake you, overtake you)
You’ll come to get me
(Overtake you)
You’ll come to get me
This song, for some reason made me think of the Cowboys this week. The first verse is talking about the pressure on us for this week, then afterward, how everyone expects us to get pwned, then we kill them when they step onto our stadium. I have a flexible imagination, right? (:
By the way, that song’s “Overtake You” by RED. It’s worth checking out.
Some fun facts about the Dallas Cowgirls.
#3 offense. #1 Running offense and all this even after 2 games compared to other teams 3 games. avg 7yrds per carry. most 20+ yard runs. Got one of the fastest RBs in Felix Jones. Marion Barber Might be out against us. Gonna suck for my fantasy but gonna be good for my real team. (wouldnt have played him agaisnt the Broncos D even if he was healthy….Have u seen those guys??? lol)
Their Defense on the other hand is ranked….Yes you guessed it. 32nd in the NFL lol. Sounds like a field day for our boys. We are 1 in D and 9th in Offense and 4th in Offense on the ground. When averaged out we are better on paper.
THE SEASON IS OURS FOR THE TAKING
GO BRONCOS!!!
Ha! I really can’t wait till sunday, no offense to the raiders (lol), but this game should be a lot more exciting.
Oh yeah loving it right now.. the hard slog begins next week. Refocus and Recoup.
Monodono – Its amazing what happens when TOP is in your favour aye? lol “TIME OF POSSESSION”
Dumervil – surely it must be illegal to be that good?
royalbroncofan1, 4-2, first 6 games.
Cowboys were ranked 28th in D before this weekend, so their 32nd ranking is only after 2 games. They were ranked 2nd on offense before this weekend. The Bucs ran all over them, but they did better against the run vs. Giants. G-men got them thru the air though. Cowboys have not had a sack or forced any turnovers after two games.
Thanks baylinor !
I’m gonna eat right now, but I’ll be all over this game tonight so I’ll know exactly where we stand, love when our opponent plays Monday night the week prior, can’t beat it!
Well all the nay sayer. I remember some saying Mr Bowlin was dumb. Well it was he that got Mike Nolan, it was him that got McD. He gets smart football people and lets them do their job. You don’t see him stealing the spotlite like the Jones, Snyders, and Davis. I hope Al Davis never dies!Thank You Pat!
Well Romo has already been sacked 2 times and its just the 1st quarter. Oops, that was about 3 times! They definitely have a great running game! Our boys have to step up and stop felix jones and marion barber (but I dont know if Barber will be playing) Come on DOOM!!!! Time to break your career high of sacks and have ANOTHER GAME FOR 4 SACKS!!!!!!
Orton buddy, you definitely have done a great job with our offense! You just need to step it up this week man and get the job done! Crush that Dallas Defense!!!! It looks like it might be hard for us to get out the run! The Cowgirls are doing a pretty good job containing williams and stewart! McD, do your homework man and find the weakness in the Cowboys team!!! You have done a great job with every other team we’ve played!!! Come on OFFENSE, we need to put MAJOR points on the board and DEFENSE we need to crush the little cowgirls and give them some ORANGE CRUSH DEFENSE BABY!!
Make that 5 or 6, broncosfreak. He needs all he can get, because he needs a record. (by the way, I don’t know the record, so…)
I need a bigger reason than Cleveland to wear my ELVIS JERSEY!
I swear, I have NO IDEA why Delhomme threw that deep ball!! Thats something that we wont turn over the ball on so that’s something really good!!! Come on Orton, lets have a PERFECT game!!!!
I also see that the cowgirls have HUGE problems with holding onto people! We can use all of these to our advantage. Will respond in a lil while with what else I see!!
Thx for the corrections royalbroncofan
Ok, its half time! Something that I have seen a LOT so far is Carolina is getting in some great 10-20 yard passes! This is where we can excel considering our potential with our boys!! Also, the Cowboys are struggling on getting to the QB. They get pretty close but no quite there! Yea, Cowboys def. struggling on the short passes! With our talent we shouldnt have a problem with that!!! Well guys, I think, no matter what anyone else says, that we have a pretty good chance on winning this week! I think our defense will contain Romo and will step up during the passes! Our secondary needs to be on their toes and we’ll be just fine!!
We all have to take this one week at a time. Just keep the faith. The way our offense is meshing and controlling the ball must be scary to other teams. And if our offense is scary our defense must be terrifying to other teams. It’s kind of funny but we all have to face the fact that non-bronco fans will not consider our team legitimate unil around week 8.
