Gerard Warren, a starting defensive tackle for the Broncos the past two seasons, pumped his fists at Denver’s sideline twice Sunday.
He celebrated after sacking Jay Cutler for a safety that helped Oakland forge an unlikely comeback, and he pointed again at Denver’s sideline when he and millions of others thought the Raiders had won the game.
Overall, however, Warren both hurt and helped his former team in the Broncos’ 23-20 overtime victory.
After making one of Oakland’s top two defensive plays, he was called for holding with 3:12 remaining in regulation, a play that contributed to Denver’s game-tying field goal.
“I gave it my all, and it’s a blessing and honor to be in this game,” Warren said, adding that he holds no grudges against the Broncos.
Warren, traded to the Raiders Aug. 20, made the sack for a safety that got the Raiders within 17-12 with 14:15 to play. He was not on the field when teammate Thomas Howard returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown on Denver’s ensuing drive that led to Oakland’s 20-17 lead, but he played the next series, when the Broncos’ final drive of regulation stalled at the 2-yard line, leading to the game-tying field goal.
After Denver won in OT, Warren was one of the last Oakland players to leave the field. He needed time to hug and chat with his former teammates.
“No weird sensation, man,” Warren said of playing against the Broncos less than a month after the trade. “I love the game of football, whether I’m playing for the Broncos, the Raiders or whoever.”
Warren and the Raiders were shocked to learn that the Broncos’ timely timeout negated what would have been Oakland’s winning field goal in OT.
“I really did think that the game was over and we had won,” Oakland coach Lane Kiffin said.
Then it began to register with Warren, who said it was a typical move by Broncos coach Mike Shanahan.
“When I heard the whistle blow, I knew what had happened, so it was no surprise, but then I had thoughts someone might have jumped offside,” Warren said. “But knowing Coach Shanahan, I should have known a timeout was coming.”
Warren, who did not start, was credited with two solo tackles, including one of two Oakland sacks, and a quarterback hurry. He blew past Broncos guard Chris Myers to sack Cutler in the end zone.
“I knew the matchup all the way across the board,” he said. “It was about the simple fact (of) getting the opportunity to go out and execute. I happened to execute on that play.”
In the end, minus the postgame pleasantries, it was just another game for the former No. 1 draft pick from Florida.
“Division game, (and) I wanted to get the victory to help head in the right direction,” Warren said.
Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp was skeptical Warren would even make the team after the trade.
Now, he’s a believer.
“He’s been playing really well since he got here,” Sapp said. “There’s no doubt about it.”
Staff writer Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
