The Broncos’ first first down at Oakland on Sunday night was long overdue and came at a cost.
Early in the second quarter, with the pocket collapsing around him, Denver quarterback Trevor Siemian threw a deep pass to receiver Demaryius Thomas on the left sideline, releasing the ball just in time to get walloped by Reggie Nelson on a safety blitz. The spiral sailed 23 yards before landing in the arms of Thomas.
Siemian never saw the completion. He lay on the ground after landing on his already sore left shoulder.
Four plays later, he connected with Jordan Norwood for a 36-yard touchdown pass, then repeated a similar cycle in the third quarter: Two plays after taking his first sack of the night, Siemian evaded the rush and found Emmanuel Sanders for an 18-yard pass and a first down.