Denver Broncos (0-1) – Las Vegas Raiders (1-0): 16-17
Will Sean Payton be able to repair Russell Wilson? This is THE question that all observers are asking themselves at the start of this season. On the other hand, we don’t know what to think of the Raiders who, apart from stars Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs and Maxx Crosby, have one of the weakest squads in the NFL.
In a match fought until the end, Las Vegas won, surprisingly.
Ruse failed, the tone is set
From the first play, Sean Payton attempts an onside kick. Missed, a Denver player touches the ball and it’s a penalty that allows the Raiders to start almost at midfield. 10 games later, Jimmy Garoppolo (20/26, 200 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception) found Patriots defector Jacoby Meyers for the opening score.
If the Broncos respond tit-for-tat on the following drive thanks to Russell Wilson (27/34, 177 yards, 2 touchdowns) who goes back 85 yards, the match then enters a false rhythm. 13-10 for Denver at halftime.
Vegas at the finish
In the second half, the defenses continued to take precedence over the attacks, especially as Will Lutz missed a field goal for Denver: no points in the third quarter.
So there remains the fourth quarter. The Broncos once again reach the vicinity of the end zone, but impossible to penetrate there, while on the other side, Jimmy Garoppolo applies a simple recipe: move the chains with Davante Adams (6 receptions, 66 yards) , score with Jacoby Meyers (9 receptions, 81 yards, 2 touchdowns).
At the end of the match, Jimmy G., helped by a huge foul on Meyers (probably the victim of a concussion), managed to speed up the clock sufficiently to seal his first victory in the black and silver jersey.
The following
The Broncos did not seem transformed compared to last season, and will quickly have to find the keys in a division which will not wait for them.
Next up is a new home game against the Commanders for Denver, and a new away trip against the Bills for Las Vegas.
