Denver Broncos: 5 Takeaways from the Raiders Win

The Denver Broncos pulled off another comeback victory on Sunday, beating the Oakland Raiders 20-19.

It was an unseasonably hot day in Denver with temperatures moving into the low-90’s.  The CBS broadcast noted the on-field temperature was closer to 110.  Anyone who’s played sports in that kind of heat knows that it is oppressive.

The Denver crowd was large and lively, the visiting Oakland Raiders always bring out that extra gear.

The game itself struggled to find a rhythm in the first half, with the Broncos particularly struggling to establish control over a game they should absolutely have controlled.

Again, that oppressive heat and the hydration challenges it presented had to have factored into the pace of the game.

It was the return of Chucky, Raiders coach Jon Gruden, absent from the Oakland sideline since 2001.  Gruden brought all of the theatrics and face-gymnastics that have made him a popular figure.

For the Broncos, it was an opportunity for Pat Bowlen to earn his 350th win as an NFL owner.  Not only did the Broncos earn the accolade for Mr. B, they made him the fastest owner to 350 wins in NFL history.  As the team ownership transitions, Pat Bowlen deserves all the accolades the league can bestow on him.  He has been influential and has presided over a model NFL franchise.

On to the specifics from the game: