DENVER -- The Raiders lost by one point. Donald Penn believes he cost them one.
The right tackle blames himself for a blocked extra-point attempt that, tangibly speaking, was the difference in this game.
“I’m mad at myself because I messed up on the extra point,” Penn said after a 20-19 loss at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. “It was a one-point game and it could’ve been tied going into overtime. I put that on me.
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"I’m very pissed about that. I don’t think, ever in 13-year career, have I had a kick blocked over me.”
Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett broke through the line and into the backfield in time to block Mike Nugent’s extra-point attempt following a Marshawn Lynch touchdown run. That means Denver was driving for a game-winning field goal as opposed to one possibly sending the game into overtime.
“They had an overload on one side,” Penn said. “My arm got slapped down, and I guess he came through that way. When I saw the replay, he came through that gap. I have to try to get wide or get a hold of my guy.
“I’m mad, mad as hell about that play. Even without it, we should’ve closed out the game. We had our opportunities. We have to find a way to get better.”
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The Raiders had plenty of chances to run up the score or sustain a fourth-quarter drive to secure the victory, and they couldn’t get that done. This loss doesn’t fall solely on Penn, but he’s focused on ways he can be better.
He was upset about allowing two sacks to Von Miller -- one was negated by penalty -- and is determined to improve his play moving forward.
“He got me on that first one,” Penn said. “I’m still getting used to that spot, so facing Von was a good test. The second sack, the one that actually counted, I got tripped up. I gave up a sack. Point blank, period: I have to get better.
“I have to be better. I know I’m playing a new position, but I don’t want sympathy. I’m out here to play. I’m out here to battle. I’m going to find a way to get better.”