Game balls for the Broncos 29-19 win over the Raiders

The Denver Broncos rallied in the second half to take the road win sweeping the Las Vegas Raiders. Here are our game balls for the win.

The final score would suggest the Denver Broncos dominated the Las Vegas Raiders, but the reality was anything but. Denver was down by four into the third quarter before the game’s momentum shifted on a turnover. Denver would score 20 second-half points and move to 7-5 on the season. They are very much in control of their own playoff destiny.

There were several key moments in the game and most led to our game ball sections for this week, so here are Mile High Report’s game balls!

Bo Nix

Bo Nix just led the Broncos to something that hasn’t happened since Peyton Manning — they swept the Raiders for the first time since 2014. And Nix is one of the main reasons why. The way Denver’s rookie quarterback is playing right now is some of the best QB play in all of the NFL, let alone for rookies. Nix finished the win over Las Vegas 25-of-42 passing for 273 yards and two touchdowns. He also had zero turnovers. If Nix isn’t the favorite to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after this game than something is really wrong. – Ian St. Clair

Courtland Sutton

Courtland Sutton had one reception in the first half for 17 yards. His second target and catch of the game came in the third quarter and was an 18-yard touchdown. After a monster second half, Sutton finished the game with 8 receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns. But almost as important as the TDs were his catches on second and third down that moved the chains. He was clutch when the offense needed not just a spark for itself but a dagger for the Raiders.

“It’s huge. His touchdown, first the one, man-to-man, throw it up, makes a spectacular catch, goes up and gets it,” Bo Nix said of his receiver. “He’s smart. He’s savvy. He makes plays when the ball’s in the air. You can trust him. When it’s up in the air, it’s his or nobody’s. It’s not going to be a pick.”

In a post-game interview, Nix told CBS that he said to Sutton during halftime, “This is your half.” And it was. – Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann

Nik Bonitto

Nik Bonitto gets my game ball for a huge strip sack and another great game. While he only recorded three tackles, two of those were TFLs. His one sack made him the first Bronco to reach double digits in sacks since 2018 when both Von Miller and Bradley Chubb did it. He also had a QBhit and probably at least one more pressure. Nik has turned into an elite edge defender now that he can set the edge in the run game and rush the passer. – Joe Mahoney

Will Lutz

Wil Lutz gets my game ball as he scored the majority of the points for this team with 17. Lutz was a perfect 5 of 5 kicking field goals and 2 extra points. He was perfect on longer field goals as he nailed a 53-yard and a 54-yard kick making it look easy. The consistency he brings to the kicking game is a big reason this team is a winner. – Sadaraine

Devaughn Vele

When the Broncos moved on from Tim Patrick before the season, I was stunned. Patrick seemed like he was finally back, but it quickly became clear why the team made that decision. They had found a late-round gem in Devaughn Vele. He has 32 catches for 361 yards and a touchdown as a rookie. While Patrick is having a decent season with the Detroit Lions, he still has just 19 catches for 258 yards with zero touchdowns. Denver clearly made the right decision in retrospect.

Against the Raiders, Vele had his best game of the season. Sutton stole the show, but Vele seemed to be there whenever Nix needed a first down. He secured 6 catches for 80 yards, but four of his receptions went for first downs.

Not bad for a rookie who wasn’t expected to make the active roster in his first season. – Tim Lynch

Brandon Jones

Brandon Jones’s outing against the Raiders validated the Pa(y)tons’ decision to sign him this past offseason. Jones, a former 3rd round pick and 4 year veteran of the Miami Dolphins, changed the game with his massive 37 yard interception early in the 3rd quarter. It’s actually his 2nd of the season- and I do mean his 2nd 37 yard interception, specifically, as well as 2nd overall.

Jones added in 5 solo sacks and 2 QB hits this afternoon as well, for a nicely productive outing. As a result, in 11 games to date this season (he missed last week’s blowout vs ATL) Jones has already matched or beaten his previous career highs in total tackles, solo tackles, interceptions, and forced fumbles. The dude is balling this year, and he should get more love for it. – Taylor Kothe

Who gets your game ball for the Broncos-Raiders game? Share in the comments section below.