Mile High Report - Week 17: Raiders 32, Broncos 31 - Everything we knowBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2021-01-06T08:00:00-07:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/219703812021-01-06T08:00:00-07:002021-01-06T08:00:00-07:00Broncos vs Raiders: The No Bull Review
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Broncos snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against the Raiders to cap off their 2020 NFL Season. Here are my thoughts, opinions, and analysis on the Denver Broncos’ most recent game.</p> <p id="BV499l">I honestly can’t remember a season that I’ve been happier to be done with than this one. The team has looked like a lame duck for the back half of their schedule and after years of that being the norm, there just hasn’t been much to be excited about with this team.</p>
<p id="pH9FUR">The good thing is that it is over and we now get to hope for something better for next season.</p>
<h1 id="us2yBp">Thoughts on Defense</h1>
<p id="d7juPe">It wasn’t pretty for our defense in this game and that honestly has to be expected when you are putting the NFL equivalent of shoestrings and bubble gum together as your cornerback corps. There wasn’t an answer for Darren Waller to be had and that well was a gift that kept on giving to Derek Carr.</p>
<p id="EZQiWn">The run game worked for Vegas as well with Josh Jacobs averaging 5.9 ypc. </p>
<p id="FhJkRy">In a defense riddled with injuries up and down the roster, they couldn’t do enough to get the win.</p>
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<h2 id="ztumfr">Defensive Pros</h2>
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<cite>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="VQhYbO">Josey Jewel put together probably his best game of the season. He was often in the right place at the right time leading the team in tackles and even defending a pass.</p>
<p id="5Esdsz">Justin Simmons got another big interception. He’s the prototype of what you want in a free safety in today’s NFL. Hopefully, he signs a big contract and gets to stay in the orange and blue for a long time coming.</p>
<p id="8sSIdX">Kareem Jackson had a stellar game as well at strong safety. He had an interception of his own and chipped in a pass defense and fumble recovery.</p>
<p id="6PyTEO">Dre’Mont Jones finished strong with another sack and a half. I like what he’s shown in the opportunities he’s gotten to get more playing time this season. He’s showing the kind of savvy you want to see from an interior defensive lineman.</p>
<p id="UPhboh">Malik Reed had some really nice pass rush moments in this game with a sack and a couple of QB hits. He’s the perfect #3 edge rusher for a team. If he can emulate Shaquil Barret and continue to develop his game, he’s going to turn into a real force at edge in the next two years.</p>
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<h2 id="SC7dNB">Defensive Cons</h2>
<p id="qQCrJ8">Outside of Michael Ojemudia, there’s not a ton to be excited about from what we saw at cornerback. With all the injuries there, that’s not surprising, but it does tell us with the trouble with A.J. Bouye, the Broncos are going to need help at corner next season.</p>
<p id="X09wFM">When our coverage was solid, the pass rush eventually got there, but this defense really is missing Bradley Chubb and Von Miller. There was a good pass rush at times, but it wasn’t really impacting the game as much as you want to see with a strong defense.</p>
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<h1 id="8Dbniv">Offense</h1>
<p id="SVMQfT">We scored over 30 points. That’s a big plus in my books for an offense that has looked absolutely pathetic for most of the season. The downside is, this false gold along with the Panthers game is going to likely fool some into thinking there’s more potential here than we are seeing.</p>
<p id="G4rnEo">If we point out our defense having a pretty poor situation at cornerback, we have to do the same for the opponent as that’s the only way to stay fair and the Raiders corner situation was to my eyes worse than ours (at least our guys weren’t constantly shifting completely off the guy they <em>have </em>to stay with as there is no other safety valve). </p>
<p id="NWUEqu">That being said, Pat Shurmur made a good showing with his offensive unit to finish off the season and even stayed with the run throughout the game when it wasn’t really working well at all.</p>
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<h2 id="MVMad0">Quarterbacks</h2>
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<cite>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="GGjQxo">Drew Lock finished the game with quite an awesome stat line. He made a lot of nice throws in the game and for the second time this season didn’t throw even one boneheaded throw that should have led to a turnover. </p>
<p id="4cofqx">But to quote the great Andrew Wood, “But does it really matter?”</p>
<p id="5HYTwY">If you love Lock, this game was a stamp of approval.</p>
<p id="U3e0Sv">If you hate him, you have to admit this was a pretty darn good showing.</p>
<p id="8QDDHF">If you are like me and collectively form your opinions over time based on what you see from guys playing the game, we’re solidly with Wood on this one.</p>
<p id="aPCizD">He threw some really nice passes in this one and made good decisions. It was his second-best game in the NFL easily. He did enough to win for sure. I hope we see more of this in the future from him and that his career trajectory sails ever upward from this season on.</p>
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<h2 id="KoSMKb">Offensive Pros</h2>
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<p id="KE4pOO">Jerry Jeudy had his best game as a pro and showcased what a great route runner he is. There were more times that he had his guy completely shook than most fans likely noticed. Our quarterback performance was above average and it definitely helped show how good Jeudy is and how bright his future is in the league.</p>
<p id="Ywd7R9">Noah Fant also has such a bright future. He’s the mix of speed, size, and shiftiness that makes him a matchup nightmare to cover.</p>
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<h1 id="tqJuwd">Special Teams</h1>
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<cite>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="khP096">Brandon McManus is likely going to remember this game for a long time. He had a chance to destroy the NFL record and it was blocked. It was the most exciting moment of the game by far for me. I hope he gets another shot again soon as he’s got the leg for it.</p>
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<h1 id="Upo72o">Final Thoughts</h1>
