Re: Denver A.M.
Broncos Can't Repel Boarders, Fall To 0-2
It’s a small thing, a toe. But it’s a small thing that, when broken, can cause a great deal of trouble. Said damaged appendage belongs to Zac Piper, the Denver Broncos’ first selection in the 2016 NFL draft and Peyton Manning’s anointed successor. Piper’s injury has forced the Broncos to turn to Jake Locker as their interim starter and so far, not so good. In Pittsburgh last week, Locker marred a 347 yard, 4 touchdown performance with three turnovers which were converted into 17 points, including a walk-off field goal. This week Locker did himself one better, with 4 turnovers (all interceptions) and the result was far uglier: a 34-16 loss to the visiting Oakland Raiders. The loss puts the 0-2 Broncos 2 games behind the 2-0 Raiders and makes them a longshot to reach let playoffs even as a wild card, let alone win their 6th straight AFC West title.
As quickly as the Broncos found themselves up 14-0 on the Steelers last week, they found themselves down to Raiders by the same margin. Although Oakland punted out of the opening series, Denver’s first one was a three and out of the worst kind with Locker getting picked off by Vontaze Burfict, which led to a touchdown run by Kendall Hunter. After Matt Prater missed a 56 yard field goal attempt, the Raiders turned the advantageous field position into Willie Duckett’s touchdown pass to tight end Jonathan Lawton, and by halftime the Broncos were trailing 21-6.
The second half began with a pair of three and outs, but on the first play after the Oakland punt, Locker was intercepted by Burfict again. That one was converted into a field goal. Denver’s lone touchdown needed help from the defense. With the score 27-9 late in the third quarter, Dunta Robinson returned an interception to the Oakland 7. Montee Ball got the ball inside the 1 on the next play, then opened the fourth quarter by scoring from there. Ball’s touchdown made it a two score game and the Raiders followed with a three and out, but Denver’s next series ended with Locker picked in the end zone by Kenny Phillips. A long catch and run by Torrey Smith set up Duckett’s touchdown pass to Hunter that put the Raiders up 34-16. After an exchange of three and outs, Zac Dysert relieved Locker. Dysert’s first attempt was a 9 yard completion and Ball moved the sticks, but on the next play Tavarres King was de-cleated by Phillips and D’Qwell Jackson had the ball before it hit the ground. Dysert’s next series ended with an interception at the 4. A 22 yard scramble by Duckett dug the Raiders out, and they went on to run out the clock.
Aqib Talib wins a battle for the ball.
Tavarres King spews out the ball on a hit by Kenny Phillips. Two words: Contract. Year.
Broncos Can't Repel Boarders, Fall To 0-2
It’s a small thing, a toe. But it’s a small thing that, when broken, can cause a great deal of trouble. Said damaged appendage belongs to Zac Piper, the Denver Broncos’ first selection in the 2016 NFL draft and Peyton Manning’s anointed successor. Piper’s injury has forced the Broncos to turn to Jake Locker as their interim starter and so far, not so good. In Pittsburgh last week, Locker marred a 347 yard, 4 touchdown performance with three turnovers which were converted into 17 points, including a walk-off field goal. This week Locker did himself one better, with 4 turnovers (all interceptions) and the result was far uglier: a 34-16 loss to the visiting Oakland Raiders. The loss puts the 0-2 Broncos 2 games behind the 2-0 Raiders and makes them a longshot to reach let playoffs even as a wild card, let alone win their 6th straight AFC West title.
As quickly as the Broncos found themselves up 14-0 on the Steelers last week, they found themselves down to Raiders by the same margin. Although Oakland punted out of the opening series, Denver’s first one was a three and out of the worst kind with Locker getting picked off by Vontaze Burfict, which led to a touchdown run by Kendall Hunter. After Matt Prater missed a 56 yard field goal attempt, the Raiders turned the advantageous field position into Willie Duckett’s touchdown pass to tight end Jonathan Lawton, and by halftime the Broncos were trailing 21-6.
The second half began with a pair of three and outs, but on the first play after the Oakland punt, Locker was intercepted by Burfict again. That one was converted into a field goal. Denver’s lone touchdown needed help from the defense. With the score 27-9 late in the third quarter, Dunta Robinson returned an interception to the Oakland 7. Montee Ball got the ball inside the 1 on the next play, then opened the fourth quarter by scoring from there. Ball’s touchdown made it a two score game and the Raiders followed with a three and out, but Denver’s next series ended with Locker picked in the end zone by Kenny Phillips. A long catch and run by Torrey Smith set up Duckett’s touchdown pass to Hunter that put the Raiders up 34-16. After an exchange of three and outs, Zac Dysert relieved Locker. Dysert’s first attempt was a 9 yard completion and Ball moved the sticks, but on the next play Tavarres King was de-cleated by Phillips and D’Qwell Jackson had the ball before it hit the ground. Dysert’s next series ended with an interception at the 4. A 22 yard scramble by Duckett dug the Raiders out, and they went on to run out the clock.
| Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos | |||||
| Week 2, 2016 | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | SCORE |
| Oakland Raiders (2-0) | 14 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 34 |
| Denver Broncos (0-2) | 0 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 16 |
| Team Stats Comparison | ||
| OAK | DEN | |
| Total Offense | 425 | 387 |
| Rushing Yards | 162 | 46 |
| Passing Yards | 263 | 341 |
| First Downs | 18 | 23 |
| Punt Return Yards | 47 | 34 |
| Kick Return Yards | 18 | 106 |
| Total Yards | 490 | 527 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 6 |
| 3rd Down Converstion | 1 | 4 |
| 4th Down Conversion | 0 | 0 |
| 2-Point Conversion | 0 | 0 |
| Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals | 4/3/1 | 4/1/1 |
| Penalties | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Posession Time | 32:42 | 27:18 |
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Aqib Talib wins a battle for the ball.
Tavarres King spews out the ball on a hit by Kenny Phillips. Two words: Contract. Year.
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