If this isn't rock bottom, I don't know what is. As fans, when your team loses, it flat out sucks. No question, losing is one of the worst feelings in the world.

Sunday was my first trip to Invesco Field at Mile High for a Broncos game, and my experience was enjoyable until about 35 seconds left in the game, when Oakland's combination of JaMarcus Russell and Chaz Schilens hooked up for the game winning score. While losing is hardly rock bottom, when the Broncos lose to the Oakland Raiders, it doesn't get much worse.

One of the worst displays of offensive football took place in Denver on Sunday, with the slight exception of the Oakland running game which went buck wild on Denver's defense. Michael Bush and Darren McFadden combined for 207 of Oakland's 241 rushing yards, the worst ground defense by Denver this season.

The Broncos simply played this game not to lose, and a small summary of that took place on Denver's final meaningful drive. After a 63-yard reception by receiver Brandon Stokley put the Broncos inside Oakland's 5-yard line, the Broncos were in prime position to put the game away with a short touchdown.

Denver was obviously in a four-down situation. Up by three with less than five minutes remaining, the game would be all but over if they could just go up by 10 points. Instead of trying to punch the ball in with power back Peyton Hillis, the Broncos threw a short pass to tight end Tony Scheffler.

Fail.

On the second play from 2 yards out, Knowshon Moreno was actually pushed back a yard.

Fail.

On the third play, coach Josh McDaniels called a fade pass to Tony Scheffler, who had a very favorable matchup. Scheffler was face-guarded and probably should have gotten an interference call, but none was made. The Broncos were stuck with fourth-and-goal from the 3.

Fail.

Now comes the situation which cost the Broncos the game. McDaniels has 3 yards to go, up by three, and kicking a field goal does very little. As I see it, the Broncos had no option other than to go for a touchdown on fourth down, and here is why:

1, The call works, you score a touchdown, and the Raiders lose.

2, You fail to convert, but the Raiders have the ball on the 2.

3, You fail to convert, and the Raiders don't go for it on fourth down to get the one point victory, rather they go for the tie and leave the Broncos with time at the end to score again.

The Broncos had to have big games from many rookie players on Sunday, and for the most part, they received them. One rookie in particular, the one roaming the sidelines, failed them on Sunday.

Josh McDaniels' lack of confidence in his offensive attack is really starting to show. He refuses to play Peyton Hillis, one of the Broncos' most talented offensive weapons. Eddie Royal is not getting involved in the offense, which is very concerning.

At this point in the season, when everything is on the line, it is absolutely not the time to play not to lose. The Broncos presented this loss on a silver platter to the Oakland Raiders, who had to use three different quarterbacks, none of whom was their normal starter.

This was a devastating loss in terms of playoff aspirations, where the Broncos still control their own destiny, much like they did a year ago. Denver not only gave up the AFC West title for the second straight season, they may just lose out on a wild card spot as well if they can't beat both Philadelphia and Kansas City. An embarrassing performance would indicate that this team does not deserve to reach the postseason, but if they can go into Philadelphia next weekend and win, the Broncos might just be up for one more six-game winning streak this season.

---SAYRE BEDINGER.