A look at another blowout in the AFC West on Sunday:
What it means: The Denver Broncos played their most complete game of the season in this thumping of the rival Oakland Raiders. Denver moves to 2-2. The Broncos lost close games to Atlanta and Houston in Weeks 2 and 3. While Denver played a complete game, the Raiders reverted to their overall poor play. Oakland showed promise, especially on offense, in a 34-31 win over Pittsburgh last week. The Raiders are 1-3.
Manning shines: Denver quarterback Peyton Manning had his best game of the season as he picked apart a weak Oakland secondary. Manning completed 30 of 38 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns. Manning is getting more comfortable with the Denver offense and his teammates.
Second-half explosion: The Broncos outscored Oakland 27-0 in the second half, including a 21-0 eruption in the third quarter. Denver took over on both sides of the ball in the third quarter.
McFadden struggles again: Oakland running back Darren McFadden had just 34 yards on 13 carries. He is struggling in the Raiders’ zone-blocking scheme. McFadden has just 201 yards on 57 carries.
What’s next: The Broncos play at New England as Manning renews his rivalry with the Patriots. Oakland has a bye and then must visit Atlanta in Week 6.
What it means: The Denver Broncos played their most complete game of the season in this thumping of the rival Oakland Raiders. Denver moves to 2-2. The Broncos lost close games to Atlanta and Houston in Weeks 2 and 3. While Denver played a complete game, the Raiders reverted to their overall poor play. Oakland showed promise, especially on offense, in a 34-31 win over Pittsburgh last week. The Raiders are 1-3.
Manning shines: Denver quarterback Peyton Manning had his best game of the season as he picked apart a weak Oakland secondary. Manning completed 30 of 38 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns. Manning is getting more comfortable with the Denver offense and his teammates.
Second-half explosion: The Broncos outscored Oakland 27-0 in the second half, including a 21-0 eruption in the third quarter. Denver took over on both sides of the ball in the third quarter.
McFadden struggles again: Oakland running back Darren McFadden had just 34 yards on 13 carries. He is struggling in the Raiders’ zone-blocking scheme. McFadden has just 201 yards on 57 carries.
What’s next: The Broncos play at New England as Manning renews his rivalry with the Patriots. Oakland has a bye and then must visit Atlanta in Week 6.
Bill Williamson | email
NFL- ESPN AFC West Blogger
- Spent four seasons covering the Broncos for the Denver Post
- Previously covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
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