<p id="dk9Foq">I’ve heard a lot of talk about incompetence by Vic Fangio at the end of the game. This may not be a popular opinion, but in my mind what I saw was a coach making sure the opponent had an opportunity to close out the game. There were not 1, but 2 questionable time outs taken by the Broncos. Vic has even said that he doesn’t think these end of season games amount to anything meaningful as far as the next season goes. I believe him when he says that and there is nothing I’ve seen in all his time with the Broncos that leads me to believe he was taking those time outs foolishly or without clear thought on what the situation was. He’s been a coach for decades for goodness sake.</p>
<p id="n8OmDr">I’m not here to be moral police for the rightness or wrongness of it. As a fan of the team, I can honestly say I’m happy they got a better draft position because that helps the team. I can also say that I would have been ecstatic to see them beat the Raiders to close the season because the Raiders every year no matter what can pound sand for eternity. Losing to the hapless Raiders says as much about the quality of the 2020 <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> as anything and it isn’t good.</p>
<p id="v7duel">Thankfully we get to move on to a bigger, brighter future for the Denver Broncos in 2021.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/6/22216512/broncos-raiders-no-bull-reviewsadaraine2021-01-04T13:44:42-07:002021-01-04T13:44:42-07:00Dissatisfying end to Broncos’ season gives way to hope for much better 2021
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>That’s pretty much all you can say about the Week 17 loss.</p> <p id="QLerg8">Welp.</p>
<p id="ZDRs1u">The Broncos’ 32-31 loss to the Raiders had something for every fan.</p>
<p id="9I5QiS">If you were into the better draft pick, you got your wish.</p>
<p id="yqyTmd">If you wanted to see a clean game from Drew Lock, he gave you one.</p>
<p id="myGhXo">If you were just hoping to see some big scores from the offense, Jerry Jeudy made sure you got that too.</p>
<p id="AC8IR3">If you love hating the Raiders, there was more evidence to support the sentiment.</p>
<p id="Fwpw38">If you were looking for a reason to hate the coaching staff, there was this insane timeout that handed the Raiders a one-point lead.</p>
<p id="s7qPvq">And if you’re a conspiracy theorist, you might put together that Melvin Gordon and Vic Fangio conspired to play a great game until the final three minutes and then use the clock to disguise their plan and<a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211900/broncos-raiders-score"> just squander a lead</a>, securing the ninth pick.</p>
<p id="141e7q">The one thing you didn’t get was a very satisfying end to a blown 2020 season.</p>
<p id="eIo9K5">Of all the losses this season, I hated this one the most. As you know, I <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/1/22208657/to-beat-the-raiders-or-not-beat-the-raiders">hate losing to the Raiders. </a></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Raiders is a team that we don’t care for. -Floyd Little</p>— Jess Place (@Jezru) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jezru/status/1345809031399665669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="zp8ZdT">But what I hate more than anything - just on principle - is Broncos losing a game they should have won.</p>
<p id="j8YtCB">The Denver defense forced four turnovers - something it hasn’t done all season.</p>
<p id="5SaStr">The Denver offense scored more than 30 points and had no interceptions - something it hasn’t done all season.</p>
<p id="zZzVtG">But a lapse in strategic thinking caught up to the Broncos in the final minutes of a chance to even the series with the Raiders.</p>
<p id="tM8myX">A lot of fans are furious with Fangio’s timeout called on the two-point conversion play for the Raiders to go ahead by one with under 30 seconds to go. I don’t want to excuse that poorly timed call, but I don’t see it as Fangio not understanding the implications. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Melvin Gordon doesn’t stay in-bounds.<br><br>Questionable timeout usage — to be kind — in the final moments.<br><br>Denver mismanaged its way out of a win.</p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1345897109036232706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<p id="HJRkCg">I think it’s more the result of our head coach being the primary defensive coordinator as well, so he’s paying attention to the defense and what it needs to do to stop the two-point conversion and <em>doesn’t even notice</em> that the Raiders are confused and there was an opportunity to allow them to screw up the time and have to go for the tie. </p>
<p id="eBtGd5">Regardless, there’s a painful lesson there - the head coach either needs to step back from the defensive play calling more, or he needs to have a coach in charge of paying attention to those details who can insure that kind of miss doesn’t happen again. Because it turned out to be egregious.</p>
<p id="9MgNti">But the even more egregious error falls on veteran running back Melvin Gordon who twice ran out of bounds, allowing the clock to stop and giving the Raiders an opportunity to score at the end - which they did emphatically.</p>
<p id="6H6MlM">And Jon Gruden understood all of it better than anyone - which sucks.</p>
<p id="hWKBZr">“Obviously very satisfying. That was the plan. That was the only plan,” he said of the final touchdown and two-point try, adding that the Raiders had some “really great” moments today and “some ugly” ones. “But like we always have seemed to do this year, we hang in there. Our defense gets us a stop and our quarterback is as good as anybody I’ve been around in those situations. He loves the two-minute drill.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And one incredibly clutch 2-point conversion. <a href="https://t.co/MhlwPU96nt">pic.twitter.com/MhlwPU96nt</a></p>— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1345917739777462272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<p id="b4tzP6">But now the 2020 season is finally over and Broncos Country can <em>officially</em> begin arguing about next season - which is even more interesting now that John Elway <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/4/22213797/report-elway-to-take-a-higher-role-within-the-front-office-and-the-team-will-hire-a-general-manager">is essentially firing himself as GM and hiring a new one</a> while he stays on as president of football operations.</p>
<p id="zThe1o">Though the quarterback debate will continue, there were some questions answered about young players, namely the receiving corps is not only top-notch but has great depth - as rookie Tyrie Cleveland proved with his. The Raiders’ secondary was expected to falter, but Cleveland took advantage to his benefit.</p>
<p id="IdFIZK">And, of course, Jerry Jeudy finally wowed Mile High with the kind of play we were hoping for all year.</p>
<p id="dNvN7I">“It would be better to close off with a ‘W,’“ Jeudy said, adding that his offseason will be a lot of repetition, building off his best game yet as a rookie. “You don’t want to finish off the season with a bad game, so I made sure this game I did everything in my power to make plays and finishing strong.”</p>
