This win marked the Broncos’ first in Las Vegas and their first road victory in the series since defeating the then-Oakland Raiders on October 11, 2015.

The Broncos (7-5) took another stride toward a surprising playoff bid with their second consecutive victory.

Meanwhile, the Raiders (2-9) extended their losing streak to seven games, the longest since the 2017-18 seasons.

Nix completed 25 of 42 passes, with his 18-yard touchdown throw to Courtland Sutton in the third quarter setting a new rookie record for the franchise.

The previous mark of 14 was established by Marlin Briscoe in 1968. Later in the fourth quarter, Nix connected with Sutton again on a 2-yard touchdown pass, securing a two-possession lead with 5:30 remaining.

Denver wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a stellar game, catching eight passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

He also extended his streak of 70-yard games to five, the longest by a Broncos player since Demaryius Thomas’ eight-game streak in 2014.

On the Raiders’ side, quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards, including a touchdown and an interception, before being replaced by Desmond Ridder late in the game after landing hard on his left shoulder.

The highlight of Las Vegas’ passing attack came on a fake punt when punter AJ Cole hit linebacker Divine Deablo with a 34-yard pass, setting up a second-quarter field goal.

Las Vegas kicker Daniel Carlson and Denver’s Will Lutz were standout performers, combining for a perfect nine field goals, including three successful attempts from over 50 yards.

Carlson’s contributions helped keep the Raiders competitive despite their mounting injuries.

Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers also had a strong outing, catching 10 passes for 121 yards.

This marked his best performance since 2020 when he tallied 12 receptions for 169 yards with the New England Patriots against the New York Jets.

Defensively, Raiders end Maxx Crosby recorded his 100th tackle for loss in the second quarter, joining elite company.

He became only the fourth player since 1999 to achieve this milestone within his first six seasons, alongside J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, and DeMarcus Ware.

The depleted Raiders were significantly undermanned, playing without their top two running backs, two starting cornerbacks, two defensive linemen, and a safety.

Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon was also absent, with Derius Swinton II stepping in to handle coaching duties.

The post Bo Nix Sets The Rookie TD Record For Broncos With 29-19 Victory appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

According to recent reports from NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo, Frank Clark and the Denver Broncos have agreed to reduce his base salary for the 2023 season. Clark has agreed to a drastic pay cut to the league minimum of $841,000 for the remainder of the season, down from his initial $3.5 million salary. His decision to return $1.679 million in base pay as part of the restructured contract is significant and might portend a breakup between the player and the team.

While Frank Clark’s future with the struggling 1-4 Broncos remains uncertain, Garafolo notes that he won’t participate in the upcoming Thursday night game against his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs, due to an undisclosed illness.

Given Clark’s prior success, this turn of events is puzzling. He consistently recorded 4.5 or more sacks per season from 2016 to 2022 while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks, earning him three Pro Bowl selections between 2019 and 2021. Clark joined the Broncos, but he hasn’t had much of an impact so far. He has participated in just two of the Broncos’ first five games and has only recorded two tackles and no sacks through the first five weeks of the season.

Denver’s acquisition of Clark in the offseason was intended to bolster their defense, particularly in the pass-rushing department, an area where they were in dire need. With the trade of another notable offseason signing, Randy Gregory, to the San Francisco 49ers, the Broncos may find themselves contemplating a similar move with Clark. Fortunately, his salary is no longer a roadblock in potential trade discussions.

The abrupt reduction in Clark’s salary may serve as a signal of the Broncos’ dissatisfaction with his performance and the urgency to explore other options. Whether this move is a precursor to a trade or a wake-up call for Clark to regain his previous form remains to be seen. Nonetheless, it’s evident that the Broncos are actively seeking ways to improve their defense and reverse their disappointing start to the 2023 season.

The post Frank Clark and Broncos Reach Agreement on Salary Reduction, Paving the Path for Possible Trade appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

“To me, I see this as a mere football game,” Hall said Wednesday. “It is no big deal.” Importantly, Hall is averaging a solid 6.6 yards per carry while essentially sharing the workload with Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter.

On Wednesday, Jets coach Robert Saleh said Hall would get more snaps to help revitalize the team’s 30th-ranked offense (252.8 yards per game).

“From an opportunity point of view, he does not have the pitch count any longer,” Saleh said Wednesday about Hall, who leads the team in carries (32) and rushing yards (210).

Hall ran six times for 56 yards last Sunday and added 13 yards on three catches. However, the Jets suffered a 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and had their third consecutive game overturned.

Zach Wilson caught a career-high 28 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs. Garrett Wilson had a career-high nine catches for 60 yards, and Allen Lazard (61 yards) and tight end Tyler Conklin (58 yards) had their best performances of the season.

Last Sunday, Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes for the second time in three weeks as Denver overcame a 21-point second-half deficit to beat the undefeated Chicago Bears 31-28.

“I feel like he is going to get to the nitty-gritty on game day.” “He knows a lot about our decisions,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Wilson. “I cannot imagine myself just sitting there looking at my iPad. I am still looking at photos and wondering why.” he is trapped. He plays well.

He is One of those Guys Who Always Wants to Learn

Rookie Jahleel McLaughlin replaced injured Javonte Williams (quad) and totaled 104 scrimmage yards (72 rushing, 32 receiving) and one touchdown. “He handled his workload every time he was there,” Payton said of McLaughlin, a 5-foot-10 dynamo from Youngstown State.

“I am proud of the way he played, and he is one of those guys who always wants to learn. He played well Sunday.” Williams and fellow running back Samaje Perine could have a bigger role if Williams misses the game against the Jets.

Williams missed Wednesday’s practice, as did linebacker Randy Gregory. Multiple media outlets have reported that the Broncos will release Gregory, who signed a five-year, $70 million contract in 2022. Nick Bonitto is expected to start for the second straight game in Gregory’s absence.

Wideout Jerry Jeudy (knee) practiced Wednesday, along with linebackers Josey Jewell (hip) and Frank Clark (hip), defensive tackle Mike Purcell (ribs), and safety Justin Simmons (hip). Participation was restricted. Jewell, Clark, and Purcell did not practice last week, while Simmons was limited early last week and was unavailable Friday.

New York cornerbacks D.J. Reed (concussion) and Brandin Echols (hamstring injury) missed Wednesday’s practice, as did linebacker Samuel Eguavoen (ankle).

The post Breece Hall Won’t Have Any Limits on How Much He Can Play as the Jets Get Ready to Play Against the Broncos appeared first on Sports Al Dente.