Broncos' Biggest Winners & Losers in 17-16 Defeat to Raiders

Another pathetic loss in what Denver Broncos fans are hoping isn't another pathetic season.

The Denver Broncos extend their losing streak against the Las Vegas Raiders to seven in a row. It happened at home, no less.

It was more of the same from the ineptitude that the Broncos have exemplified over the past seven years. If the level of performance that was displayed in Week 1 continues on into the season, Broncos fans could be treated to yet another losing season. 

There is plenty of blame to go around and very little good to glean from the Broncos' 17-16 loss to the Raiders. Who were the Broncos' biggest winners and losers in yet another pathetic showing?

Let's dive in. 

Loser: Damarri Mathis | CB

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The match-up between Mathis and Jakobi Meyers was called out on the Orange & Blue View Podcast's pre-game show as being a key to the Broncos winning this game. Mathis was not up to the challenge. 

He flat-out could not provide good coverage as Meyers caught nine passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns. The second touchdown provided the go-ahead score that ended up being the game-winner. Mathis was a significant reason for this loss.

Winner: Javonte Williams | RB

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Having returned from a devastating knee injury much earlier than expected, Williams ran strong. He didn't have a huge game, but his solid running in his first regular-season game back from that injury was a great sign for his future. 

Williams' stats were meager at 13 carries for 52 yards on the ground, but having this fan-favorite back on the field with what appears to be no lasting effects of his injury is a wonderful turn of events.

Loser: Wil Lutz | K

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos bungled the kicker situation from the very beginning. The Broncos mishandled the kicker situation by cutting Brandon McManus with no plan, then scrambling to bring in kickers, to anointing Brett Maher as the guy — only to cut him and trade for Lutz on the doorstep of the season opener. 

These moves stung all the more when Lutz missed a field goal and an extra point in Denver's one-point loss to the Raiders. The Broncos' kicking game has been a disaster this offseason, and it reared its ugly head in the very first game against a bitter AFC West rival.

Loser: Broncos' Pass Rush

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos could not muster any sort of a pass rush and that is why Jimmy Garoppolo was able to efficiently pass the ball to victory. It was a downright pathetic showing from Randy Gregory, Jonathon Cooper, and Frank Clark. 

Finishing with zero sacks and only three quarterback hits was dreadful as Garoppolo completed 20-of 26-passes with relative ease. 

Winner: Russell Wilson | QB

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

It's tough to give a nod to Russell Wilson with the Broncos' poor offensive performance after halftime, but that second-half ineptitude can be put at the feet of new head coach Sean Payton. Payton went away from what was working in the first half: short passes on first down. 

What happens next for the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

The short passing game was another identified key to victory in the Orange & Blue View Podcast's pre-game show and had the Broncos stuck with it, the outcome would have been different, as the Raiders had no answer for it. Wilson was spectacular in the first half but ended the game with relatively paltry numbers due to Payton calling run after run on first down for little yardage. 

The Raiders’ pass rush was solid in obvious passing situations and hurried Wilson. When the Broncos went away from the short passing game that had been neutralizing that pass rush, it became a disaster. 

The Broncos had a nice mix of first-down short passes and runs on their scoring drives, with the offense typically passing early on and often. On Denver's non-scoring drives, it was all runs on first down.

---

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!