The Denver Broncos started slowly, but turned up the heat midway through the second quarter and decisively defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 34-18.

The win ends a five-year drought against one of their biggest rivals. In fact, it puts them at 3-2 on the season. Next week they host another divisional game and take on the Los Angeles Chargers, but for now let’s take a look at some immediate reactions to today’s big win.

Bo Nix and Bronco’s offense finally rises to the occasion

Every fan in Broncos Country knows the offense has been the weakest link for the Broncos this season. Earlier this week I wrote that they had to do something to help the team to victory. And what do you know? Against the Raiders, they did just that.

It wasn’t a great start for them, but Nix and the offense exploded in the second half. They were great in the red zone and a lot better in third down situations. Denver’s rushing attack totaled over 100 yards and averaged over five yards per carry. After controlling the ball for most of the first half, Nix looked noticeably different in the second half, pushing more throws down the field.

His footwork looked a lot better and he was standing on the pocket. What I liked most was his ability to deliver it to different players on time. Eleven – yes – eleven different players had catches in this game. Nix was quite good at moving through his progressions and getting the ball to the right player at the right time.

Nix finished the day 19 of 27 for 205 yards, 2 passing touchdowns and also 1 rushing touchdown. Those stats could have been better if there wasn’t some meat left on the bone, but I’ll get to that missed play later. Overall, this was the type of performance and growth we wanted to see from the starting quarterback.

There is still a lot of work to be done, but the offense took advantage of the defense’s turnovers and put points on the board. Let’s hope Nix and the offense can keep it going next weekend against the Chargers.

The Broncos defense soared after a slow start to start the game

The Broncos’ defensive performance under Vance Joseph was the best storyline in the entire National Football League through September. After giving up a 57-yard touchdown pass to Brock Bowers to start the game and a 40-yard run to Ameer Abdullah, the defense came together and helped change the course of the game for the Broncos.

With the Broncos down 10-3 and the Raiders in control, all hope seemed lost midway through the second quarter. That was until Surtain Gardner picked off Minshew and closed the distance for a miraculous pick-six. It was a game-changing play that gave the Broncos the momentum to push on and finish with a win. No doubt the legend himself, Champ Bailey, who was in attendance, was happy to see this happen.

After that play, everything started to come into sync defensively for the Broncos. They were able to apply pressure and sack Gardner Minshew. They have also done a good job limiting their rushing attack. Late in the third quarter, Riley Moss was able to catch an interception that led to Minshew being benched and replaced by Aiden O’Connell.

But that change did them no good. He looked even worse and in the fourth quarter via an interception to Surtain who picked up his second turnover of the day. They were able to get a touchdown and a two-point conversion late in the game, but that was after the Broncos had a 24-point lead and started playing more conservatively on defense.

Sure, they gave up some big plays, but I liked what I saw from Denver’s defense for the fifth week in a row.

One point of criticism: undisciplined with too many penalties for violation

One of the consistent issues with the Broncos so far has been their penchant for penalties. Whether fans want to hear it or not, the high number of these is certainly due to poor coaching. How many times today have we seen drives freeze or deteriorate? Whether it’s holding, delay of play, ineligible man on the field: the Broncos shoot themselves in the foot far too often with penalties.

Moreover, this team played at home today. How many times have they used the entire clock to get the play in and snap the ball? I’m not sure if the plays are too complicated or what, but the clock management was suspect in my opinion. After Troy Franklin missed a perfectly thrown bomb that would have been a touchdown, Bo Nix was very excited with Sean Payton on the sideline.

Definitely some frustration from the missed touchdown, but maybe some of the play calling had upset him too? I’m sure this will be clarified in their post-game presser. It was nice to get the win, but I would really like to see the offense play with more hustle. Nix’s performance seems to improve dramatically as they pick up the pace. Maybe we’ll see more of that next week.