Quick thoughts after Broncos’ 24-17 win over Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium:
Hearty Harvey: Raiders Week is now Raiders Weak. But the Broncos had things to prove, and hardly Harvey becoming hearty Harvey ranked tops on the list. And just like that, the Broncos look better positioned to face their final month gauntlet against the Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs and Chargers, the NFL’s third toughest strength of schedule remaining. R.J. Harvey rewarded coach Sean Payton’s faith with a breakout game. He rushed a career-best 17 times for 75 yards. He also set a new personal record with six receptions for 25 yards. These numbers are not mind-numbing but necessary. The Broncos still pass too much. However, the ability to rush the football allowed Denver to post three drives of eight-plus minutes. That is Payton stealing directly from mentor Bill Parcells’ playbook. Payton said we “had not seen anything yet” from Harvey after practice last week. It sounded like criticism — because we had not seen much as a rusher — but he meant it as a compliment. And the kid delivered.
Mims the Word: Marvin Mims Jr. is not a returner. He is a playmaker. Since his return from a concussion, he has impacted the game on special teams, turning a team concern into a strength. Even as a two-time All-Pro, he pulled off a first. Mims delivered his first punt return for a touchdown Sunday on his 69th career attempt. It was a bit unconventional given his skillset. The Raiders had him surrounded as he caught the ball, appearing corralled. Then he bounced out to the left and followed a convoy into the end zone, aided by a last crushing block by JL Skinner on punter A.J. Cole. Mims ripped off a 70-yard return against the Chiefs in the first quarter, setting up an important field goal in a one-score game. Mims is averaging 16.4 yards on punt returns this season after leading the league with 15.7 yards per clip a year ago.
Sack Attack Back: After a wobbly first drive, allowing five first downs, the Broncos defense took over. Denver yielded only 76 yards in the first half. That was frankly expected against the sorry Raiders. Something else was needed regarding the big picture: the return of Orange Rush. There were suspicions that the Chiefs and Commanders found a hack, getting the ball out quickly. But Denver found a counterpunch. The Broncos won a game this season for the first time without trailing. It left Raiders quarterback Geno Smith vulnerable on third and longs and eventually injured, leaving the game with a sprained right shoulder. The Broncos finished with four sacks, including a pair from Nik Bonitto. Denver has shown it can win in multiple ways. Defensive penalties remain an issue, but the Broncos found their traction in a get-right game vs. the Raiders.
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