Mile High Sports

Brandon McManus wins battle of the kickers and thus the game

November 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) kicks a field goal out of the hold by punter Britton Colquitt (4) during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Raiders fans might look back on their game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday with contempt for Chris Harris Jr., who took an interception 74 yards to the end zone for what proved to be the game-winning score. Or they might blame Derek Carr who threw the pass.

They might spit venom at Jack Del Rio and his coaching staff for some questionable play-calling on fourth down with the Raiders needing a long conversion. Or blame Derek Carr who checked into the worst option on the play call.

But the person they’ll be most apt to blame following Sunday’s 16-10 loss is Sebastian Janikowski, who missed on two field goals, which proved to be the difference in the game.

Meanwhile, Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus was a perfect three-for-three on the day, including another kick from beyond 50 yards – his fourth of the year.

One of McManus’ field goals wasn’t officially the game winner, but they proved to be the difference in this closely (perhaps too closely) contested game.

As always, we were plugged in as the game unfolded and took a snapshot of some of the best reactions and insights to the defining moments of the game, including how the kicking game ultimately decided this one.

Janikowski has his first attempt of the day blocked and the Broncos maintain their streak of zero first-quarter points allowed…

McManus puts the Broncos on the board and in the lead…

McManus lined up for a long one late in the second half, but opted for a pooch kick – a play that confused the Raiders and even the CBS broadcast team.

After the defense surrendered a touchdown, McManus hit again to help the Broncos take the lead for good.

Janikowski had a chance to give Oakland the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter, but pushed it wide.

Late in the fourth, needing a touchdown (plus PAT) and a field goal to win, the Raiders elected to kick a field goal to preserve time and attempt an onside kick. This time, Janikowski converted.

Janikowski had the chance to play hero and atone for the two prior misses with a successful onside kick, but Demaryius Thomas was in exactly the right place to lock it up for the Broncos.

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