Oakland Drops a Close One

11 October 2015: Oakland Raiders fans during action in an NFL game with the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
11 October 2015: Oakland Raiders fans during action in an NFL game with the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
 11 October 2015: Denver Broncos cornerback (25) Chris Harris Jr during game sealing interception for a touchdown during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevoone Moore / Full Image 360)
11 October 2015: Denver Broncos cornerback (25) Chris Harris Jr during game sealing interception for a touchdown during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

Oakland, Ca – Raiders fans now know who Chris Harris Jr. is after returning a fourth-quarter interception 74 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos overcame a shaky day from Payton Manning to beat the Oakland Raiders 16-10 on Sunday.

Charles Woodson in his 18th season had his two interceptions on Manning overshadowed in the defeat. His ball skills are still sharp even after moving to safety in his older years from lockdown corner.

Manning has more interceptions (seven) than TD passes (six) through five games for the first time since his rookie season. He did just enough to keep points on the board and help keep good field position. Manning was 22/33 passing with 266 yards, no touchdowns not his best or worst performance.

 11 October 2015: Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning standing tall in the pocket during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
11 October 2015: Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning standing tall in the pocket during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

The Broncos defense was bending but not breaking all day allowing only one score and a field goal. “You never know who it’s going to be, but we’ve got a team full of play-makers on defense,” Harris said. The defense was able to sack Derek Carr four times and hit him six more times.

Carr didn’t really test Broncos safeties much with the deep ball, the pressure had a lot to do with that. He completed 26/39 for 249 yards and the games only offensive touchdown. Marcel Reece was recipient of that 3 yard touchdown to cap off 8 plays 80 yard drive to start off 2nd quarter.

11 October 2015: Oakland Raiders fullback (45) Marcel Reece picking up few tough yardsduring action in an NFL game with the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
11 October 2015: Oakland Raiders fullback (45) Marcel Reece picking up few tough yardsduring action in an NFL game with the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

The Broncos have now won eight straight in this series but the Raiders had plenty of chances in this one.  Sebastian Janikowski missed a pair of field goals.

The Raiders still have chance to make it into post season play after this loss. Teams starting with 2-3 start have made the playoffs 21% of the time. Carr will get another shot at a victory after a bye week when the team travels to play AFC West foe the San Diego Chargers. The 5-0 Broncos will take their undefeated record to Cleveland Sunday October 18th.