The Raiders took a lead into halftime but couldn’t hold off the Broncos. Which players and coaches stood out, for better or for worse?
The Raiders took a 13-9 lead into halftime but couldn’t hold off the Broncos (7-5) after the break, losing 29-19 at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
It was the Broncos’ first road win against the Raiders since 2015. Conversely, Las Vegas lost its seventh straight this season and fell to 2-9.
An interception from quarterback Gardner Minshew early in the third quarter started the Raiders’ downward slide. After the Raiders clawed back into the game and faced a 26-19 deficit, a fumble from QB Desmond Ridder—who was in for an injured Minshew—put the Broncos in Raiders territory and sealed the Raiders’ loss.
Here are the winners and losers after another disappointing week in Las Vegas.
Winner: RB Dylan Laube
The Raiders were down 3-0 early but received a shot of adrenaline thanks to rookie running back Dylan Laube. His 59-yard kickoff return gave Las Vegas great field position, and the drive ultimately resulted in a touchdown.
Laube was active due to injuries to running backs Zamir White and Alexander Mattison. He took advantage and helped everyone forget about his first carry in the NFL a few weeks ago, which resulted in a fumble.
Winner: RB Ameer Abdullah
Running back Ameer Abdullah caught a touchdown pass for the second week in a row. He was being covered by a linebacker when Minshew alertly threw it right into Abdullah’s arms for six points.
Abdullah’s touchdown finished what Laube started with his return and gave the Raiders a 7-3 lead.
Another reserve running back, first-year pro Sincere McCormick, is an honorable mention for the winner list. He got his first action in the NFL and actually led the Raiders in rushing with five carries for 33 yards. New offensive coordinator Scott Turner missed an opportunity to give McCormick the ball more; he looked fantastic running between the tackles and should get more carries next week.
Winner: P AJ Cole and LB Divine Deablo
The Raiders extended their lead to 10-6 in the second quarter, but not before a gutsy call on special teams paid off. Punter AJ Cole threw linebacker Divine Deablo, who was wide open for a 34-yard gain.
Kicker Daniel Carlson converted a field goal to end the drive. He hit all four of his field goal tries, including a 53-yarder.
Winner: DE Tyree Wilson
Defensive end Tyree Wilson made an impact in this game, notching a QB sack, two tackles for loss, and a QB hit. It was Wilson’s third sack of the season, all coming within the last four contests, including one last week.
This Raiders season has gone terribly, but if Wilson can start living up to his first-round draft status, that will be a big win for Las Vegas.
Winner: WR Jakobi Meyers
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers continues to step up for the Raiders as their No. 1 wideout. He caught 10 of 15 targets for 121 yards, highlighted by tough fourth-quarter catches and a forced pass interference penalty.
Loser: QB Gardner Minshew
In a flashback to the Raiders’ first loss to the Broncos this season, Minshew turned the ball over just as it seemed Las Vegas was starting to take control.
It wasn’t as drastic last time when the Raiders seemed primed to go ahead 17-3 before a Minshew interception in the red zone, but it was close. Ahead 13-9 with the football after the Raiders defense stopped the Broncos’ first possession of the third quarter, Minshew sailed one over the head of Meyers.
Adding injury to insult, Minshew reportedly broke his collarbone later in the game and is out for the season.
Loser: CB Decamerion Richardson
The Raiders were without two starting cornerbacks in this game, leaving rookie Decamerion Richardson to pick up the slack. He struggled early and often, as the Broncos seemingly targeted the Raiders’ depth in the secondary.
The Raiders trailed just 19-16 when Richardson was beaten by Broncos wide receiver Cortland Sutton for a touchdown.
Chalk it up as a learning experience for Richardson, as he had a couple of good moments as well.
Loser: CB Jack Jones
Veteran Jack Jones also had his share of good moments, including a tackle for loss, a pass defensed, and seven total tackles. But he too fell victim to Sutton earlier in the game, when the Broncos took the lead for good in the third quarter after Minshew’s interception.
Jones clearly missed his normal running makes in the secondary, cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Jakorian Bennett, who were both inactive due to injury.
Loser: TE Brock Bowers
One week after his best performance of the season, rookie tight end Brock Bowers was brought back down to earth by the Broncos defense. Bowers caught just four of his 10 targets for 38 yards.
The Raiders fought until the end but as injuries pile up, roster shortcomings will make life difficult for coach Pierce until the season mercifully ends. They’ll try to push the Chiefs to the limit next week, as the Raiders will travel to Kansas City to face their longtime rival the day after Thanksgiving in a nationally televised game.
