La nueva era de los Raiders con Jimmy Garoppolo como su mariscal de campo titular tuvo un inicio positivo para Las Vegas sobre el emparrillado, al conseguir un triunfo de 17 a 16 en patio ajeno ante los Broncos.
"Estoy orgulloso de nuestro equipo al venir como visitantes en un juego divisional para arrancar la temporada y lo hablamos que probablemente no sería perfecto, pero me gustó nuestra fortaleza mental y la forma en la que manejamos la adversidad", declaró el entrenador en jefe Josh McDaniels. "Tenemos cosas que limpiar y arreglar, pero nos mantuvimos unidos y determinados de jugar nuestro mejor fútbol americano al final del partido y estoy orgulloso de la manera que respondimos. Solo teníamos que hacer una jugada más que ellos y es lo que hicimos".
La ofensiva de los Malosos encontró la forma de ser efectiva sobre el campo al anotar puntos en tres de sus cinco series completas (sin contar las que terminaron con rodillas al piso para finalizar el segundo y último cuarto). 'Jimmy G' comandó al ataque negro y plata a la zona roja en cuatro ocasiones, con los Raiders metiéndose a las diagonales dos veces con pases anotadores a Jakobi Meyers, además de un gol de campo. Garoppolo terminó completando 20 pases para 200 yardas y 2 anotaciones, además hizo un par de acarreos en momentos importantes del partido, incluyendo el mover las cadenas al recorrer ocho yardas por tierra dos veces en terceras oportunidades con siete por avanzar: una en el primer cuarto para mantener viva la serie ofensiva con la que abrieron el marcador y la otra para sellar la victoria en el cierre del partido.
"Es un perro. Cualquier mariscal de campo que esté dispuesto en tomar un golpe fuerte en un momento grande para asegurar la victoria tiene mi respeto", dijo el corredor Josh Jacobs sobre Garoppolo. "Es muy sereno y sabe comandar el huddle. Tiene el respeto de todos los chicos, todos escuchan cuando habla. Yo estoy feliz de tenerlo aquí."
Meyers terminó como el jugador más productivo por medio del ataque aéreo para los Raiders, completando 9 recepciones para 81 yardas y 2 recepciones. Fue utilizado de diversas formas en la ofensiva de los Malosos, logrando ayudar a Las Vegas mover el balón en el emparrillado y poner al equipo en la mejor posición posible para ganar el partido, que es la razón por la que fue firmado durante la temporada baja.
"Es duro, hace mucho del trabajo sucio, bloquea en el ataque terrestre y puede ir por el centro para hacer jugadas. Tiene buen tamaño y puede hacer que cosas sucedan en tercera oportunidad o la zona roja, por eso está aquí", aseguró McDaniels al preguntársele sobre Meyers. "Dave (Ziegler) se encargó de poder traerlo para tener a alguien del lado opuesto de Davante (Adams) en jugadas de dos receptores para que pueda hacer esas cosas de la forma que él lo hace. Siempre hace una gran labor en partidos grandes y hoy no fue la excepción".
Los Broncos terminaron con la superioridad en cuanto al tiempo de posesión, pero la defensa de los Raiders no bajó la guardia y solamente permitió 16 puntos en el partido. A pesar de no haber logrado robarle el ovoide a Denver y de solo conseguir una captura de mariscal de campo por conducto de Maxx Crosby, la unidad comandada por el coordinador Patrick Graham logró detener detrás de la línea de golpeo a su rival en un total de siete ocasiones con tacleadas para pérdida de yardaje.
"El ganar es difícil en la NFL, no importa si es por un punto o por veinte, cuentan igual," dijo Crosby tras el triunfo. "Al venir como visitantes a Mile High, mucha gente no creía que ganaríamos hoy. Pero todos (en el equipo) creíamos que lo haríamos, estábamos confiados y lo dijimos durante la semana que vendríamos a ganar. Salimos y encontramos la forma de hacerlo".
En una tarde donde el marcador estuvo cerrado de principio a fin, sin ninguno de los dos equipos teniendo una ventaja de más de una posesión, los Raiders encontraron la manera de salir con la victoria y fueron el único equipo en la división oeste de la conferencia americana en hacerlo durante la semana uno. Los Malosos lo disfrutarán, pero rápidamente llegara otro reto grande para el conjunto negro y plata al empezar la preparacion para su segundo juego de la temporada al tener que ir a patio ajeno de nueva cuenta con un viaje largo a Buffalo.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 24-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91), defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9), linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Byron Young (93) on the bench during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) on the bench during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Byron Young (93) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) on the bench during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) on the bench during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) and safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5), cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with tight end Austin Hooper (81) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) and running back Josh Jacobs (8) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and Head Coach Josh McDaniels in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68), running back Josh Jacobs (8) and fullback Jakob Johnson (45) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis and Head Coach Josh McDaniels in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
