Defense worried Raider Nation early, but got a stop when it mattered in NFL opening win
It seems Raider Nation were already getting tired of seeing the Raiders defense in the first quarter of the 2023 NFL season.
After Las Vegas took a 7-0 lead, the Denver Broncos responded by going down the field and scoring a touchdown.
Many times in Denver’s opening possession, the Broncos tight ends were open. Broncos running back Javonte Williams found space, too.
Fans wondered if it’s still the same bad defense as last year?
On the Broncos second drive in the second quarter, they faced 4th and 1, but Russell Wilson did a hard count and got Jerry Tillery to jump, giving Denver a first down.
Mistakes continued to haunt the Raiders in the first half when Jakorian Bennett was called for a pass interference on 3rd and 6. Three plays later Wilson found Courtland Sutton for a 5-yard touchdown for a 13-10 lead.
The Raiders defense, however, made a stop when it mattered in the fourth quarter.
Nate Hobbs and Divine Deablo tackled Williams for a loss of one yard. at Denver’s 24-yard line. Wilson then connected with Adam Trautman, but was stopped short of the first yard marker by Tre’von Moehrig, forcing the Broncos to punt.
The Raiders ended up running out the clock for a 17-16 victory.
Early in the game, Raiders fans were furious.
It seems all is forgiven by Raiders fans. Perhaps, it’s a sign that the Raiders’ defense will keep improving as the season moves along. Fans want to see results.
This story was originally published September 10, 2023 at 2:12 PM.