<p id="jiYW1V">The defense - even without any starting defensive linemen, edge rushers or cornerbacks - dominated the turnovers, with two forced fumbles and two interceptions. </p>
<p id="uJqwVS">Dre’Mont Jones had 1.5 sacks while Malik Reed got in on half of one. Derek Carr had six batted balls by five different defenders, rookie corner Michael Ojemudia claiming two of them.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Per <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nfl</a>, a very productive year for Michael Ojemudia <a href="https://t.co/hub1XpJkcp">pic.twitter.com/hub1XpJkcp</a></p>— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottDochterman/status/1345892919434088450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<p id="ZtRgYy">“The thing about me, I’m a fighter. Adversity always made me better and obviously I wanted things to go a little differently for most of the season, but just finishing like that, I just want to build off of it,” Ojemudia said after the game, adding that his offseason will be an important one. “I kind of know exactly what I want to work on now, so I guess you’ve got to focus on areas of concern you had during the season and try to build off of it for next season.”</p>
<p id="E1Ww0u">The fact that the offense couldn’t take advantage of interceptions by Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, or two forced fumbles by Ojemudia, goes on the “needs serious improvement in the offseason” list. </p>
<p id="uqMdqY">Lock, who had a good day on the stat sheet but couldn’t lead the offense to touchdowns after both interceptions, is making note of those. He’ll need to as all eyes will be on his development - and possibly his competition - in 2021. Especially with a new incoming GM.</p>
<p id="32GegA">“There’s without a doubt optimism—not right now, probably not for the next couple hours just because that one definitely slipped away from us,” Lock said. “In my eyes, I looked at a team that started off really young and kept growing as the year goes on. Guys started making vet plays that were just finishing up their first year of NFL football. I’m excited to grow with these guys and keep growing and make this offseason the best months of my life to be ready coming into next year.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have the ninth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.<br><br> » <a href="https://t.co/3hT0fS9OUt">https://t.co/3hT0fS9OUt</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BroncosDraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BroncosDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/dPnHCCYtC7">pic.twitter.com/dPnHCCYtC7</a></p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1345951460945776645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/4/22213352/dissatisfying-end-to-broncos-season-gives-way-to-hope-for-much-better-2021Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann2021-01-04T08:00:00-07:002021-01-04T08:00:00-07:00The Broncos 2020 finally comes to an end
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<p>It wasn’t the season any of us wanted, or expected</p> <div id="WhKyWa">
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<p id="s315TS">The end of the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> 2020 season made me a little nostalgic. The loss to the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> hurt for several reasons, and we will get into that, but in the end, it was probably the best outcome.</p>
<p id="soSk6Y">Now back to that nostalgia.</p>
<p id="wCMaEw">As Ian St. Clair and I sat down to record the final postgame recap show of 2020 on the MHR Radio Podcast I asked him to think back. Back to a time when national media members were calling Drew Lock a dark horse MVP candidate. Back to a time when Denver was considered a potential challenger to the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Chiefs</a> hold on the division. Back to a time when the playoffs felt almost like a sure thing.</p>
<p id="7SOIw4">While it may feel like 84 years ago, it was more like just 4 or 5 months ago. What a difference a season makes.</p>
<p id="W64qIx">As far as the end of the season, I imagine it ended exactly how it should have. A last minute TD by the Raiders, poor clock management by Vic Fangio, and a 2-pt conversion after a panicky timeout by the Broncos head coach.</p>
<p id="H2rRb6">Oh, and let’s not forget the Broncos won the turnover battle 4-0. That’s right, 4 takeaways to none, and the offense could only manage 31 points. Sure, the defense gave up 32, but how many starters were on the field? Would have been nice if Lock and the offense could have capitalized a little more.</p>
<p id="yy8CYL">But honestly, I’m not going to complain too much. Lock played pretty well, all things considered. He was 25-41 (61% completion) for 339 and 2 TD. The 92-yard TD to Jerry Jeudy is a bit of a stat padder, and Jeudy did most of the work, but who am I to judge. </p>
<p id="7lilwa">Lock played a clean game. Melvin Gordon was solid as the bell cow back. Jeudy had a nice bounce back game. The 92-yard score was a thing of beauty. The route was run perfectly. Lock hit Jeudy in stride as he came open, and then he simply ran away from Raider defenders who looked like they had the right path to make the tackle. He’s going to be really, really good.</p>
<p id="uxFqU3">On the defensive side, Justin Simmons continued to make the case for an extension. He had a pick and 2 passes defensed. Kareem Jackson had an interception. The Broncos forced two fumbles. It was a surprisingly good game from a defense that gave up 32 points.</p>
<p id="AoqR9C">Sure, Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller had big games. Missing several starters will do that. And yes, the Raiders were able to put together a last minute drive to win the game. But the defense is not the problem in Denver.</p>
<p id="qrhWx1">The final score for the Raiders was incredibly telling about what needs to happen with Vic Fangio. He must spend an entire offseason running scenarios, learning how to manage the clock. Better yet, hire a guy who knows how to manage the clock, and let him call timeouts, and make those decisions. Like I have said several times, Fangio is a great defensive coordinator.</p>
<p id="uoQWVZ">I want to walk away from this abomination of a season with something positive. It’s been a real challenge to be excited about the future of the Denver Broncos. The loss to the Raiders only adds to the struggle to find positivity in 2020.</p>
<p id="hHxrU2">Here is my attempt. Nothing is really going to change in 2021. Lock will probably be the starting QB. Fangio will be the HC. John Elway will be the GM. Pat Shurmur will be the OC. Mike Shula will be the QB coach. The changes that will happen are mostly the return of missing pieces like Courtland Sutton.</p>
<p id="ZaOi8T">Maybe continuity is what this franchise needs? Or maybe I’m delusional.</p>
<p id="9kbnBn">Oh, and can we please sign Justin Simmons long term.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/4/22212693/broncos-2020-finally-comes-to-an-endAdam Malnati2021-01-04T04:00:00-07:002021-01-04T04:00:00-07:00Jerry Jeudy says he has a lot more to work on before next season
