The Oakland Raiders delivered their signature win thus far in the 2015 season, traveling to Denver and beating the division-leading Broncos 15-12 Sunday afternoon at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
After falling down 12-0 in the first half, the Raiders defense didn't allow a point after halftime, and a Mychal Rivera touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed the game for the Silver and Black.
Their next test comes Sunday as they welcome Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, but before we look ahead to Week 15, let's see what the national media is saying about the team's impressive win over the Broncos.
Week 15 Ranking: 14
Week 14 Ranking: 17
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: Khalil Mack's five sacks Sunday were the most by a Raider since Howie Long in 1983. Mack has nine sacks in his past three games played.
Week 15 Ranking: 15
Week 14 Ranking: 24
Movement: **Up 9
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Analysis: In just his second NFL season, Khalil Mack was able to accomplish something that J.J. Watt never has -- five sacks in one game. Mack leads the NFL with 14 sacks.
Week 15 Ranking: 12
Week 14 Ranking: 18
Movement: Up 6
Analysis: Huge win delivered by Khalil Mack and company. We owe the latter some apologies, as right after we pointed out that he hadn't made enough All-Pro level plays earlier this season to match his reputation, he absolutely dominated in Denver on Sunday. First, he terrorized the right tackle. Then, maybe for fun, he blew right past left tackle Ryan Harris like Harris' 300-plus pounds weren't even there. Five sacks in one game -- as many as Howie Long ever had. More than Greg Townsend put up. More than Sean Jones ever registered, too. Congrats on matching that Raiders record, Mr. Mack.
Week 15 Ranking: 12
Week 14 Ranking: 16
Movement: Up 4
Analysis: With Khalil Mack and Derek Carr, the future's so bright that the logo will need a sunglass monocle.
Week 15 Ranking: 16
Week 14 Ranking: 19
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: Khalil Mack's 14 sacks now pace league. Maybe now he can get his picture on NFL.com's stats page instead of a silhouette.
Week 15 Ranking: 18
Week 14 Ranking: 20
Movement: Up 2
Analysis: The Raiders went for the two-point conversation after taking a three-point lead at Denver on Sunday, which made no sense until it was noted that their long-snapper Jon Condo had suffered a shoulder injury. But the question really should be: Why didn't the Raiders prepare for this issue? Shouldn't there be an emergency option somewhere on the roster?
