As awesome as Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos were in the second and third quarters of Sunday's blowout 41-17 win over the Oakland Raiders, it was the defensive unit that impressed me the most. After the disastrous performance against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Week 9, I was personally anxious to see how this defensive unit would respond.
Must Reads
Sure it was the Raiders this defense was facing, but an NFL team is an NFL team - even these Raiders. Including that final touchdown drive that nearly doubled the Raiders total net yardage on the day, the Broncos defense held rookie Derek Carr and the Raiders offense to 222 total yards. 192 of those came through the air, while just 30 yards rushing were gained against the NFL's top-ranked run defense.
Even better, the Broncos defense gave up just 10 total first downs and were an impressive 5/18 on third downs. Those third down numbers include eight three and out drives by the Raiders. Yes. EIGHT. Three of those other third downs ended in turnovers - two interceptions and a fumble recovery. You just can't have a better day on defense than this Broncos unit had on Sunday afternoon in Oakland.
All told, the Broncos improve their top ranked run defense to just 67.0 yards per game, which is a full four years per game better than the second best run defense ranked in the NFL. Their pass defense rankings is also moving into Top 10 territory after today's game.
All good things, people. The only blip on this defense is that game against the Patriots. Let's hope they get their revenge in the playoffs again this year.
Video Highlights
Stay There, Brock Osweiler; Peyton's Got This | DeadSpin
Even in a rout, Peyton Manning's reluctant to lose reps. The old man wants to play; you have to be quicker than that, Brock Osweiler.
Week 10: Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders - NFL Videos
After a slow start, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning threw five touchdowns and lead his team to a 41-17 win over the Oakland Raiders.
Fox on win over Raiders | DenverBroncos.com
Coach Fox meets the media following the 41-17 win over the Raiders.
Manning talks win in Oakland | DenverBroncos.com
Peyton Manning meets the media after beating the Raiders 41-17.
Manning 'it was a good division win' | DenverBroncos.com
Peyton Manning's press conference continued.
Horse Tracks
Arizona Cardinals turn to Drew Stanton after Carson Palmer injury | The MMQB
The NFC's best team lost its starting quarterback Sunday, but Arizona isn't feeling sorry for itself in the least. Plus, inside Detroit's remarkable turnaround, an unlikely hero helps the Jets topple Big Ben, and more from Week 10.
Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders - Recap - ESPN
Interceptions, batted passes and a missed open receiver in the end zone. Peyton Manning looked rather ordinary for the first 26 minutes.
Broncos Sink Raiders 41-17 - Scout.com
Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos overcame a slow start to defeat the Oakland Raiders and improve to 7-2.
Broncos post 41-17 win over the Raiders | The Sacramento Bee
An Oakland Raiders fan watches from his seat during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Raiders and the Denver Broncos in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014.
Manning's 5 TDs lead Broncos past Raiders 41-17 | The Sacramento Bee
Interceptions, batted passes and a missed open receiver in the end zone. Peyton Manning looked rather ordinary for the first 26 minutes.
Manning's 5 TDs lead Broncos past Raiders 41-17 | USA Today
Peyton Manning shook off a rare shaky start with his usual spectacular play. Manning threw five touchdown passes in less than 17 minutes and the Denver Broncos handed the Oakland Raiders their 15th straight loss, 41-17 on Sunday.
Broncos score 35 unanswered to win going away 41-17 - Silver And Black Pride
What began is surprising fashion ended pretty as expected. After taking an early 10-6 lead, the Broncos scored 35 unanswered points to cruise to a 41-17 victory in Oakland.
NFL News
Marshawn Lynch's Beast Mode Moment of the Week - SBNation.com
You might not notice the moment where Jameel McClain tries to tackle Lynch from that angle, because Lynch barely even stops moving. But if you look closely, you can see a white-jerseyed Giant squaring up to make a tackle and getting boomed to the ground.
Graham's game-winning Hail Mary TD waved off for offensive pass interference - SBNation.com
This looked like a game-winning TD on a Hail Mary, but instead the play was wiped out after the refs called Jimmy Graham for a shove.
3 things we learned from San Francisco's wild 27-24 win - SBNation.com
The Niners used a miracle play in regulation and a fumble in overtime to knock off the Saints.
Carson Palmer suffers knee injury, possible torn ACL per reports - SBNation.com
Carson Palmer went to the ground during the fourth quarter against the Rams on Sunday.
These plays helped Kansas City beat Buffalo, 17-13 - Arrowhead Pride
The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills 17-13 in a wild game on Sunday afternoon. The win moves the Chiefs to 6-3 on the season, solidifying their spot in the AFC playoff picture.
Remember that time Rodney Harrison said the Chiefs season was "done" after one week? - Arrowhead Pride
The narrative around the 2014 Kansas City Chiefs started early and they'v been working to break it ever since.