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos found a keeper in the first round in Jerry Jeudy and he showed it with his best game yet in Week 17. </p> <p id="HQfexq">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> lost a heartbreaker to the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> to close out the 2020 season, but that shouldn’t take away from some of the high points from that game. The biggest was in the form of Jerry Jeudy and his bounce back game. </p>
<p id="5gXPMY">A week after having an incredible amount of drops he came up with five receptions for 140 yards that <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22212264/jerry-jeudy-score-92-yard-touchdown-versus-raiders">included a 92-yard catch and run</a> in the fourth quarter. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You didn't worry about Jerry Jeudy, right? <a href="https://t.co/MHbZuu7PuL">pic.twitter.com/MHbZuu7PuL</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345889000893124608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<p id="MVGHZZ">Jeudy finished with 52 catches for 856 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie year. He was interviewed after the game and he talked a lot about his mindset coming into the game and what he plans to do to prepare for next season.</p>
<p id="cq6Zpu">He sounds like a guy who is rarely satisfied with his production and puts in the work to get better every day. Frankly, I think the Broncos found someone very special when they selected Jeudy in the first round last year. He and Courtland Sutton are going to be quite the pair. </p>
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<p id="vuSM6M"><strong>On his mindset coming into the game today</strong></p>
<p id="IK6v8K">“Today I was just thinking, make sure I don’t have a week like last week. I did everything in my power to make sure I catch everything my way, let the ball in and then execute my play.” </p>
<p id="jTGYzg"><strong>On bouncing back after having a difficult game last week</strong></p>
<p id="doc6Cf">“I didn’t have no doubt. The way I’m wired, I knew last game was going to be one of the last bad games I have my whole life. I learned a lot from that game. Coming into this game I was just a lot more focused, a lot more focused on the details and just catching the ball.”</p>
<p id="Pa8hNm"><strong>On evaluating his rookie season</strong></p>
<p id="l0rBny">“It would be better to close off with a ‘W.’ My rookie season, it was a good start, but I feel like there’s a lot more. It could have been better, but we’re going to see what the future holds.”</p>
<p id="Wg0Jjr"><strong>On how much a normal offseason will help his game</strong></p>
<p id="D3xuks">“During the offseason, you want to have a lot of repetition. For me, the way I think, at the end of the day, football is football. Either you’re prepared or you’re not, so that’s how I think of it.”</p>
<p id="VPhub0"><strong>On having a good performance in the last game of the season</strong></p>
<p id="DBcgCl">“It means a lot. You don’t want to finish off the season with a bad game, so I made sure this game I did everything in my power to make plays and finishing strong.”</p>
<p id="cCNhRI"><strong>On continuing to build his relationship with QB Drew Lock this offseason</strong></p>
<p id="OcAiWi">“I feel like each and every day we built a lot of chemistry throughout the whole season. It’s going to mean a lot. You get a lot of repetition with each other during the offseason so you can build that chemistry up and just keep working until the season begins.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="Ulv70X">Broncos News</h2>
<aside id="N10ivS"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data="{"stories":[{"title":"'One of the all-time great Broncos': Fangio, Broncos honor Floyd Little in season finale","url":"https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/one-of-the-all-time-great-broncos-fangio-broncos-honor-floyd-little-in-season-fi"},{"title":"Kiszla: After wretched 5-11 season, Broncos need to clean out barn and say goodbye to Von Miller","url":"https://www.denverpost.com/2021/01/03/kiszla-broncos-von-miller-week-17-raiders/"},{"title":"Broncos Postgame Show: Lock, Jeudy have strong showings in finale","url":"https://www.denverbroncos.com/video/broncos-postgame-show-lock-jeudy-have-strong-showings-in-finale"},{"title":"Broncos’ season finishes with come-from-ahead loss to Raiders","url":"https://www.denverpost.com/2021/01/03/denver-broncos-las-vegas-raiders-week-17-analysis/"},{"title":"Can't-Miss Play: Jerry Jeudy's 92-YARD TD is longest catch of the season","url":"https://www.nfl.com/videos/can-t-miss-play-jerry-jeudy-s-92-yard-td-is-longest-catch-of-the-season"}]}"></div></aside><h2 id="Nl2USn">NFL News</h2>
<aside id="Wg4jKS"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"2021 NFL Draft order coming out of Week 17","url":"https://dknation.draftkings.com/2021/1/3/22211747/nfl-draft-order-2021-standings-schedule-jaguars-jets-texans-falcons-bengals-eagles-number-one-pick?_ga=2.174146534.512152980.1609721902-2030378818.1595363412"},{"title":"Rodgers tosses four TDs, Packers pull away from Bears 35-16 to clinch NFC’s top seed","url":"https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2021/1/3/22211931/packers-bears-week-17-clinch-number-one-seed-nfc-playoffs-recap-aaron-rodgers?_ga=2.174146534.512152980.1609721902-2030378818.1595363412"},{"title":"AFC Playoff Picture: Buffalo Bills clinch two seed, will find out opponent later today","url":"https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2021/1/3/22211353/afc-playoff-picture-buffalo-bills-clinch-two-seed-will-find-out-opponent-later-today?_ga=2.174146534.512152980.1609721902-2030378818.1595363412"},{"title":"Arizona Cardinals playoff hopes crumble early in loss to Los Angeles Rams","url":"https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2021/1/3/22212217/az-arizona-cardinals-playoff-hopes-crumble-early-in-loss-to-los-angeles-rams?_ga=2.174146534.512152980.1609721902-2030378818.1595363412"},{"title":"Browns vs. Steelers Final Score: We did it! Cleveland advances to postseason with 24-22 win","url":"https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2021/1/3/22211462/browns-vs-steelers-final-score-we-did-it-cleveland-advances-to-postseason-with-24-22-win?_ga=2.174146534.512152980.1609721902-2030378818.1595363412"},{"title":"Minnesota Vikings 37, Detroit Lions 35: Jefferson’s record-setting day paces Vikings victory","url":"https://www.dailynorseman.com/2021/1/3/22211200/minnesota-vikings-detroit-lions-final-score-game-recap?_ga=2.174146534.512152980.1609721902-2030378818.1595363412"},{"title":"Giants-Cowboys final score: New York hangs on to defeat Dallas, 23-19","url":"https://www.bigblueview.com/2021/1/3/22211615/giants-cowboys-final-score-new-york-hangs-on-to-defeat-dallas-23-19?_ga=2.174146534.512152980.1609721902-2030378818.1595363412"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/4/22212643/jerry-jeudy-getting-to-workTim Lynch2021-01-03T20:00:04-07:002021-01-03T20:00:04-07:006 winners, 1 both, 3 losers in the Broncos 32-31 season-ending loss to the Raiders
