Raiders vs. Broncos score, takeaways: Las Vegas knocks off Denver for first win of 2022

Josh McDaniels gets his first victory as Raiders head coach

The Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday finally managed to nab their first win of the 2022 season and first win for new coach Josh McDaniels, defeating the division rival Denver Broncos 32-23. 

In an AFC West that figures to be hotly contested, it was a much-needed victory for a team that had somewhat surprisingly began the season 0-3. The Raiders played a very good game on both sides of the ball, winning the battle in the trenches, the turnover battle, the time-of-possession battle, and the game itself. 

The Raiders used a defensive score to propel themselves, with Amik Robertson scoring a 68-yard touchdown when he scooped-and-scored off of Melvin Gordon's fumble. Josh Jacobs also found the end zone twice for Las Vegas, while rushing for 144 yards on 28 carries. Davante Adams had himself a strong afternoon despite often facing man coverage from star Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II. 

For Denver, even beyond the game, it suffered a couple of potentially meaningful losses. Javonte Williams suffered a knee injury on the opening play of the second half, and he was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. In the fourth quarter, edge rusher Randy Gregory -- the team's big free agent signing this offseason -- appeared to suffer a knee injury of his own. 

The Broncos dropped to 2-2 with the loss, and their offense still looks out of rhythm. Now, they may be without an important defensive piece as well. It's not a great situation to be in, and they're frankly lucky to have nabbed two wins already given the way they have played. 

Here are a few more takeaways from this game.  

Why the Raiders won

A dominant showing from the defensive line, and perhaps the best game of Jacobs' career. Russell Wilson was "only" sacked three times by Las Vegas' defensive front, but he was constantly under duress throughout the afternoon. Broncos running backs were also held to just 56 yards on 16 carries, an average of 3.5 a pop. Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones lived in the backfield, and combined to draw multiple penalties in addition to all the plays they made. On the other side of the ball, Jacobs led the way, running through a Denver defense that seemed overmatched when it came to dealing with his north-south running style. Adams chipped in with a performance typical of his skill level as well, nabbing nine catches for 101 yards. 

Why the Broncos lost

Poor offensive line play, poor defensive line play, penalties, and missed opportunities. As previously mentioned, Wilson was harassed all game long by the Vegas defensive front, and the running backs were stuck getting hit behind the line of scrimmage for the majority of the game. The NFL's most-penalized team, the Broncos took seven flags for 50 yards in this contest. They were also victimized by drops (Mike Boone had a critical one on a last-ditch drive) and turnovers (Gordon fumbled on his first touch of the game, and it was returned 68 yards for a touchdown.)

Play of the game

Jacobs put pretty much the entire Raiders defense in the spin cycle before breaking away for a 43-yard gain that eventually set up a field goal. 

Sheesh. Jacobs wound up having a very strong day with 28 carries for 144 yards and two touchdowns, while adding five receptions for 31 additional yards. He was the most consistent option on either offense for much of the afternoon, and the 175 total yards were the most of his NFL career to date.

Turning point

Sadly, it might have been the first play of the second half. Williams was tackled behind the line of scrimmage by Crosby, and awkwardly twisted his knee on his way to the ground. He tried to get up and go to the next play, but instead went back to the ground and waited for trainers to come out and visit with him. He walked off the field but was moving very gingerly, and was eventually carted into the locker room. He was quickly ruled out, and did not return to the game. Denver's running backs didn't do much the rest of the way, with the team's offense mostly coming via a deep ball from Wilson to K.J. Hamler.

What's next

The Broncos have a quick turnaround before they play host to the Indianapolis Colts on "Thursday Night Football." It's possible that both teams could be without their star running backs, as Jonathan Taylor was also injured during Indy's game on Sunday. The Raiders do not play until "Monday Night Football" next week, as they travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs. 

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:29 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

The Raiders will improve to 1-3, while the Broncos will drop to 2-2. 

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:29 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Oh that's a bad drop from Mike Boone. Broncos turned to him in place of Melvin Gordon behind Javonte Williams, but he let them down right there.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:28 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Game comes down to this fourth down for the Broncos. One play to keep their hopes alive.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:22 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Did Denver's defense let Jacobs score there? Seemed like it might have. Interesting strategic gambit. The Broncos get some extra time to try to get two scores to win the game.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:20 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

GREAT job by Darren Waller to seal the edge and spring Zamir White for a big gain. That is a huge play.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:19 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Jacobs is almost at more yards on the ground this week (127) than Weeks 2 and 3 combined (135). It's his best rushing game since Week 18 of last season (including playoffs).

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:16 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

First time in a while that Jacobs has just been straight up dropped in the backfield. Broncos DL got a great push up front.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:15 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Not good for Randy Gregory. He got a nice contract this season but that looks like a potential non-contact injury to his leg. 

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:13 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Broncos go with man coverage on third down, pressure quickly gets into the backfield but Carr has a lane and scrambles for a first down. Nice job to step up through the pocket and get outside.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:08 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Yep, looks like a touchdown to me.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:08 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Will be interesting to see if Russ actually got that ball across the goal line before his knee hit the ground.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:07 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

The Broncos FINALLY connect on something down the field. It's KJ Hamler deep behind the defense. They have a chance to punch it in and make this a one-score game. 

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:04 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

The Raiders defensive line has completely taken this game over. Just dominating Denver up front.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 7:02 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Russ had Courtland Sutton on the slant on first down. If he hits him in stride it could be a big play. Dirted it instead. But he made up for it later and picked up the first down with his legs.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:57 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

This field goal does make it a two-possession game for the Raiders but man they keep settling inside the red zone. Doesn't bode well for the future.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:55 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Boy Davante Adams really hit the after-burners to pick up that first down. He was one-on-one behind the line of scrimmage and just smoked Josey Jewell to the outside.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:48 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Fantastic play by Mack Hollins to keep his feet in the field of play and bat the punt back inside the 5-yard line. Broncos pinned deep in their own territory.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:44 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

We'll head to the 4Q with the Raiders leading 22-16. Third-and-3 coming up on the other side of the commercial break.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:40 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

That's one of the more obvious holding fouls you'll see. Garrett Bolles basically just bear-hugged Chandler Jones.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:38 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Strange decision to kick the field goal, too. Raiders are 0-3, it's fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line. It was first-and-goal from the 1. Feel like you need to get a touchdown there.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:36 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Weird-looking third-down play. Carr basically just threw it away because pressure was in his face immediately. He looks angry about something that happened there.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:34 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Nice job by Waller to find the hole in that zone defense. He hasn't been as involved as Jacobs and Adams today, with that being just his second catch.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:33 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Josey Jewell dropped Jacobs in the backfield that time. Nowhere for him to go.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:32 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Josh Jacobs! What a run. Broke ... several ... tackles up the middle and broke free into the secondary for a big gain. Raiders set up to potentially make this a two-possession game.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:30 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Carr-to-Adams on the back shoulder working against Surtain. That was VERY pretty stuff. That's the college chemistry.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:26 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Nowhere to go on that third-and-very long after the Crosby sack. The defensive lines are dominating the offensive lines in the second half.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:22 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Another third-down sack, with the Broncos overloading the left side of the Vegas offensive line and getting a blitzer through unblocked. They'll get the ball back with a chance to re-take the lead, but obviously without Javonte Williams.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:18 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Back to the live game, a nice job by Carr to find Hollins over the middle after scanning for his primary options first. Came back to the back side and got his man.

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:17 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Williams has been downgraded from questionable to out. This happening that quickly is ominous. 

[Oct 2, 2022 at 6:14 pm ET · Jared Dubin]

Williams is now being carted to the locker room. That's not a good sign.