Oakland Raiders fans might look back on their game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday with contempt for Chris Harris Jr., who took an interception 74 yards to the end zone for what proved to be the game-winning score. Or they might blame Derek Carr who threw the pass.
They might spit venom at Jack Del Rio and his coaching staff for some questionable play-calling on fourth down with the Raiders needing a long conversion. Or blame Derek Carr who checked into the worst option on the play call.
But the person they’ll be most apt to blame following Sunday’s 16-10 loss is Sebastian Janikowski, who missed on two field goals, which proved to be the difference in the game.
Meanwhile, Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus was a perfect three-for-three on the day, including another kick from beyond 50 yards – his fourth of the year.
One of McManus’ field goals wasn’t officially the game winner, but they proved to be the difference in this closely (perhaps too closely) contested game.
As always, we were plugged in as the game unfolded and took a snapshot of some of the best reactions and insights to the defining moments of the game, including how the kicking game ultimately decided this one.
Janikowski has his first attempt of the day blocked and the Broncos maintain their streak of zero first-quarter points allowed…
And it's blocked! #Raiders walk away with 0 points.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) October 11, 2015
Replayed the FG on my fancy replay machine. Just a bad kick. Too low. That's on C-Bass.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 11, 2015
McManus puts the Broncos on the board and in the lead…
McManus is still perfect. 3-0 Broncos 2nd.
— Rod Mackey (@RodMackeySports) October 11, 2015
AutoMcMatic now 10-for-10 in triples this year. He good.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 11, 2015
McManus lined up for a long one late in the second half, but opted for a pooch kick – a play that confused the Raiders and even the CBS broadcast team.
Brandon McManus punts out of field-goal formation … and Aaron Brewer NEARLY was able to keep the punt from going into the end zone.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 11, 2015
Great call on pooch kick. Poor execution. By coverage guys.
— Mark Kiszla (@markkiszla) October 11, 2015
After the defense surrendered a touchdown, McManus hit again to help the Broncos take the lead for good.
#Broncos have the 9-7 lead. McManus remains perfect on the year. Guy has taken it to another level this year.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) October 11, 2015
McManus would have made that from 98 yards.
— JGoRadio 🇺🇦 (@JGoRadio) October 11, 2015
Janikowski had a chance to give Oakland the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter, but pushed it wide.
Another Janikowski field goal is NO GOOD!!! #Broncos hold the lead, 9-7 http://t.co/LGbzivq897 #DENvsOAK pic.twitter.com/yYnv2YnLZF
— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) October 11, 2015
Oh #Raiders … completely bailing the #Broncos out folks.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) October 11, 2015
I'm sorry, but the broncos do not deserve that break. . .
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) October 11, 2015
Late in the fourth, needing a touchdown (plus PAT) and a field goal to win, the Raiders elected to kick a field goal to preserve time and attempt an onside kick. This time, Janikowski converted.
Janikowski gets a field goal. One of three on the day. #Broncos still lead, 16-10 http://t.co/LGbzivq897 #DENvsOAK pic.twitter.com/d78tc3WncX
— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) October 11, 2015
#Raiders get the quick 3. Still have to get the onside kick. Down 6 with 1:40 to go. #HoldOnTight
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) October 11, 2015
Any comeback by the Raiders is predicated on a successful on-side kickoff.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 11, 2015
Janikowski had the chance to play hero and atone for the two prior misses with a successful onside kick, but Demaryius Thomas was in exactly the right place to lock it up for the Broncos.
Demaryius Thomas easily fields the onside kick. #BallGame #Broncos
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) October 11, 2015