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<img alt="NFL: JAN 03 Raiders at Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s1GIGOk0e2Y4T966V77jbtNIlaM=/0x0:4903x3269/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68614597/1230413349.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Broncos loss to the Raiders is a fitting end to an awful 2020 season.</p> <div id="3bfZJN">
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<p id="oyKdRv">The 2020 <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> season is finally over. </p>
<p id="4xZy4B">And since irony isn’t completely dead, the season ended as it began ... with the Broncos incapable of closing out a close game. Welcome to the last two years of football in Denver. Sunday’s chapter ended in a 32-31 loss to the hated <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a>. </p>
<p id="XHL0Yu">And it happened in a game in which the Broncos won the turnover margin 4-0. </p>
<p id="4HoLcH">As Andrew Mason pointed out on Twitter, Denver snapped a 62-game league-wide winning streak (including playoffs) for teams that had four takeaways and zero giveaways. Since the start of the 2018 season, teams with exactly four takeaways and zero turnovers are now 117-2, per Pro Football Reference. </p>
<p id="reTzPM">The Broncos end the season 5-11 and will pick at the No. 9 spot in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, thanks to the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> loss to the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Football Team</a> in the Sunday night game. </p>
<p id="3jgrAd">Per the usual, I’m bound to forget someone, leave them off or put them in the wrong category, so please mention them in the comments.</p>
<h2 id="KwJhce">Winners </h2>
<h3 id="dfUFi5">Floyd Little </h3>
<p id="aeP73g">It sucks Denver couldn’t honor with the Broncos legend with a win, but he is and always will be a winner. <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22210591/remembering-denver-broncos-floyd-little">Rest in peace to “The Franchise.”</a> </p>
<h3 id="7pWp28">Jerry Jeudy </h3>
<p id="qCvxHd">It’s safe to say just about everyone in Broncos Country wanted to see the rookie receiver respond the way he did on Sunday. I know that I did. And that 92-yard touchdown catch offered a glimpse at what Jeudy is capable of. Mile High Salute to the rookie. He finished with five catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. </p>
<div id="7ZptB3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">92. YARDS. TO. THE. HOUSE.<a href="https://twitter.com/jerryjeudy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jerryjeudy</a> | : CBS <a href="https://t.co/DQKRpNwGd4">pic.twitter.com/DQKRpNwGd4</a></p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1345889312815005696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<h3 id="31leOA">Justin Simmons </h3>
<p id="K5L2nH">With his interception on Sunday, he is the only safety in the NFL with multiple picks in each of the last five seasons. Was this his final game with the Broncos? I certainly hope not. Simmons is everything you want on your team and is a Pat Bowlen Bronco. Pay. That. Man. Simmons had three tackles (two solo) and two passes defended.</p>
<h3 id="7HSbqu">Michael Ojemudia </h3>
<p id="cvU784">The rookie cornerback forced two fumbles and four for the season. With the rookie year out of the way, I’m excited to see what Ojemudia looks like in his second season. For the game, he finished with seven tackles (five solo). </p>
<h3 id="qEkVQw">Dre’Mont Jones </h3>
<p id="19cgdw">The second-year defensive tackle recorded 1.5 sacks to push his season total to 6.5. Keep in mind, Jones missed three games this season. He finished the game with six tackles (two solo), 1.5 sacks, and one tackle for loss. </p>
<h3 id="H7jx0W">Drew Lock </h3>
<p id="uh5gKX">In the words of Vic Fangio, “Drew, I thought, played well … I thought overall Drew played good football.” For the game, Lock was 25 of 41 passing for 339 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over. </p>
<h2 id="oUEqPR">Both </h2>
<h3 id="P9Lw2S">Melvin Gordon </h3>
<p id="DS4VIi">The Broncos running back came up a bit short of his second, 1,000-yard rushing season of his career. But for the game, Gordon ran and played pretty well. He finished with 26 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Why is he both? Horrible game awareness. Instead of staying in bounds to force the Raiders to use a time out, he ran out of bounds. Inexcusable game awareness from a veteran who should know better. </p>
<h2 id="2LdXVn">Losers </h2>
<h3 id="JOnhCR">Vic Fangio </h3>
<p id="qKxTls">About the only thing that makes any sense as to why the Broncos head coach used a time out, when Jon Gruden and Las Vegas had none and were about to get a delay-of-game penalty, is Fangio really wanted that higher draft pick. Fangio still has not learned clock and game management. At. All. </p>
<div id="tYy5Jn">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gruden said the Raiders "changed our mind three times on the 2-point conversion. Fortunately, they used their timeout." <br>Jacobs: "We would have been scrambling if they hadn't."</p>— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) <a href="https://twitter.com/VicTafur/status/1345901629610942464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<h3 id="lz3fb9">Broncos special teams </h3>
<p id="x3UqBG">This isn’t about the play, per se, but it’s my way of saying, hopefully we’ve seen the end of Tom McMahon in Denver. </p>
<h3 id="KICZK2">The Broncos </h3>
<p id="w8fMdP">The organization has now had four-straight losing seasons. With the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> (last playoff berth in 2002) and <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> (last playoff berth in 2007) making the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoffs">NFL Playoffs</a>, Denver’s five-straight seasons is now the second-longest <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/2021/1/3/22212040/jets-now-own-the-longest-playoff-drought-in-the-nfl">playoff drought</a> in the NFL behind the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>. That’s not winning. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22212331/broncos-raiders-winners-losers-week-17Ian St. Clair2021-01-03T18:08:21-07:002021-01-03T18:08:21-07:008 things we learned from the Broncos exciting 31-32 loss to the Raiders
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<img alt="NFL: JAN 03 Raiders at Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HHjjpfYnFtX30r5hNzARHq06qqg=/0x0:2869x1913/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68614190/1230413452.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeudy did what he could, but the Raiders prevailed. | Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos defense secured four turnovers. It wasn’t enough. </p> <p id="ZZ82fn">In a meaningless game where fans spent the time between drives keeping up with draft implications, the Broncos lost to the Raiders 32-31. It happened as the Broncos defense found a way to steal four different possessions away from Derek Carr and the Raiders, securing a top ten pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. </p>
