The Denver Broncos may be celebrating an impressive record on paper, but Thursday night’s 10–7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders left fans uneasy rather than elated. While the defense once again carried the team, the offense looked lost — exposing deep cracks that could derail Denver’s Super Bowl dreams.
Denver’s defense was relentless, suffocating the Raiders to just 188 total yards and forcing multiple turnovers. The unit, led by Patrick Surtain II and JL Skinner, allowed only four first downs over seven consecutive drives — a masterclass in discipline and execution. Yet, while the defense sparkled, the offense limped through another night of misfires and missed opportunities.
“Yeah, cool, we’re 8–2,” said running back J.K. Dobbins. “But the defense is winning us these games. They’re playing their hearts out, and we’re stalling drive after drive. It’s not fair to them.”
Quarterback Bo Nix had another forgettable outing, completing 16 of 28 passes for 150 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. His timing and decision-making appeared shaky, often undercut by poor pass protection and ill-timed penalties. “We’ve got to start moving the ball,” Nix admitted postgame. “It starts with me. I’ve got to be better.”
Head coach Sean Payton didn’t mince words either. “Too many penalties. Too many stalled drives. It’s not sustainable,” he said. “We’ve got to clean this up fast.”
While the offense stumbled, the defense’s grit once again saved the night. Safety JL Skinner blocked a punt that set up Denver’s winning field goal, while the front seven dominated with six sacks and relentless pressure on Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
“We’re doing our job,” said Surtain II. “But football’s a team game. We can’t keep carrying the load alone.”
That frustration is justified. The Broncos have averaged just 13.5 points per game over their last three outings — despite boasting one of the league’s best defensive units. Thursday’s offensive stats painted an alarming picture: 11 penalties for 78 yards, seven punts, and no receiver surpassing 60 yards. The run game never found rhythm, forcing Nix into risky throws that often backfired.
Analysts have begun to question Denver’s offensive identity altogether. “The Broncos look like two different teams,” one NFL analyst commented. “A Super Bowl defense paired with a preseason offense.”
Coach Payton has hinted at potential personnel and play-calling changes to rejuvenate the unit. With upcoming matchups against high-powered offenses, Denver’s inability to score could soon catch up to them.
“You can’t expect your defense to be perfect every week,” another analyst noted. “Sooner or later, the offense has to win you a game — and right now, that doesn’t look likely.”
For now, the Broncos’ defense remains the team’s heartbeat. Their fierce, disciplined performances have masked an offense in free fall. But with the playoffs on the horizon, Denver must find balance — or risk watching a promising season crumble under the weight of its own inefficiency.
By Ekolense International Desk