The Denver Broncos have the best record in the NFL as they ground out a seventh-straight win to beat the Las Vegas Raiders 10-7.
Ashton Jeanty’s four-yard touchdown put the visiting Raiders ahead, with Troy Franklin scoring an 11-yard touchdown to tie the game.
There were just three points scored in the whole second half but they were vital as Wil Lutz hit a 32-yard field goal to send the Broncos to an 8-2 start in the AFC West.
“We’ve got to clean up some of the penalties. We’ve got to clean up the execution and that is an ongoing thing that probably never ends,” coach Sean Payton said.
“You search for that Shangri-La. Right now, you know, we’re sitting at eight wins. I think we’re the only team sitting there.”
The Raiders had a chance to tie the game but a missed field goal from 48 yards by Daniel Carlson cost them and leaves them at 2-7.
“He’s got to kick better,” coach Pete Carroll said. “I know it kills him, too. He wants to make every one of those.”
“In order to be a good team, you’ve got to play clean. I keep saying that every week,” quarterback Geno Smith said.
“You can’t have missed assignments. You can’t have penalties. You can’t have penalties negate big plays. Can’t have turnovers. Those are the things that hurt teams.”
The Broncos collected more penalties (11) than first downs (10) and had seven three-and-outs in 13 possessions. But Denver’s defense didn’t allow a first down over seven straight Raiders drives and came up with a turnover on downs, an interception and a blocked punt.
