Broncos at Raiders third quarter recap

The Denver Broncos retake the lead in the third quarter up 16-13 over the Las Vegas Raiders to enter the final quarter.

The Denver Broncos received the kick to start the second half and desperately needed to flip the script on the Las Vegas Raiders in the game.

Bo Nix and the Broncos offense started things out with a negative play on a four yard loss by Jaleel McLaughlin who immediately ran into a big man who had busted through the offensive line. That would lead to a quick three and out and punt to start the second half.

It looked like the Raiders offense was going to pick up right where they left off. With zero turnovers and zero sacks on the day, the Broncos defense just wasn’t getting it done. Then after a sack by Malcolm Roach, Minshew was again pressured to have the ball sail where Brandon Jones intercepted and returned all the way to the Raiders 18 yard line.

Two plays later, Nix found Courtland Sutton in the end zone for Denver’s first touchdown of the game to finally retake the lead.

Broncos 16, Raiders 13.

The Raiders needed to respond on their next drive and got a big play on a run inside that went big into Broncos territory, despite a no-call hold on Cody Barton that looked fairly egregious on the broadcast. After a Nik Bonitto tackle for a loss and a short screen pass, the Raiders faced a third and eight where Gardner Minshew’s pass would be knocked away to bring out the punt unit.

After an outstanding punt was downed at the 1, the Broncos offense had work to do. Two completions to Courtland Sutton and a run by Jaleel McLaughlin got them right out to the 28 yard line. Two plays later on third and five, Nix went to Sutton again for another first down reception.

Again they were faced with another third down two plays later this time needed seven yards. Bo Nix was nearly sacked and had to throw it away where they’d have to punt it back to the Raiders.

Despite having to punt it back, the Raiders did nothing with their possession and had to punt it right back after going three and out. That drive by the Broncos was critical at flipping field position late in the third quarter.

Marvin Mims Jr. took the punt back for 22 yards to set the Broncos up on their next drive close to midfield. They quickly found themselves in a third and long after a near interception by Nix, but Nix went back to the Sutton well for an 18 yard pass into field goal range to end the third quarter.