The slap was so hard it felt like slander, and the message stung: The Broncos are soft. They can’t stop the run.

Hey, who were the knuckleheads that spewed that garbage? Please. Remind the Broncos again.

“We’ve played four straight games and we’ve played four all-pro running backs. And they’ve done nothing against us,” defensive end Shelby Harris bellowed Sunday, after the Broncos knocked the stuffing out of Oakland in a 16-10 victory that will leave a mark on their hated AFC West Division rivals.

A work of art? No, this game was more like a sweaty day’s work at the junkyard. It sounded like broken glass and crushed metal. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr fell and couldn’t get up during the second half. The silver and black left Colorado all black and blue.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post Jamize Olawale (49) of the Oakland Raiders is mobbed by the Denver Broncos defense during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 16-10 win on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Justin Simmons (31) of the Denver Broncos celebrates an interception in the fourth quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post Justin Simmons (31) of the Denver Broncos celebrates his game-clinching interception with teammate Will Parks (34) as Marshall Newhouse (73) of the Oakland Raiders hangs his head during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 16-10 win on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



Joe Amon, The Denver Post Justin Simmons (31) of the Denver Broncos makes a game-clinching interception on a pass intended for Amari Cooper (89) of the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 16-10 win on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Chris Harris (25) of the Denver Broncos wraps up Seth Roberts (10) of the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 16-10 win on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post T.J. Carrie (38) of the Oakland Raiders breaks up a pass intended for Emmanuel Sanders (10) of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 16-10 win on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Jared Cook (87) of the Oakland Raiders lies on the turf after having a would be touchdown reception broken up by Darian Stewart (26) of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 16-10 win on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post Aqib Talib (21) of the Denver Broncos tackles Amari Cooper (89) of the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post An Oakland Raiders fan spooks the ladies in the stands during the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Chris Harris (25) of the Denver Broncos tackles Seth Roberts (10) of the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Justin Simmons (31) of the Denver Broncos tackles Jared Cook (87) of the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

John Leyba, The Denver Post A.J. Derby (83) of the Denver Broncos dives forward in the fourth quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Marquel Lee (55) of the Oakland Raiders tackles C.J. Anderson (22) of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Von Miller (58) of the Denver Broncos tackles Marshawn Lynch (24) of the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Demaryius Thomas (88) of the Denver Broncos is unable to catch a pass in the fourth quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



John Leyba, The Denver Post Emmanuel Sanders (10) of the Denver Broncos catches the ball for a loss after it was batted up in the air in the third quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Derek Carr (4) of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Adam Gotsis (99) of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter of the game. Carr was hurt on the play and left the game. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Derek Carr (4) of the Oakland Raiders scrambles with the ball to evade tackles in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos. Carr was hurt on the play and left the game. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



Joe Amon, The Denver Post Adam Gotsis (99) of the Denver Broncos hits Derek Carr (4) of the Oakland Raiders on a play that would result in Carr leaving the game during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Darian Stewart (26) of the Denver Broncos tackles Lee Smith (86) of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Derek Carr (4) of the Oakland Raiders lies on the grass after being hit in the back by Adam Gotsis (99) of the Denver Broncos during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



Joe Amon, The Denver Post Karl Joseph (42) of the Oakland Raiders tackles C.J. Anderson (22) of the Denver Broncos during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post Will Parks (34) of the Denver Broncos upends Cordarrelle Patterson (84) of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post Cory James (57) of the Oakland Raiders tackles C.J. Anderson (22) of the Denver Broncos during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



Joe Amon, The Denver Post C.J. Anderson (22) of the Denver Broncos gets away from Karl Joseph (42) of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Isaiah McKenzie (84) of the Denver Broncos runs away from DeAndre Washington (33) of the Oakland Raiders and Tyrell Adams (58) as he returns a punt from Marquette King (7) during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Derek Wolfe (95) of the Denver Broncos sacks Derek Carr (4) of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



John Leyba, The Denver Post Head coach Vance Joseph of the Denver Broncos talks on the sideline in the third quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post C.J. Anderson (22) of the Denver Broncos gets away from Karl Joseph (42) of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post Bruce Irvin (51) of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after sacking Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



John Leyba, The Denver Post Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos passes while hit by Khalil Mack (52) of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter of the game. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Bruce Irvin (51) of the Oakland Raiders sacks Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos rolls out against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



Joe Amon, The Denver Post Johnny Holton (16) of the Oakland Raiders hauls in a 64-yard touchdown reception against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post Darian Stewart (26) of the Denver Broncos attempts to tackle Jalen Richard (30) of the Oakland Raiders as he breaks into the open field during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Marshawn Lynch (24) of the Oakland Raiders is tackled in the second quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



John Leyba, The Denver Post Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos scrambles with the ball while pursued by Khalil Mack (52) of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post Johnny Holton (16) of the Oakland Raiders celebrates his 64-yard touchdown reception against the Denver Broncos with teammate Derek Carr (4) during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen Richardson, The Denver Post Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos pitches the ball to C.J. Anderson (22) for no gain in the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



