Bucky’s Breakdown: Observations from the Raiders’ Week 5 loss
Bucky Brooks breaks down the Raiders’ performance in a 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
BIG IMPRESSION
The Raiders missed out on a chance to win a key division game by squandering an early lead that could’ve mushroomed to 14 points if Gardner Minshew avoids throwing a 100-yard pick-six that flipped the game’s momentum. With the offense gift-wrapping the Broncos short fields and easy scoring chances with a few costly turnovers and three-and-outs, the Raiders were unable to regain control of the game.
KEYS TO VICTORY
The Raiders could not sustain a solid start to knock off a division rival on the road. After jumping out to a 10-3 lead, the Silver and Black could not bounce back from a pick-six that tied the score and shifted the momentum. While the offense continued to make costly mistakes, the defense did not respond with the kind of “sudden change” effort that Pierce would expect from a playoff-caliber team. The Raiders could not regain the momentum or seize control of the game without snuffing out those scoring chances.
MINSHEW MANIA
The veteran got off to a hot start, completing his first nine passes to help the Raiders race out to a 10-3 with a chance to push the lead to 17-3 until his pick-six. Minshew overthrew Brock Bowers in the end zone, resulting in a 100-yard interception return for the Broncos’ Patrick Surtain. After the sixth-year pro tossed another interception to Riley Moss, Antonio Pierce subbed in Aidan O’Connell to finish the game. Though Minshew ended the game on the bench, his sizzling start could allow him to continue as the starter when the coaches review the film.
UNSUNG HERO
Brock Bowers is thriving as the Raiders’ No.1 option in the passing game in Davante Adams’ absence. The rookie consistently gets open against any coverage, exhibiting outstanding instincts, awareness and athleticism, finding space down the field. With eight catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown on the stat sheet, Bowers was the star of the day as the focal point of the Raiders’ aerial attack.
OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING
The offense sputtered after a strong start due to a series of miscues and blunders that led to turnovers and poorly executed plays on crucial downs. Although Minshew’s mistakes put the team in a bind, O’Connell contributed to the giveaway party with an interception on his second series. With the quarterbacks combining for three turnovers and three sacks, they put themselves behind the eight-ball and never recovered.
DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is likely disappointed at his unit’s response after they could not stymie the Broncos. Though the defense was tasked with defending short fields, the unit’s failure to win “sudden change” situations did not show the toughness and resilience that Pierce and Graham preach daily. Maxx Crosby attempted to spark the unit with a pair of sacks, but the Pro Bowler’s effort was insufficient to help the defense stand up when the team needed a stop.
