The Oakland Raiders are doing more than making a game of it with the undefeated Denver Broncos, they’re leading at the half, 7-3.
Denver had a chance to take the lead with under a minute to play, but Charles Woodson finally made the play he’s been waiting to make since 1998.
Meanwhile, the Raiders have moved the ball consistently on offense and limited Denver on defense. The Denver ‘D’ has had a bend but not break mentality, but it’s going to need the offense to step up and do its part. It has been doing the heavy lifting all game.
The time of possession before Denver took the ball with 9:31 left in the second quarter was more than 3:1 to Oakland…
Time of possession#Raiders 15:30#Broncos 4:59
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 11, 2015
Shortly thereafter, Denver failed to convert on a third down as they were driving into Oakland territory. Peyton Manning forced a throw, with a man wide open. One of several missed opportunities and tough decisions by Manning.
On third down play, Emmanuel lined up backfield and was wide open for TD on wheel route. Manning threw underneath to DT, who dropped pass.
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 11, 2015
Not only was it tough going on offense, Denver lost one of its big playmakers on the other side of the ball. The Broncos’ defensive MVP through the first four games of the season was carted off the field with a back issue…
DeMarcus Ware is questionable to return (back). He's been have a defensive-MVP-caliber season through four weeks.
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 11, 2015
And back on offense, Ryan Harris, who missed time during the week with a knee, was sidelined for Denver’s final two possessions of the half…
Polumbus still in at LT. Ryan Harris is standing on the sideline, helmet off.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 11, 2015
There is some silver lining, on the injury front…
Luckily for the #Broncos there’s Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett to back up.
— Rich (midnight blue 🌠and sunshine yellow ☀️) (@RichKurtzman) October 11, 2015
Things somewhat optimistic as Denver got the ball back with a chance to close the half with a score.
Driving late in the quarter, Bennie Fowler had a huge play to put Denver on the Oakland side of the field at the 2:00 warning.
Manning to Fowler for 41 yards.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 11, 2015
Bennie Fowler with a remarkable run after the catch. Way to play strong, young man. #Broncos
— Rich (midnight blue 🌠and sunshine yellow ☀️) (@RichKurtzman) October 11, 2015
Jordan Norwood kept the Broncos 2:00 drill alive with a big catch on third-and-two…
Peyton to Norwood. Jordan had to pull it off his shoelaces. First down! #DENvsOAK
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) October 11, 2015
Ronnie Hillman had a chance to put Denver up, but couldn’t hang on after a hit in the end zone…
Peyton's gotta throw it better, but Hillman's gotta grab that.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) October 11, 2015
Right through his arms
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 11, 2015
Then… Charles Woodson finally got his first interception on Peyton Manning…
Charles Woodson finally got his Peyton Manning interception, and it happened in the #Raiders end zone. #doh
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 11, 2015
That's gonna burn on Peyton. Charles Woodson got the Heisman, and now his 1st pick off Peyton in 17 years. Raiders lead 7-3 at halftime.
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) October 11, 2015
Denver will receive the second half kickoff.
