Looking back at five key plays in the Broncos’ 20-19 victory against Oakland.
1. LINDSAY FOR LAUNCH
Situation: The Broncos trailed 6-0 in the second quarter and faced second-and-10 at their own 25-yard line.
Here’s something you probably didn’t predict before the regular season: running back will be the Broncos’ biggest home-run threat. The undrafted rookie took his third handoff Sunday, a delayed draw, behind the lead block of fullback and into the gut of Oakland’s defensive line. Lindsay cut right, shook cornerback Rashaan Melvin and received a downfield block from wide receiver . Lindsay sprinted 53 yards before being pushed out of bounds as the longest play of the day from Denver. The bad news? Broncos quarterback threw an interception three plays later.
2. BARRETT BLOCK
Situation: The Broncos trailed 12-0 in the second quarter and defended an Oakland point-after following a touchdown.
Special teams were often the crux of Denver’s close defeats last season. The opposite was true Sunday against the Raiders. Outside linebacker ‘s swim move past offensive tackle Donald Penn allowed him a free and direct path to the ball coming off the leg of Raiders’ field goal kicker Mike Nugent. Without that block, Denver would have played for overtime, and not a victory, in the final moments. But more on that later.
3. OAKLAND DROP
I bet I won’t retweet my drop tho 😔 sorry team, and sorry I’ll make it up to you….Miami thooo 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀😤
— Keith Smith (@K_SMITH31)
Situation: The Broncos trailed 19-10 in the fourth quarter and defended a fourth-and-one snap at their own 33.
Oakland was in pursuit to go up by three possessions with under 14 minutes left when a glaring mistake turned momentum in Denver’s favor. Quarterback Derek Carr faked a handoff left and rolled right. He tossed a dart to fullback Keith Smith, who appeared to have first-down yardage, but the fourth-year pro from San Jose State dropped the football. The Broncos took full advantage with a touchdown drive the following series to pull within two points.
4. PATRICK CATCH-AND-RUN
The game-changing play from ?
This 26-yard catch & run from that set up the game-winning field goal. »
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
Situation: The Broncos trailed 19-17 with 18 seconds left facing second-and-10 at the Oakland 44-yard line.
‘s only reception turned out to be arguably the Broncos’ most important play of Sunday’s victory. Patrick lined up as the far outside receiver and ran a five-yard curl. Keenum’s pass hit Patrick on the numbers, he broke tackle attempts by Oakland cornerbacks Gareon Conley and Leon Hall, and turned the corner up-field. Patrick reached the Raiders’ 18-yard line before finally being pushed out of bounds.
5. MCMANUS GAME WINNER
., FOR THE WIN!!!
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
Situation: The Broncos trailed 19-17 with 10 seconds left facing first-and-10 at the Oakland 18-yard line.
Another big win for Broncos’ special teams play two games into the season is the play of field goal kicker . He’s 4-of-4 on the season with conversions from 53 and 51 yards. But a make from 36 yards out Sunday tops the list with the game riding on his leg. McManus connected with ease and the Broncos moved on to 2-0.
