Raiders Defense Shows Mettle in Gritty Win at Mile High

The Las Vegas Raiders' defense ranked near the bottom in multiple statistical categories last season. but was determined to improve.

It is a long season, but a one-point win in which the defense gave up only up three points in the second half was an excellent way for the Raiders to start.

"We just have to keep improving," defensive end Maxx Crosby said. "We have the guys communicating at all three levels and you see it on the field, so it’s an exciting start.

"We still have a lot of room to grow, myself and everybody included. We’ve got to get better. I think we’re off to a good start. In the second half, we allowed only three points."

The best part about this win might have been that the defense had to fight back from adversity. Las Vegas' defense faced everything from untimely penalties of their own doing to untimely turnovers by the Raiders offense, but they refused to give in.

“Yeah, every time I looked at my teammates, I saw a fire and a passion and willingness to win," linebacker Robert Spillane said. "So as long as we stick together and keep trusting ourselves good things are going to happen.”

The Raiders gave up 13 points in the first half, including what could've been a crippling touchdown to end the second quarter, with the Broncos receiving the ball after halftime.

“That’s our job," Spillane said. "We go out there every time on the field expecting to get off without letting up points. So it’s our job to find a way no matter what circumstance we’re in.”

Conerrback Nate Hobbs played an outstanding game, leading the defense in tackles with 12. That is tied for most in a game for a Raiders cornerback since 2018 and tied for third-most in a game by a Raiders cornerback since 1987.

“I’m a dog bro," Hobbs said. "Wherever the ball is -- I’m getting to the ball. What happens, happens. You saw what happened.”

Hobbs appreciated how the defense responded to everything they faced in a heated divisional game.

"We needed a game like this game to get us, to throw us in that water, see how we react," Hobbs said.

It was evident in training camp the Raiders defense had improved from last season. Although it wasn't pretty, the Raiders' defense finally gave the world a glimpse of what to expect.

Luckily, there's no such thing as style points in the NFL.

The Silver and Black remain on the road next week as they travel to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, September 17, at 1:005 p.m. EDT/10:00 p.m. PDT.

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