Defense worried Raider Nation early, but got a stop when it mattered in NFL opening win
It seems Raider Nation were already getting tired of seeing the Raiders defense in the first quarter of the 2023 NFL season.
After Las Vegas took a 7-0 lead, the Denver Broncos responded by going down the field and scoring a touchdown.
Many times in Denver’s opening possession, the Broncos tight ends were open. Broncos running back Javonte Williams found space, too.
Fans wondered if it’s still the same bad defense as last year?
On that drive, the Raiders Defense looks as bad as it was last year. It's so frustrating. They had Denver pinned back deep, and Denver went right down and scores.
— Raiders History (@Oaklraiders1976) September 10, 2023
Raiders defense already taking a toll on my mental health pic.twitter.com/g96DmZRdaD
— . (@WalikWillis) September 10, 2023
Raiders defense didn’t change I see
— #ProdByWizzo (@RobMack510) September 10, 2023
Raiders offense vs raiders defense pic.twitter.com/QeaJr6UqAL
— ethan muad’dib (@eth8n_02) September 10, 2023
On the Broncos second drive in the second quarter, they faced 4th and 1, but Russell Wilson did a hard count and got Jerry Tillery to jump, giving Denver a first down.
Mistakes continued to haunt the Raiders in the first half when Jakorian Bennett was called for a pass interference on 3rd and 6. Three plays later Wilson found Courtland Sutton for a 5-yard touchdown for a 13-10 lead.
The Raiders defense, however, made a stop when it mattered in the fourth quarter.
Nate Hobbs and Divine Deablo tackled Williams for a loss of one yard. at Denver’s 24-yard line. Wilson then connected with Adam Trautman, but was stopped short of the first yard marker by Tre’von Moehrig, forcing the Broncos to punt.
The Raiders ended up running out the clock for a 17-16 victory.
Early in the game, Raiders fans were furious.
Worst defense in league once again I see. Nothing will ever change. This franchise loves losing. #raiders
— Gsmith44 (@Smith2022G) September 10, 2023
Defense is just pitiful
Might be worse then last year if thats even possible— RaiderRyan (@RaiderRyan5) September 10, 2023
Raiders defense hasn’t improved in like 6 years man all hope is fuckin lost
— (@fkcIappedamauri) September 10, 2023
It seems all is forgiven by Raiders fans. Perhaps, it’s a sign that the Raiders’ defense will keep improving as the season moves along. Fans want to see results.
Raiders held Broncos to 16 points so I would like to apologize to the @Raiders defense https://t.co/RQXnJ9mW9K
— Austin Boyd (@austincjboyd) September 10, 2023
Defense actually stiffened up when it mattered. I’m surprised and happy. Very ugly game by both teams, but a win is a win. 7 in a row. Las Vegas Raiders have never lost against Denver.
— Brian Barreto (@BBR1394) September 10, 2023
