Broncos vs. Raiders: First Half Reactions

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) prepares to pass the football in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos currently lead the Oakland Raiders by a score of 12-0 going into the half. It has been quite an interesting game so far. With the Broncos unable to clinch a playoff spot today, a win can put the Broncos in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed and home field advantage.

Let us take a look at some of the key moments from that first half of this AFC West rivalry game.

Von Miller Records his Fourth 10-Sack Season

Halfway through the fourth quarter, Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller recorded a sack on Derek Carr and forced a fumble. The strip sack gave Miller ten sacks on the season. That was his fourth time in his career that he was able to do so which is second all time.

As we all know, Miller is in his contract year. There is no doubt that he will get that contract. Perhaps the only question is when it will happen. Either way, Miller will be a franchise player for years to come for the Broncos.

Brock Osweiler off to a solid start

The Broncos signal caller has been pretty solid so far in this game. The fourth year player has gone 22 for 29 for 199 yards. Solid performance from him with the running game banged up.

But for the offense as a whole, there has been some questionable play calling down in the red zone. This could easily be a three possession game, but at the moment it is only a two possession game.

This has nothing to do with Osweiler, but it appears the Raiders are exercising that bend but don’t break mentality. It has worked so far, but the offense needs to execute better.

Broncos Defense flexing its muscles

The Broncos defense really has shown up to play today. They currently have put the Raiders offense in a complete AWOL situation. In fact, the Broncos defense has kept the Raiders to -12 total yards.

The Broncos are currently at the top when it comes to defense. And the pass defense is especially the case. They have held Derek Carr to seven yards through the air so far in this game.

Next: Week 14 Inactive List: Broncos vs. Raiders

This defense could be the biggest reason the Broncos get far in the playoffs once they clinch a spot in January football.

The Raiders will start with the football to start the third quarter. Keep it up Broncos!