While the Oakland Raiders were able to continue their winning ways with a 25-20 victory over the Chicago Bears, they continue to struggle shaking loose the pesky dog that is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos once again came from behind and won their fourth straight game. While Willis McGahee and the Broncos pass defense was an integral part of the win, Tim Tebow will get plenty of plaudits for timely plays in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Tebow was once again a running machine with accuracy struggles. He completed 9 of 18 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 67 yards en route to the 16-13 overtime win. The Broncos were behind 13-7 in the third quarter and got a third quarter and fourth quarter field goal from Matt Prater to tie the game and force overtime. After three punts, the Chargers seemed to break through in the extra frame, getting a first down on the Broncos 35.
Three straight runs set up 4th and 10 at the 35. Nick Novak had his first attempt blocked, but the Broncos had called timeout immediately before the kick. On the second attempt, Novak was wide right and short. Three runs between McGahee and Tebow gained 40 yards and set up the game-winning 37-yard field goal. Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos had done it again.
This game leaves the Broncos at 6-5 and a game back of the 7-4 Oakland Raiders. The Chargers drop to 4-7 with the loss and are three games back with five to go. They are still mathematically alive, but they will need some serious Raiders and Broncos struggles the rest of the way. The Chiefs are hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football looking to maintain their two-game deficit. In week 13, the Raiders travel to Miami, the Broncos go to Minnesota, the Chargers go to Jacksonville and the Chiefs travel to Chicago.