<p id="OkvbCf">Here’s what we learned. </p>
<h2 id="OynN3D"><strong>Bradley Chubb’s absence hurt the run D late.</strong></h2>
<p id="lMx2Ax">The Broncos play today without their <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> edge rusher and his <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345400822507692038?s=20">57 pressures</a>. The loss meant more time for Malik Reed and Jeremiah Attaochu. It also led to snaps for rookie seventh-rounder Derrek Tuszka. Going in, I expected the Raiders to find success running against light boxes. Instead, Vegas dialed up more two tight end sets which helped the Broncos hide their callow secondary. Fangio didn’t hesitate to bring out base personnel against Jon Gruden’s 12 personnel sets or even four defensive lineman with Reed. Josh Jacobs had all of seven yards on five carries in the first quarter and finished the half with 12 on six. </p>
<p id="EgcfDr">In the second half Jacobs started finding lanes to run through, with the vast majority heading left. It wasn’t a surprise Jacobs ran off the left side on the 4th-and-goal touchdown. </p>
<h2 id="fZtmxb"><strong>The Broncos had two rookie corners on the boundary.</strong></h2>
<p id="YNhk3i">Vic Fangio benched De’Vante Bausby during the loss to the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a>, so I was curious what the plan would be today. Rookie Parnell Motley played the closing snaps in L.A. and held up on a drive into the red zone when Justin Herbert went after him, but also gave up a completion on the following drive. The Raiders tested him on the first drive today, but Carr found more success going after Fangio’s other rookie corner early. </p>
<div id="0OcyOl">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Malik Reed drops off in coverage as the Broncos send four. No one gets to Carr and Michael Ojemudia is burnt. Again. <a href="https://t.co/qCgUFnd8qm">pic.twitter.com/qCgUFnd8qm</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345849082607247361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="DQ40Ti">I’ll need to go back over the All22 to see exactly what happened on the Agholor catch, but it looked like the rookie tried to hand off the route to Kareem Jackson, who was focused on the No. 2. If you’re looking for signs of growth from Michael Ojemudia, you didn’t have to wait long. Earlier this year a mistake like the Agholor catch seemed to haunt O.J. through the rest of the game. Not today. </p>
<div id="FrZIou">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">O.J. forces a fumble! Broncos ball! <a href="https://t.co/2OoQeihrYO">pic.twitter.com/2OoQeihrYO</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345854616580325377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="4zRDh6">On the Raiders penultimate drive before the half, Gruden dialed up a bomb against Motley. It almost worked. Nelson Agholor got him off the line, but the rookie kept his cool and had the wherewithal to get his head around. For someone who joined the Broncos the week before Christmas, <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345862287928795144?s=20">that’s not too shabby.</a> It wasn’t enough to keep Chucky from going back to the well before the second quarter came to an end, however.</p>
<div id="Fhh34U">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bryan Edwards toasts Motley on 3rd and very long. <a href="https://t.co/qqFDooozZq">pic.twitter.com/qqFDooozZq</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345866904813056000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="ZEQrbE">In the second half Carr gave Ruggs a ball on an end around and both rookie corners shot to the ball. Motley missed, which gave Ojemudia another chance to play hero.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">O.J. with another forced fumble and the Broncos have the ball! <a href="https://t.co/rtdc2Qoyzw">pic.twitter.com/rtdc2Qoyzw</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345880888995938306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="V08JkD"><strong>Tyree Cleveland showed out in the first half. </strong></h2>
<p id="7HPUyM">The Broncos “other” rookie wide receiver hasn’t had many reps with the offense this year. He came into Week 17 with just 47 offensive snaps, none since the second <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Chiefs</a> game. With K.J. Hamler landing on Injured Reserve and Tim Patrick ailing in the first quarter, that changed today. He saw six targets before halftime, <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345860727664472064?s=20">including a 4th and 1.</a> It speaks to Lock’s faith in the young pass catcher that the crucial drop didn’t deter him. On the Broncos last drive before the half, he went to Cleveland on a third down and was rewarded with a pass interference call. </p>
<div id="ZlOI7X">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tyrie Cleveland has 3 catches for 41 yards in the first half. <br><br>Going into today's game, he had 2 catches for 18 yards as a pro. <a href="https://t.co/ZfwrJR6EtB">https://t.co/ZfwrJR6EtB</a></p>— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByJonHeath/status/1345859509219160070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="9518T2"><strong>Risner, Glasgow, and Patrick couldn’t finish the game.</strong></h2>
<p id="bOjN2y">It’s been a painful close to the 2020 season for Glasgow, who signed with the Broncos after four years with the Lions. He missed the Carolina game due to a foot injury and left the Raider game because of a bum shoulder. His absence meant another opportunity for Netane Muti, who’s shown some promise as a run blocker. Risner also left the game in the second quarter, which led to more snaps for Austin Schlottmann. </p>
<h2 id="4U8dtN"><strong>True passing downs remains a work in progress. </strong></h2>
<p id="qTneou">Vegas came into the game with the <a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/nfl/team-defense/2020">third worst passing defense </a>in the NFL and it showed early and often. The Broncos hit on three 10+ yard plays in the first half as well as a couple big pass interference calls. In fact, the Broncos converted half their third downs and even two third-and-longs, so it caught my attention when Shurmur conceded on the last real scoring drive of the first half.</p>
