The Denver Broncos dominated the scoring in the third quarter to bring the Oakland Raiders back into it. After a booming Shane Lechler punt that had to be fielded at the Denver ten, punt returner Eric Decker scorched (well, scorched is probably too generous) past Raiders coverage and took it 90 yards to the house to cut the score down to 16-10.
Unfortunately, their offense was not as equal to the task. After driving the Broncos 80-plus yards deep into the red zone and having first and goal at the Oakland six, Kyle Orton threw an incomplete pass too low for his receiver and was then sacked by Richard Seymour on third and goal. The Broncos had to settle for a Matt Prater field goal to cut the lead to 16-13.
But then the Broncos could not hold onto the ball. Orton had a pass slip from his grasp as he was gearing back to throw, and the ball was recovered by Lamarr Houston. A huge gain by Darren McFadden set up the Raiders with first and goal at the one-yard line, and Jason Campbell snuck it in to give the Raiders a ten point lead early in the fourth quarter. Denver has struggled to hold onto the ball, whether it be dropping passes or fumbling the ball.
Can the Broncos rally in time or will the Raiders hold on?
To discuss the game with team fans, go to Silver and Black Pride (Raiders) and Mile High Report (Broncos).