Within a football game of hundred of snaps, sometimes there are certain plays that can make or break a game.
The Las Vegas Raiders hung on for a one-point victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, proving how vital each play can be in determining who wins and loses. While there were many things the Raiders did well, and also many things they can improve on, there were a handful of plays that could be considered vital in the ultimate outcome.
In this new Raiders.com article series, we break down three key plays that fueled the momentum for the Week 1 win.
Raiders go up 7-0
First quarter, 9:32
LV-3rd and 3 at the DEN 3
This game truly started out with a bang.
Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton called an onside kick on the first play of the game. The Broncos appeared to recover, however an illegal touching penalty gave the Raiders the ball at the 44-yard line.
The 10-play drive ended in the Raiders scoring a touchdown on their opening drive of the season for the first time since 2019. Jakobi Meyers had a single coverage opportunity against Broncos cornerback Damarri Mathis. Jimmy Garoppolo threw a back shoulder fade to Meyers on the left side of the end zone to put the first points on the board.
"Jimmy [Garoppolo] and [Jakobi Meyers], they were communicating at the line of scrimmage," Josh McDaniels said of the touchdown. "It was a fade. I think it was Mathis, if I'm not mistaken, he was kind of tight on him – but Jakobi has incredible hands. He has good size and length. Jimmy put it in a great spot, Jakobi went up and got it."
Broncos lead 13-10
Fourth quarter, 9:04
DEN-3rd and 5 at the LV 5
With less than 10 minutes left in the game, the Broncos could've put the Raiders in a really compromising situation. Denver was deep in the red zone after a roughing the kicker penalty extended their drive. If the Raiders surrendered a touchdown on this play, it would've given the Broncos a 10-point lead.
However, the Raiders were able to make a stop at the goal line. Marcus Peters was sticky in coverage on his assignment, allowing Maxx Crosby to get pressure on Russell Wilson. Before Crosby could get a potential second sack on the day, Wilson threw the ball away, setting up a 24-yard field goal by Will Lutz. This defensive stop after the penalty mishap kept it a one-possession game.
"I thought there was a lot of mental toughness and resiliency required from our team in that situation on the road, and I thought our maturity showed up," McDaniels said. "We didn't flinch. The guys hung in there, just kept trying to focus on doing their job, and thought we played some of our best football at the end of the game, which obviously you're going to need that in close games."
Raiders go up 17-16
Fourth quarter, 6:38
LV-2nd & 6 at the DEN 6
The previous defensive stop was so important because it led to the drive that ultimately won the Raiders the game.
After holding the Broncos to three points, Garoppolo drove the offense 75 yards down the field in two minutes and 20 seconds. During the drive, Garoppolo connected with Meyers on two catches for 22 yards.
On this play, the Raiders quarterback threw a dart on a slant to Meyers, right in between Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton and Mathis. It was the second Garoppolo-Meyers touchdown of the game, giving the Silver and Black the one-point lead they would hold on to.
"I thought Jimmy read it good," McDaniels said. "It was going to be a bang-bang play because they thought [Justin] Simmons was right there on the right. ... I thought Kobs [Jakobi Meyers] did a good job of flattening his route down and really being able to kind of give him the only shot to complete that ball. And Jimmy put it right on the money."
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.
