Gassers and a look ahead following the Broncos’ 32-23 loss to the Raiders.
Gassers
Melvin Gordon
At a position where ball security is job security it was a rough day, and it’s been a rough season so far, for No. 25. With three fumbles coming in, Gordon’s fourth fumble of 2022 proved costly. After gaining eight yards on his first carry of the day in the second quarter, Gordon fumbled at the end of his run. The ball popped right into the arms of cornerback Amik Robertson, who ran it back 64 yards for a score. The coaches clearly don’t trust Gordon — after Javonte Williams’ knee injury, Mike Boone became the primary tailback.
Nathaniel Hackett
It looked like Hackett used up all his play-calling mojo in the first half. In the second half, the Broncos’ offense was inept, with four punts and a turnover on downs over six possessions. Besides some special teams highlights from returner Montrell Washington and a five-play, 75-yard TD drive in the second quarter, Hackett’s unit underperformed for a fourth consecutive game. Save for receiver Courtland Sutton and one timely 55-yard grab from KJ Hamler, the Broncos’ offense hasn’t been in sync, and that falls on Hackett’s shoulders.
Broncos defense
Yeah, they didn’t play horribly, but remember, after the 11-10 win over the 49ers last week, Bradley Chubb declared this unit the “best defense in the NFL,” and his teammates echoed that sentiment. Sunday’s performance did not live up to that label. The Raiders were 6-of-13 on third down, had a 100-yard receiving day by Davante Adams, and gave up another 100-yard rushing day to Josh Jacobs (his third against Denver).
Up Next
Thursday, Oct. 6 vs. Colts at Empower Field, 6:15 p.m. (Week 5)
Record: 1-2-1
Week 4 result: Lost 24-17 vs Titans
Coach: Frank Reich (5th year, 38-29-1)
About the Colts: Indianapolis was supposed to be one of the NFL’s resurgent franchises this year with the addition of quarterback Matt Ryan, but the Colts have been mostly a letdown. They struggled to an overtime tie against the Texans in Week 1, laid an egg in a 24-0 walloping by the Jaguars in Week 2, upset the Chiefs at home in Week 3 and then saw their rushing defense gashed in Sunday’s loss to Tennessee. Despite those struggles, the Colts still boast one of the league’s top tailbacks in Jonathan Taylor, but he sustained an ankle injury Sunday.
