For the fourth time this season the Raiders took the field in search of their first win. This time it was an AFC West rival as Russell Wilson lead the Denver Broncos into Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders were trying to get their first win while Denver was aiming to get to 3-1 on the young season. Josh McDaniels was looking to get his team back on track facing an opponent who he once coached. The intensity and urgency were clear from the opening kick.
The Raiders special teams had a first half to forget across-the-board. Luckily, Amik Robertson saved the day by returning a fumble for the Raiders first defensive touchdown in 3 years. The Raiders held a slim 19-16 lead at the half. The second half was controlled by Maxx Crosby and Josh Jacobs as the Raiders got their first win 32-23. Here is what stood out in my Raiders review week 4 vs Broncos.
Josh Jacobs
It only took 4 weeks but McDaniels finally let Jacobs take over a game. Highlighted by powerful runs and quick cuts Jacobs ran for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 5 receptions for 31 yards as Denver had no answer for Jacobs. The Raiders offensive line has had well documented issues but their run blocking is getting better weekly. Also, Jacobs is running as well as he has since his rookie year. When the Raiders needed to run it and Denver knew they were running it they still couldn’t be stopped. It took 4 games but hopefully McDaniels carries this game plan throughout the rest of the season.
Maxx Crosby
The best players need to make plays when you desperately need a win. Crosby did everything he could to help the Raiders get their first win on Sunday. With 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks Maxx was everywhere. Making Russell Wilson’s day frustrating Crosby was even batting passes down at the line. When your captains and leaders are your best players it helps to handle the adversity of a slow start. Maxx was once again relentless and his refusal to let the team down is a big reason the Raiders got into the win column.
Davante Adams
Sunday was the first game in silver and black for Adams where he did not score a touchdown. However, he controlled drives and extend possessions almost every time the Raiders needed it. Adams ended up with 9 receptions for 101 yards. The clutch ability is why he is the best in the league. Facing a tough match up with Patrick Surtain II Davante made plays when he had to. The ability to convert third downs and get points on almost every drive is another huge reason the Raiders won. For Adams and the passing game the next step is to start finishing drives with 7 instead of 3.
Amik Robertson
The biggest play of the afternoon came courtesy of Amik Robertson. Picking up a Melvin Gordon fumble and returning it for a touchdown. The game was tied at 10 at the time with the Broncos in field goal range the play was a 9 point swing. 9 points was the amount of victory for the Raiders. With an interception in Week 2 and now a touchdown in Week 4 Robertson is clearly finding his role in Graham’s new defense. The touchdown was also the Raiders first defensive touchdown in 3 years. Hopefully the defense can keep creating turnovers and end up back in the endzone much sooner.
What’s Next?
The Raiders travel to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Monday Night Football. It will be the last game before the bye and the toughest one yet. A Hall of Fame coach, quarterback and tight end awaits the Raiders along with the best offensive line in football. The Chiefs absolutely dominated the Raiders in both games last year. More of that is expected this year as the Chiefs are simply the way better team and a top 2 or 3 team in the NFL . This is the first of two meetings this year.
Thanks for your time reading my Raiders game review vs Broncos. For more Raiders talk follow me on Twitter http://@BrianRobert85 and check out a previous article here Raiders 2022 Season Outlook: Defense. I will have my Raiders preview week 5 vs Chiefs later in the week.
