Defense carries streaking Denver Broncos past Las Vegas Raiders

by · UPI

Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The Denver Broncos recorded six sacks, blocked a punt and pulled in an interception to propel a tight AFC West division win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Broncos held a 220 to 188 advantage in total yards in the sluggish 10-7 triumph Thursday in Denver. Each team earned 10 first downs, was flagged 11 times and held the ball for about 30 minutes.

"When you play a divisional opponent, those type of games can go a lot of different directions," Broncos coach Sean Payton told reporters. "This one certainly unfolded differently than we would have thought."

The Broncos, who started the season with a 1-2 record, extended their current win streak to seven games with the division victory. The Raiders have lost seven of their last eight, including their last three matchups.

The Raiders jumped out to a 7-0 lead after a 4-yard rushing score from running back Ashton Jeanty with about three minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Quarterback Bo Nix connected with wide receiver Troy Franklin for a 7-yard score about 2:40 before halftime to help the Broncos tie the score.

JL Skinner blocked an A.J. Cole punt late in the third quarter. Tyler Badie recovered the loose ball for the Broncos, who got a 32-yard field goal from Wil Lutz four snaps later for the final points of the night.

Nix completed 16 of 28 passes for 150 yards, one score and two interceptions in the victory. Broncos running back JK Dobbins totaled 77 yards on 18 carries.

Jeanty totaled 60 yards and a score on 19 carries. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards and an interception. He also sustained a quad/thigh bruise in the fourth quarter and will be evaluated to determine his availability for Week 11.

Dondrea Tillman logged an interception in the victory. Fellow Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto registered 1.5 sacks. Safety Talanoa Hufanga, defensive tackle Malcolm Roach and defensive lineman Zach Allen also logged sacks.

Linebacker Jonathan Cooper and defensive linemen Eyioma Uwazurike and John Franklin-Myers registered half-sacks.

The Raiders (2-7) will host the Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1) on Nov. 17 in Las Vegas. The Broncos (8-2) will host the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) on Nov. 16 in Denver.

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