<div id="6Rr2XQ">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you run a tight end screen on 3rd and long, you planned to punt. <a href="https://t.co/qvzUqC0Jf5">pic.twitter.com/qvzUqC0Jf5</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345865051945766912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="zeC6Jl">The Broncos found their way into the redzone on their first drive of the third quarter thanks to a nice pass by Lock <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345872786032570370?s=20">as the pocket crumbled </a>and a pass interference call. Rod Marinelli dialed up the kind of pressure look Lock crumbled against in week 10 and the second year passer threw it to green grass.</p>
<div id="i7FU40">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Drew Lock airmails it on 3rd and 6. <a href="https://t.co/nFuPl5amKU">pic.twitter.com/nFuPl5amKU</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345874063252738050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="1cVZW1"><strong>Netane Muti saved a touchdown. </strong></h2>
<p id="VStgJu">At the end of the first half, Vic Fangio gave Brandon McManus a chance at history. The problem with long kicks is that they need to stay low to keep the distance, which makes them easier to block. Henry Ruggs scooped up the ball and looked like he’d have a path to six until the Broncos’ rookie guard stepped in.</p>
<div id="3nus1i">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Raiders block McManus' kick at history. Netane Muti stops Ruggs from punishing the Broncos for the attempt. <a href="https://t.co/2zkqL3MoSS">pic.twitter.com/2zkqL3MoSS</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345868755352616960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="WvgC2Z"><strong>The Broncos safeties make plays. </strong></h2>
<p id="eK2DoB">Okay, we didn’t learn this. I did learn Justin Simmons is the <em>only</em> safety to notch multiple picks in each of the last five seasons. So that lazy narrative people kept throwing around last year will hopefully die the painful death it always deserved. He’s an elite player. It’s long past time Elway recognize$ it. </p>
<div id="5dyRpS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Justin Simmons with an interception! <a href="https://t.co/q4nEsQRB20">pic.twitter.com/q4nEsQRB20</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345878097116229633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="0QCtZN">I’ve said it before, but I also got to say Kareem Jackson has quietly been one of the defensive rocks this season. If the Broncos plan to run it back with the majority of their offense locked into rookie contracts, they ought to keep Jackson and Simmons together for 2021, even if they’re the highest paid safety duo in the league. </p>
<div id="PkmAPm">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kareem Jackson robs Derek Carr! <a href="https://t.co/VB4wa39yLq">pic.twitter.com/VB4wa39yLq</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345884028549935104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="ua8nrG"><strong>Jeudy bounced back.</strong></h2>
<p id="hJmiRC">Let’s pretend I’m surprised.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You didn't worry about Jerry Jeudy, right? <a href="https://t.co/MHbZuu7PuL">pic.twitter.com/MHbZuu7PuL</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345889000893124608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211903/8-things-we-learned-broncos-raidersJust_JoRo2021-01-03T17:55:30-07:002021-01-03T17:55:30-07:00Broncos squander lead in 32-31 defeat to Raiders to finish season 5-11
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<img alt="NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tyf_qMAkrWtyhbvxtsVts_twVtM=/0x0:3510x2340/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68614131/usa_today_15392656.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos blew a lead late to lose 32-31 to the Las Vegas Raiders and finished the season 5-11. </p> <p id="JZoIdl">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> helped the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> multiple time in the final plays using their timeouts when the Raiders seemed on the verge of delay of game penalties. That is something that will leave fans questioning Head Coach Vic Fangio’s timeout usage and game management abilities heading into the offseason.</p>
<p id="iLrkuv">The 32-31 defeat means the Broncos finished the season 5-11 and will hold a top ten pick in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2021 NFL Draft</a>. At least the 2020 season is finally over, Broncos Country. </p>
<h2 id="STqTQE">First Quarter</h2>
<p id="WBA9KI">The Broncos are Raiders traded field goals early in the first quarter, but it was Denver’s offense that wasn’t being stopped much early. Their second drive went for 75 yards and the game’s first touchdown with time waning in the first quarter. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lock hits a wide open Fumagalli and the Broncos lead 10 to 3. <a href="https://t.co/sv89EKoohC">pic.twitter.com/sv89EKoohC</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345853086166896642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="meAqff">Both of the Broncos drives in the first quarter drove the length of the field, which was a good sign against a very bad Raiders defense. Denver would take a 10-3 lead into the second quarter. </p>
<p id="zYl0tA"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211889/raiders-broncos-first-quarter-recap">Full first quarter recap</a>.</p>
<h2 id="ow47e4">Second Quarter</h2>
<p id="0YA08t">The Broncos headed into the second quarter with all of the momentum, especially after this forced fumble by Michael Ojemudia. Darren Waller had the first down there, but instead it would be Broncos ball in position for a potential field goal at least. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">O.J. forces a fumble! Broncos ball! <a href="https://t.co/2OoQeihrYO">pic.twitter.com/2OoQeihrYO</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345854616580325377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="y0F09S">Instead, Brandon McManus would slightly miss on a 56 yard field goal attempt and all of that momentum would be lost. Derek Carr would give Waller a chance at redemption and he would take it for this 28 yard touchdown reception to tie the game up at 10. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Raiders score a touchdown as Darren Waller catches an endzone shot from the 30. Will Parks in coverage. <a href="https://t.co/YrIbpL4JQz">pic.twitter.com/YrIbpL4JQz</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345857149566672901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="hqF9Hg">The Raiders would keep the momentum going late as they drove down the field in less than two minutes to score a touchdown at the end of the half to take a 17-10 lead into the break. </p>
<p id="co7rZe"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211894/raiders-broncos-second-quarter-recap">Full second quarter recap</a>.</p>
<h2 id="OmYK7G">Third Quarter</h2>
