Is Denver’s Defensive Dominance Sustainable?
The Denver Broncos started their game against the Raiders below their usual standard. On the Raiders' second drive, quarterback Geno Smith found tight windows in Denver’s defense, connecting with rookie Ashton Jeanty. Showing remarkable toughness, Jeanty crashed through defenders, including Talanoa Hufanga, en route to the first red-zone touchdown scored at Empower Field since Week 8.
After allowing the early touchdown, the Broncos retreated to the sideline as if reprimanded. At halftime, safety Talanoa Hufanga rallied the team, emphasizing the need for stronger defensive effort. Despite offensive struggles, Hufanga held the defense accountable, declaring any touchdown unacceptable.
“It’s set every week that — they can’t score at all,” Hufanga said postgame. “It’s tough for us to even give them a touchdown. We want to hold teams to field goals, or get off the field if we can’t get turnovers.”
True to their resolve, Denver's defense shut down the Raiders after that initial score, preventing any further points in a 10-7 victory. Vance Joseph’s defensive unit led the way with six sacks and no points allowed in the final three quarters, showcasing the familiar resilience the Broncos rely on.
Key Defensive Highlights
- Early touchdown allowed but considered unacceptable by the defense
- Strong halftime team talk by safety Talanoa Hufanga
- Six sacks by Denver’s defense during the last three quarters
- No additional points conceded after the first quarter
Author’s summary: Denver’s defense turned an early setback into a showcase of resilience and dominance, confidently shutting out the Raiders in the second half to secure a narrow victory.