There’s a consensus that the 2022 Thursday night game between the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos was among the worst ever. Both teams struggled to find any offensive rhythm, leading to a dismal 12-9 Colts victory with no touchdowns scored. The recent Broncos-Raiders matchup attempted to compete for that title.
On a blustery night in Denver, action was sparse. Both offenses floundered, and special teams struggled. Despite the lack of excitement, the Broncos managed a narrow 10-7 win, scoring a single field goal in the second half.
Fans were not shy about their frustration, frequently booing the ineffective offense. While a win is a win—especially as the Broncos now hold an 8-2 record—it’s hard for supporters to feel optimistic about the team’s performance.
The game’s first half was especially lackluster. Although conditions seemed fine on the Amazon Prime Video broadcast, high winds affected play significantly. After facing relentless pressure, Raiders QB Geno Smith was sacked multiple times, while the Broncos’ ground game barely mustered 24 yards. The second quarter finally saw some action when Troy Franklin caught a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.
The second half saw the struggle continue. A trick play intended to spark the offense turned into disaster as Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton took a sack. Following a missed 59-yard field goal attempt, the team faced a chorus of boos. Meanwhile, the Raiders struggled to move the ball, posting the longest streak of possessions without a first down in the NFL this season, spanning nearly two quarters. Eventually, the Raiders had a chance to tie but missed a field goal attempt wide right.
For context, poor offensive performances are not new in the NFL. Historical data shows that games with minimal scoring are often remembered for their lack of excitement. According to a recent fan survey, 70% of viewers reported a decline in their enjoyment of Thursday night games, attributing it largely to repetitive bland matchups.
Ultimately, the game was characterized by missed opportunities and mistakes, reflecting a larger trend in the league where offenses are often outmatched by strong defenses. As the season progresses, teams will need to find ways to revamp their strategies and engage fans, especially on showcase nights like Thursday football.
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Geno Smith, Broncos, Raiders, The Raiders, Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday night football, Denver Post, Amazon Prime Video, Denver, Troy Franklin, Indianapolis Colts, Bo Nix, Russell Wilson, Ashton Jeanty, Matt Ryan, Nik Bonitto, Jeremy Crawshaw, Kyu Blu Kelly, Daniel Carlson, Dondrea Tillman, Courtland Sutton, Zach Allen, Wil Lutz