I have been closely watching this team being built since McDaniels took over. Even though some happenings dissapointed me I always came away with a good feeling about what he was doing. Trust me I was shocked about the whole Cutler fiasco. But I thought it would work out better for us. Orton hast he perfect mentality and skill set to lead this Bronco team to the promise land. I hate to pat myself on the back but I have been saying 10-6 or better since preseason. I know they can do even better but I was playing it safe. My prediction isn’t looking so crazy these days. I know we have very tough opponents coming up but I know we can beat them all if we keep improving and preparing the way the coaches have been doing thus far.
Its pretty damn awesome being a life time broncos fan.
GO BRONCOS
mrbroncofan…thanks for catching the typo on punt return coverage. The Broncos are allowing an average of 10.0 yards per punt return to their opponents, not 19.0 as I originally wrote.
I appreciate your noting that.
Mike
Another thing I notice is it seems that none of the analysts are willing to admit they may have been wrong. They were all so quick to talk down on the broncos before the season. Most of them predicted 3-13 or 4-11. It would be nice to see some positve coverage on ESPN or NFL network. But there is definately part of me that wants them to keep hating on the Broncos because they will look even dumber the longer Denver keeps winning.
All righty then.
Well… After watching the Dallas/Carolina game… I think Dallas will hands down be our biggest test yet… Not just because of the team, but because of the stadium… The place is wild.
But yea, our D will have it’s 1st (in my opinion) complete offense to go against… BUT I HAVE COMPLETE CONFIDENCE IN NOLAN AND OUR BOYS…
Can’t wait… My bro is a Cowboys fan, and we’ve been waiting for this game all offseason…
Bronco Nation:
Looks like McD and Nolan are doing thier jobs! And the players are all in!!
I was not a McD fan when Mr. B hired him. But I’am starting to BUY in myself. Not because we are 3-0. But I am starting to understand his coaching. Can not get too excited yet but the AFC west is ours to Win!!
If the team continues on this corse throuh the Meat Grinder ahead we will take 3 of the next 6!! Sweep KC and fadiers—-Bada Boom Bada Bing- Playoffs.
Loved beating the faders and thier Black Out Hole. Dawkin’s smarts to get back in bounds and recover the fumble was awsome. It s almost no fun to beat the hated fadiers with only 45,000 gouls in the stands.
OHHHH I almost felt sorry for them. F**k The Raiders. See you in Denver!!!!
Go Broncos!
FTR
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Can the Broncos now get some freakin Respect!!!!! Our offense although not flashy isn’t doing so bad. The Broncos were written off this season as soon as pre-season began. Our DEFENSE on the other hand, Freakin AWESOME!!!! I hope this team keeps up the tempo all season. 3-0 is a great feeling and I hope they don’t become satisfied until we make it to the big dance. Big portion of the schedule coming up. One game at a time, chop em down one game at a time. Sorry Cowboys, these Broncos are gonna throw you and then stomp the S*it out of you. GO BRONCOS!!!!! Keep up the good work. I new this team would have success, even when the majority of the fans were screaming on this site and didn’t believe. A handful of us could disect the BS and realize there was some good things to come out of this season. Lets ride our Defense all the way this season.
Thanks to the entire Broncos Team for all their hard work, keep up the effort, all us fans really appreciate you!!!!! Sorry for rambling on, I am a devoted fan and like what I see thus far. GO Broncos, STOMP the Cowboys. Hope you Cowboys can catch your breath.
BroncoBailey99, this weeks game is in Denver, So our stadium will be rockin…
Big D 44–ssshhhh! Do not need the big eye on us Bro. Screw the press!!
Let everyone think we suck!
FTR
OOOHHHH YEA!!…. I totally forgot… haha.
I’m usually one who is on the ball with this stuff…
haha… But still, that place IS wild… But our place will be this week….
Broncomania56 -You go Man- We do not have the Respect yet but we will earn it trust me. For now it is good the rest of the NFL thinks we are nothing more then a luckey deflection and then beating two low life teams! Yup we know better!! Broncos will be tested vs Cowboys!!
But at Home ——-Cowboys go down!
FTR
Alright alright if anybody has seen pulp fiction they will get this quote; “lets not start sucking each other *#7s quite yet.”
Yes were 3 and 0, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done. In particular, red zone offense has had the ball inside the 5 and can not get into the endzone. That kind of play will not fair well against these better teams. We have to find ways to get in the endzone.
With that said I am really enjoying the play of the D. Dawkins is good for a instant replay hit every game. He smoked Mcfade’n, I mean decleated. WoW!!!!! I love it
WOO!… my Angels CLINCHED!
I’m loving my sports lately (Broncos, Oregon Ducks, the Angels)… Gotta keep it up DENVER!!