On his first carry against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon fumbled, marking the fifth-straight game that he’s fumbled dating back to last season.
Las Vegas recovered the ball and returned it for a touchdown, a key play in a game that was decided by nine points.
After the loss, Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett was asked about the momentum swing when the Raiders took a six-point lead after Denver was driving in a tied game.
“Obviously, anytime you turn the ball over, it’s a big swing,” Hackett said. “That leading to a touchdown on the same recovery, it’s obviously rough …. that’s a hard way to win games whenever you lose the turnover differential and it being a score.”
Making matters worse for the offense, Javonte Williams suffered a knee injury and left the game. Hackett then turned to third-string running back Mike Boone, perhaps a sign that he’s lost patience with Gordon.
“In the end, you can’t put the ball on the ground,” Hackett said. “It’s that simple. We always say take care of the ball, it’s the most important thing. It’s not like he’s trying to do it, we understand that. But we just have to be even better with our ball security across the board. The other guys did a good job, and Melvin had that one.”
Gordon has rushed 37 times for 139 yards and one touchdown this season. Those are decent numbers, but they are overshadowed by his four fumbles through four games. His role in Denver’s offense might now be in jeopardy.
