FSM Essential Game Recap: Raiders vs Broncos Week 17

FSM Essential Game Recap: Raiders vs Broncos Week 17

Franchise Sports Media

Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) | Denver Broncos (4-12)

 

 

Just two years ago, Darren Waller was struggling to make a name for himself on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad.

 

But now, his name has been inserted into the top of the Las Vegas Raiders record book, as Waller broke the single-season reception record at 107 in Sunday’s 32-31 victory over the Denver Broncos.

“There is a lot more to come,” the tight end Waller said. “This is a great moment. I still have the same consistent attitude and it turns into nights like this. I don’t want this to be my greatest day as a Raider. I want to keep going and our team to have great days as well.”

Waller surpassed the record in the fourth quarter, previously held by Tim Brown.

And in the Raiders last offensive drive of the season, Waller came through…while shattering the mark held by the Silver and Black icon. 

Waller had a pair of catches prior to Josh Jacobs touchdown late in the fourth quarter, putting the Raiders just a PAT away from tying the game.

Instead, Jon Gruden kept the offense on for the two-point conversion. With three tight ends in the formation, quarterback Derek Carr connected with Waller for the two.

 

That was always the plan according to Gruden.

 

“We had some really great moments,” Gruden said. “Everyone stepped up. This team will compete every week. We changed our mind three times.”

The Raiders had the lead 32-31, with less than a minute left on the clock. However, they didn’t want history to repeat itself.

The Raiders successfully held the Dolphins to around midfield, and Maxx Crosby was able to block Brandon McManus 63-yard field goal attempt, securing the victory for the Raiders.

The nightmare second half of the Las Vegas Raiders season is over. Vegas snaps a three-game losing streak and turns their attention to the 2021-2022 season.

“It’s going to be a huge building block for us,” Gruden said. “We learned how to adapt and things aren’t going to be perfect. I credit all the people involved to make this season possible.”

 

Another record falls 

 

McManus nailed a field goal in the opening drive before Daniel Carlson — who broke Sebastian Janikowski‘s single-season scoring record — answered back to tie the game in the first quarter. But Drew Lock cooked up a drive, ending it with a one-yard pass to Troy Fumagalli.

But after a McManus miss in the second quarter, Carr took advantage by hitting Waller for a 28-yard over the shoulder touchdown. He recorded another touchdown, this time connecting with Bryan Edwards to make it 17-10 at halftime.

McManus‘ busy night continued, putting the Broncos at 17-16 after two field goals in the third quarter.

Denver’s offense got the dice rolling, as Melvin Gordon went for a 10-yard touchdown run. 

Raiders responded quickly, as Jacobs escaped down the field for a 28-yard touchdown run. Jacobs ran for back-to-back 1,000 yards rushing season. That hasn’t been done since Marcus Allen.

But then, Jerry Jeudy made a big haul, catching the Raiders sleeping on cover 2, as he made his way down for a 92-yard touchdown to give the Broncos the lead before the Raiders comeback.

 

The Raiders now enter an offseason with more questions than answers. Will Trent Brown, Lamarcus Joyner and Tyrell Williams be back? Or will the trio be released and give the Raiders over $31M in salary cap space? Will Gruden make more changes to his coaching staff, and how will the Raiders sure-up a bad defense? Franchise Sports Media will have you covered all off-season with you Raiders news, rumors and featured stories.

 

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Jesus Cano – Franchise Sports Media

Twitter: @Juice_Cano

 

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