<p id="bzQJwo">Denver’s defense reared its ugly head in the third quarter with multiple turnovers. The biggest came on this interception by Justin Simmons, which would lead to a field goal. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Justin Simmons with an interception! <a href="https://t.co/q4nEsQRB20">pic.twitter.com/q4nEsQRB20</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345878097116229633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="0c3rqW">The two field goals in the quarter cut the lead to 17-16, but Denver was driving deep into Raiders territory after a fumble by Henry Ruggs. </p>
<p id="QbiiI8"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211898/raiders-broncos-third-quarter-recap">Full third quarter recap</a>.</p>
<h2 id="OHXjei">Fourth Quarter</h2>
<p id="EI3J5o">Melvin Gordon would open up the fourth quarter with a touchdown to get the Broncos first lead since the second quarter. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Melvin Gordon for 6 and the Broncos have the lead! <a href="https://t.co/1vcE23BDXc">pic.twitter.com/1vcE23BDXc</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345882663505309696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<p id="9jq2r6">The two-point conversion to a wide open Jerry Jeudy was too easy for the Broncos 24-17 lead. </p>
<p id="XUAIV7">The Raiders looked like they might get things going early in the fourth as well, but Kareem Jackson got in the way of that dream with an interception. He would jump on a deep in route and return it to the Raider 31 yard line.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kareem Jackson robs Derek Carr! <a href="https://t.co/VB4wa39yLq">pic.twitter.com/VB4wa39yLq</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345884028549935104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<p id="FsZ7Il">Unfortunately for Denver, Drew Lock took a bad sack that knocked them out of field goal range on that drive. That would be the second time in the game that the Broncos had a turnover in field goal range and came away with zero points. </p>
<p id="QGVmUJ">The miscues on offense added up to a breakdown on the defensive side of the ball as the Raiders drove right down the field to score a touchdown to tie things up 24-24 midway through the fourth quarter. </p>
<p id="SdQRem">Things were not going well for the Broncos on their next drive backed up on their own eight yard line facing a third and 10. Drew Lock found a wide open Jerry Jeudy who took off and outran the entire field <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22212264/jerry-jeudy-score-92-yard-touchdown-versus-raiders">for a 92 yard game-breaking touchdown</a>.</p>
<div id="HP91yS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You didn't worry about Jerry Jeudy, right? <a href="https://t.co/MHbZuu7PuL">pic.twitter.com/MHbZuu7PuL</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1345889000893124608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a>
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<p id="PHxJWg">The 31-24 lead put the pressure on the Raiders offense with four minutes to go in the game. The Broncos defense had other plans with a third down sack. The Raiders punted away with 2:46 left in the game.</p>
<p id="gqfpJK">From their own 10 yard line, Melvin Gordon began running hard to close out the game. Poor clock management with multiple runs out of bounds, the Broncos were only able to take the clock down to 1:54 before having to punt it back to the Raiders. </p>
<p id="NYg41I">On their first play, Carr hit Zay Jones for a 37 yard gain to the Broncos 40. Two plays later, Carr hit Darren Waller down to the 9 yard line for a first and goal. </p>
<p id="LHCPwU">Three plays later on fourth down and goal from the one yard line with 23 seconds left in the game. Josh Jacobs would power his way through for the touchdown. Like last year’s season finale, Jon Gruden called for a two point conversion to win the game. They would convert it this time and win the game 32-31. </p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211900/broncos-raiders-scoreTim Lynch2021-01-03T17:32:10-07:002021-01-03T17:32:10-07:00Week 17: Raiders at Broncos - Live updates
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Chargers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EAIFrlY7_8OxzCwRN12j00l2ifw=/0x128:1926x1412/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68613274/1293522159.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos can end the season on a high note with a home win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. </p> <p id="XKVcar">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> (5-10) have a chance to end their tough season on a high note with a home win over AFC West rival <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> (7-8). </p>
<h3 id="xbJu4D">In-game updates</h3>
<aside id="X4MhNG"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Broncos-Raiders Week 17 score predictions","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211190/broncos-raiders-score-predictions-week-17"},{"title":"Raiders at Broncos gameday inactives: Bradley Chubb out","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211756/raiders-broncos-gameday-inactives-week-17"},{"title":"Raiders at Broncos first quarter recap","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211889/raiders-broncos-first-quarter-recap"},{"title":"Raiders at Broncos second quarter recap","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211894/raiders-broncos-second-quarter-recap"},{"title":"Raiders at Broncos third quarter recap","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211898/raiders-broncos-third-quarter-recap"},{"title":"Watch Jerry Jeudy score 92-yard touchdown versus Raiders","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22212264/jerry-jeudy-score-92-yard-touchdown-versus-raiders"},{"title":"Broncos squander lead in 32-31 defeat to Raiders to finish season 5-11","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211900/broncos-raiders-score"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="TmVGjX">Game preview</h3>
<p id="rpdZtv">Both the Broncos and Raiders have struggled mightily late this season, with Denver losing four of their last five and Las Vegas five of their last six. The Broncos will basically have a skeleton crew out there on defense, but Drew Lock and the offense will be playing one of the worst NFL defenses in 2020. That should even things out some.</p>
<p id="jbiHOV">Getting a good game out of Lock will go a long way in securing another season as the starter and limit the Broncos offseason moves to bring in a serious contender along side Lock in training camp. We should all be pulling for that big game today.</p>
<h3 id="aSwBsk"><a href="https://twitter.com/i/lists/94061706">Broncos-Raiders live updates</a></h3>
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<li id="khmYiJ"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211214/broncos-raiders-live-stream-online">Game info</a></li>
<li id="rcnpQ6"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2020/12/30/22206340/raiders-broncos-recap-preview-week-17">Everything we know</a></li>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/3/22211841/week-17-raiders-broncos-live-updatesTim Lynch