After three weeks of struggling to close out games, the Raiders seemed to find continuity on all sides of the ball this week – with the defense showcasing its power containing nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos en route to a 32-23 division win.
Denzel Perryman and Nate Hobbs got the juice flowing early with resounding tackles and a third-down sack by Hobbs on the Broncos' opening drive. As a captain, it's clear Perryman, who missed the last two games with an ankle injury, is a defensive anchor.
But when the linebacker exited with a concussion, the defense brought Perryman's hard-hitting spirit through the rest of the game – especially cornerback Amik Robertson, who has been called on to step up recently as injuries has occurred throughout the secondary.
"Any challenge that Amik gets, he kind of rises to the occasion," Head Coach Josh McDaniels said postgame. "I think just from his stature, he's always kind of had it against him that maybe he's too this or too that. Amik's tough. Amik's fast. Amik, he'll hit ya. He had a couple big hits today."
But the 24-year-old's biggest play, the one that put Allegiant Stadium on its feet, came in the second quarter on a 68-yard fumble return for a touchdown. It was the Raiders' first defensive touchdown since 2019, and Robertson's first career score, just two weeks after he notched his first career interception.
"It's always emotional; it's always a great feeling. ... It was a very great moment for me," Robertson said postgame.
"He went straight Madden mode," Maxx Crosby added. "He just found a way."
Robertson wasn't the only highlight reel on defense, as Crosby recorded two sacks, bringing his total through four weeks to 4.0 – already half of last year's total.
"All we had to do was cover, do our job, and we knew Maxx would get home," Robertson said.
Get home he did. Crosby may have taken pointers from his teammate Chandler Jones, who has sacked Russell Wilson 16.5 times over their parallel 11-year careers. McDaniels noted that Maxx is never lacking in energy and the willingness to grow.
"He's worked so hard in every phase. His leadership has been great, his effort, his presence and then obviously, his play," the head coach said. "These are the situations where your back's against the wall a little bit, and you want to try to come out here and give your best effort, get your first W.
"I thought Maxx had a great attitude all week long and then it carried over today. I thought he made some big stops in the running game, he ran some plays down from behind and then obviously, he got some pressure on the quarterback and got him to the ground a couple of times. That's Maxx. It doesn't surprise that he plays like that, with that kind of energy and effort. He made some really critical plays for us."
But even with maximum defensive effort, the Broncos weren't deterred, cutting the lead to two midway through the fourth quarter. The Raiders offense responded by marching down the field, driven by Josh Jacobs pounding the ground to reach the end zone for the second time.
Now, the defense knew it was time to close it out. At the two-minute warning, the Raiders kept Russell Wilson from completing a pass on three different attempts, sealing the victory for Las Vegas.
"The first couple weeks, I feel like we just weren't gelling as a total team. We've been this close every time," Crosby said. "Today, it still wasn't perfect, but it was better, and we helped each other out. That's really all we can do. I'm just proud of the guys. I know they played their ass off today."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 26-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 10-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates after rushing for a 10-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates with running back Ameer Abdullah (22), fullback Jakob Johnson (45) and running back Brandon Bolden (34) after rushing for a 10-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Trent Sieg (47) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) and running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) returns a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) returns a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) returns a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) celebrates with defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) after returning a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) is congratulated by defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) after returning a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 39-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) is congratulated by tackle Kolton Miller (74) after kicking a 39-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates with defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (95) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raider special teams during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates after rushing for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
