The Denver Broncos foiled the Las Vegas Raiders’ plans for “Thursday Night Football,” particularly on offense, where head coach Pete Carroll spoke candidly about their intentions in the contest and how they were repeatedly thwarted.
Carroll entered the contest having expressed the utmost respect for the Broncos and head coach Sean Payton, and exited the same way.
He touted his team’s fight in the contest, but they could not solve the Broncos’ puzzling defense.
Pete Carroll: Broncos ‘Did Nice Job’ on Brock Bowers
GettyBrock Bowers #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos.
Brock Bowers, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler in his first season, has been slowed by a knee injury in 2025. Still, Bowers entered the Broncos game coming off his best game of the season, and Carroll wanted to ride that momentum.
“We were trying [to get Bowers going] all night long, really,” Carroll told reporters on November 6. “We had the calls, were going that way, and we did. The ball just didn’t get there. We didn’t try to disguise it and not go. We had calls, one after another, and they did a nice job of getting guys on him.”
The Broncos, who rank third in scoring and second overall, limited the standout pass-catcher to one reception for 31 yards on three targets.
The targets tie his career-low mark, while the yardage is his second-lowest output.
That is a notable development because the Broncos have allowed the 10th-most receiving yards to tight ends this season, per Pro Football Reference. Carroll said they expected a “championship atmosphere against a “terrific team, playing really well at home on a roll,” and they got it.
Dre Greenlaw Makes Impact on ‘Thursday Night Football’
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a stop against the Houston Texans.
The Broncos were intentional about shoring up their defense against opposing tight ends this past offseason, signing Dre Greenlaw in free agency from the San Francisco 49ers. They had to wait for him to make an impact, but he certainly has.
Bowers was targeted once while Greenlaw covered him during the contest, which was often, and failed to haul it in.
According to Pro Football Focus, Greenlaw allowed two receptions for 4 yards on four targets.
A quad injury delayed Greenlaw’s debut for the Broncos, and a one-game suspension interrupted his acclimation process on the field. However, Payton made it clear what kind of presence Greenlaw brings.
The Broncos decided against placing Greenlaw on injured reserve, feeling he could return sooner than four games, much like they are with Pat Surtain II. The move is paying off with Greenlaw.
Sean Payton Praised Dre Greenlaw After Suspension
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton calls a play against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“He brings an element, just a toughness, a competitiveness. It’s hard to put on paper. He’s extremely physical, and I think he plays with such good pad level and leverage. He’s a great tackler,” Payton told reporters on November 3. “It’s good to have him in the lineup. It was tough waiting and making that decision. But, [in] hindsight, it was worth it.”
Greenlaw is also getting healthier.
“Dre Greenlaw’s play time shot up last night,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted on X on November 7. “Dre played in 62% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps, 37 snaps.”
The Broncos took a risk with Greenlaw and two other players with extensive injury histories, safety Talanoa Hufanga and tight end Evan Engram. Hufanga is the only one who has not missed time this season, but all three players have shown why the Broncos signed them.
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