Evans: A bitter autumn wind — thoughts from Broncos vs. Raiders

Here are my thoughts and observations from the Denver Broncos-Oakland Raiders game:

» I didn’t think the Raiders were ready to win a game like this. I was wrong. They are legit. I don’t believe they can win a Super Bowl, but they can sure win this division. Damn, I hate having to say that! Even though I do like the jolt given to this dormant rivalry.

» Before you think I’ve gone soft on the Raiders, they and their fans still look like fools with that stupid tarp covering their third deck. Great fans. Right …

» I’ve got to say, the whole “poor defense, they have to spend so much time on the field” excuse is pretty weak. Don’t you figure they’re still pretty fresh once the game starts? Then how to explain allowing 54 points in the first quarter? Or, allowing the Raiders to score on their first three possessions? I get in the second half getting worn down because of the offensive woes, but not early on.

» Let’s face it, this defense isn’t as good as last year’s. Injuries and player defections have hurt. We glossed over the departures of Malik Jackson, Danny Trevathan and David Bruton. But no more. They miss those guys, badly.

» Don’t put me in the “Blame Trevor Siemian” camp. This is an offensive philosophy and play calling problem. This is an offense that its players feel is boring and vanilla. How can you complain about Siemian not throwing the ball down the field or throwing short of the sticks when you’re two best receivers, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, are the ones running short slants and 2-yard routes on third-and-4?

» As for the Paxton Lynch crowd, can you do better than, “Well, he’ll take some shots downfield?” Jeez, any NFL quarterback can take shots. Heck, that was the one thing Tim Tebow could do was huck it down the field. But there’s so much more that goes into playing quarterback in the NFL than just taking shots, and it’s those parts that I think Lynch is ill prepared to execute.

» I was at a Von Miller charity event earlier this week. He soothed the crowd by saying not to worry, the Broncos dealt with adversity last year and we all know how that turned out. Love the optimism, but this is different. There is no specter of Peyton Manning riding to the rescue.

Plus, let’s face it. The AFC West is much tougher than it was last year. Last year the Broncos could work out their issues knowing the Raiders and San Diego Chargers stunk and the Kansas City Chiefs had put themselves in that big early season hole. This year, the division is a beast. It will be a dogfight for the Broncos to churn out the four wins I believe will be necessary just to make the playoffs.

» With all that said, I do believe in the “heart of a champion.” I believe the Broncos will find a way to fight through this and emerge on the other side ready to make a serious run through the playoffs.