OAKLAND -- A few thoughts on the Oakland Raiders' 41-17 loss to the visiting Denver Broncos.
What it means: The Raiders are not progressing. There has been some excitement in the organization because the Raiders have been more competitive since Dennis Allen was fired as coach after four games. But this was the Raiders' most lopsided loss of the season. After trailing 10-6 in the second quarter, Peyton Manning and crew took over and hammered Oakland. The Raiders are now 0-9 and on the downhill path toward 0-16. Oakland has lost 15 straight games dating back to last November. It has been 51 weeks since this team last won. The song remains the same: Oakland is weak on offense, very beatable on defense and mistake prone.
Stock watch: Defense is pointing down. The defense has been spunky lately and it started out strong Sunday. But Manning finished with five touchdown passes before leaving at the end of the third quarter. He picked away at Oakland and the defense was no match for Manning.
Hayden hurt: Second-year cornerback DJ Hayden left the game in the third quarter with a groin injury. In 2013, a groin injury ended his rookie season after eight games. Hayden, playing in his third game this season after recovering from a foot injury, had an interception on the first drive Sunday. But he was beaten for two touchdowns. The Raiders feel the key for Hayden is his health so he can get experience. If this injury is significant, it would be another setback.
Game ball: Let's give it to defensive end Justin Tuck. He made a great play, tipping a Manning pass while in pursuit and making a diving interception. It was his best play as a Raider and it was a bright spot on another bad day.
What's next: Oakland plays at San Diego as it tries to avoid going a full calendar year without a win. Oakland had its most competitive game of the season in a 31-28 loss to Chargers in Week 6.
