There is nothing like getting the first win of the season against a bitter division rival. The Raiders knocked off the Broncos 17-16 in a classic come-from-behind win that showed off the grit and toughness of Josh McDaniels' squad.
After taking some time to comb through the box score and examine the game tape, here are some observations from the eyes of a former NFL scout.
Jimmy G is the perfect fit
It is hard to find a quarterback with the physical tools and mental makeup that matches the franchise's "quarterback wish list". Garoppolo is exactly what the Raiders needed at QB1 in the Josh McDaniels era. The veteran is an efficient distributor with a quick trigger and an extraordinary feel for the game. Garoppolo fires the ball out to his pass catchers on the perimeter like a Blackjack dealer tossing out Aces and Jacks to his customers at the tables.
The veteran completed 20-of-26 pass attempts (76.9%) for 200 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for a 107.9 passer rating. And he did it while displaying the swagger, grit and leadership skills that have made him a locker-room favorite at his previous destinations.
"He's a good leader. He's won a lot of games in this league," Head Coach Josh McDaniels said. "I think the guys in the locker room know who they have and what this guy can do, how competitive he is. He's a very good leader. He's a great communicator. Just does what it takes to win.
"Doesn't care about his statistics or anything like that, it's just 'whatever I can do at my position to try to help the team win, I'm going to try to do it.' Super happy that he's a Raider."
When you sit down in the meetings with coaches, scouts and executives to outline the "must haves" at the quarterback position, the intangibles (intelligence, confidence, mental toughness) are more critical than the requisite physical tools (arm talent, athleticism and size). Garoppolo's poise, patience and perseverance stood out throughout the game, particularly in the fourth quarter when he rallied the team back to chalk up his career 12th fourth-quarter comeback win.
With the quarterback also shaking off a nasty hit to return to the lineup to guide his team to victory, he earned the locker room's respect with his toughness and tenacity in the season opener.
As the Raiders move forward with Garoppolo as the undisputed QB1, the team's belief in the veteran quarterback could push the team from good to great in the ultra-competitive AFC.
Maxx Crosby is a "one-man show"
The Raiders will eventually need a complementary pass rusher to emerge on the frontline to become an elite defense, but Maxx Crosby can hold it down on his own as his teammates continue to develop.
It is a role that the Pro Bowler has played in each of the past two seasons, with 20.5 sacks and 35 tackles for loss during that span, and he continued to shine as a one-man wrecking crew against the Broncos.
Crosby finished the game with five tackles, a sack and a pair of quarterback hurries while facing an assortment of double-team tackles and chip blocks at the point of attack. The veteran's relentless effort and tireless energy sparked a defense that held Russell Wilson and Co. to just 260 yards and 16 points on 58 offensive plays.
Given the importance of Crosby making an impact as a leader of the defense, the persistent pressure and scrappy performance from the former fourth-rounder set the tone for a defense that is built on toughness and effort under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Although No. 98 will need his teammates to pick up the pace as key contributors, the Raiders' top defender remains the key to a promising defense with destructive potential.
Jakobi Meyers impresses as a WR2
The addition of Meyers might have flown under the national radar, but the fifth-year receiver is an excellent complement to Davante Adams in the passing game.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is a savvy route runner with sticky hands and sneaky running skills. He is comfortable playing inside or outside and displays a high IQ to adapt to a different role each week based on the game plan or matchup.
Against the Broncos, Meyers snagged nine balls for 81 yards with two scores on various back-shoulder fades, post-corners and digs (square-in) that showcased his talents and toughness as a high-end possession receiver. Though his yards-per-catch average (9.0) does not pop on the stat sheet, Meyers' willingness to do the dirty work will force opponents to abandon some of their exotic coverage tactics directed to Adams to limit the WR2's impact.
In addition, Meyers' ability to win outside versus one-on-one coverage will enable Jimmy G to continue to target him when opponents drop eight defenders into the box to contain Josh Jacobs on the ground.
As the Raiders continue to adapt and adjust to their personnel and how opponents are defending the 2023 version of this offense, Meyers' ability to make plays as a complementary weapon will help Adams and Jacobs find more room down the road.
View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) arrives to the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) arrives to the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) arrives to the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Byron Young (93) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) and running back Zamir White (35) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (72) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Las Vegas Raiders returners huddle in the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Brian Hoyer (7), quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) walk down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50), punter AJ Cole (6), kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and assistant special teams coach Derius Swinton II on the bench before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) fires the team up in a huddle during warm ups before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) waits to be introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Las Vegas Raiders are introduced onto the field before their regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21), wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) and tight end Austin Hooper (81) kneel in the end zone before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (72) during the national anthem before 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 national anthem before 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 national anthem before 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 national anthem before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the national anthem before 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 national anthem before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) waits for the kickoff during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) lines up before the snap 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) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback 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) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the kickoff 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 guard Dylan Parham (66) blocks as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) blocks during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes 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 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) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) celebrates after a play during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrate after sacking the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) celebrate after a play during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after a play during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) calls out the defense during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) on the sidelines 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) make a tackle 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 linebacker Robert Spillane (41) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) celebrates after a play during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) calls out the defense during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 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 catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) sacks the quarterback 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) celebrate after a sack during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles 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) is congratulated by teammates 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 safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates after rushing for a first down during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders 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 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.
