Throughout Russell Wilson’s somber news conference after Denver’s 17-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, he kept echoing that the team was one or two plays away from winning Sunday’s season opener.
Yes, Denver’s penalties and defensive miscues down the stretch received most of the criticism. But the offense left points on the board, especially in a critical red zone situation early in the fourth quarter.
With 10:19 to go in regulation, running back Samaje Perine bulldozed through the Raiders defense for a 12-yard run to Las Vegas’ 8-yard line. Suddenly, Denver stopped running the rock. Wilson’s pass tight end Adam Trautman was short of the goal line.