Helen Richardson, The Denver Post Jamaal Charles (28) of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Karl Joseph (42) of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

Helen Richardson, The Denver Post Seth Roberts (10) of the Oakland Raiders lunges forward during the second quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Derek Carr (4) of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass in the first quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Todd Davis (51) of the Denver Broncos tackles Cordarrelle Patterson (84) of the Oakland Raiders as Derek Wolfe (95) is blocked by Gabe Jackson (66) during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post An Oakland Raiders fan rock face paint as the Raiders play the Denver Broncos during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

John Leyba, The Denver Post An Oakland Raiders fan during warmups before the game against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



Joe Amon, The Denver Post Dexter McDonald (23) of the Oakland Raiders and T.J. Carrie (38) tackle Jamaal Charles (28) of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Marshawn Lynch (24) of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post A.J. Derby (83) of the Denver Broncos makes a one-handed catch against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



Joe Amon, The Denver Post T.J. Carrie (38) of the Oakland Raiders breaks up a pass intended for Demaryius Thomas (88) of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Cordarrelle Patterson (84) of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Brandon Marshall (54) of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos is sacked by Mario Edwards (97) of the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.



John Leyba, The Denver Post A.J. Derby (83) of the Denver Broncos celebrates a one-handed catch for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post A.J. Derby (83) of the Denver Broncos celebrates a one-handed catch for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post A Denver Broncos fan watches warmups before the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



John Leyba, The Denver Post A.J. Derby (83) of the Denver Broncos makes a one-handed catch for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post C.J. Anderson (22) of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Erik Harris (41) and Shalom Luani (26) of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



John Leyba, The Denver Post Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos is sacked by Mario Edwards (97) of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos is sacked by Mario Edwards (97) of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Domata Peko (94) of the Denver Broncos raises his arms to the air before the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Denver Broncos show signs of patriotism before the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Denver Broncos fans show sign signs of patriotism during the playing the of the national anthem before the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Von Miller (58) of the Denver Broncos and other players stand for the National Anthem before the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.



John Leyba, The Denver Post Menelik Watson (75) of the Denver Broncos is introduced to the game against the Oakland Raiders. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.

“Our run defense has been stout the entire year,” Broncos coach Vance Joseph said.

Not to suggest the Broncos are keeping score, but here’s a tally the members of Denver’s defense would be happy to recite by heart. Through four games, Denver has indeed faced four Pro Bowl running backs.

Let’s do the math.

Melvin Gordon of the Los Angeles Chargers: 18 carries, 54 yards.

Ezekiel Elliott of Dallas: nine carries, 8 yards.

LeSean McCoy of Buffalo: 14 carries, 21 yards.

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That’s four running backs with 12 combined trips to the Pro Bowl to their credit.

And here’s their total production versus Denver: 50 carries, 95 yards.

The Broncos have faced a murderer’s row of NFL running backs, and killed their stats, to say nothing of their spirit. On 50 carries, the average gain of Lynch, McCoy, Elliott and Gordon has been 68 inches.

Wait … what? A grown man should be able to fall forward 68 inches. But Denver has made four above-the-marquee backs looks as if they couldn’t play dead in a Western movie.

Let’s review. They call him Money Lynch; he left Colorado bankrupt. At Buffalo, the Broncos threw shade at McCoy. Derek Wolfe and crew hit Elliott, the NFL rushing champ a year ago, so hard that he quit. After Gordon flashed for 21 yards on the very first snap of the season against the Denver defense, he got stuck in traffic.

What has been the mindset of Denver’s defensive line against these great running backs?

“Whip their butt,” Harris said.

Beating the Raiders was especially sweet for Harris, a 26-year-old defender who has been cut six times in his young career and came to Denver looking for a job after being told by Oakland, the New York Jets and Dallas he was not good enough to make a real impact in the NFL.

“Playing the old team, hitting the old quarterback and getting the old ‘W,’ that’s a pretty good day,” said Harris, credited with the sack in the third quarter that sidelined Carr with a back injury. “The whole thing was not letting Marshawn get built up and breaking tackles and running over people. So today was great. He had no room to run.”

The Real Big D of the Broncos caused Oakland coach Jack Del Rio to get desperate early. Down 10-0 in the second quarter, the Raiders faced fourth down at Denver’s 31-yard line. Instead of attempting a long field goal, Del Rio went for it, needing to gain only 3 feet to move the chains.

The Broncos, however, refused to give an inch. When Lynch was handed the football for a run up the gut, they punched back, stuffing him from no gain.

“Had to get that stop,” said Will Parks, who darted in from his safety position to meet Lynch in the hole and make the tackle.

“Going for it on fourth and one? We kind of take that as an insult. We pride ourselves as being the best defense in the league. Now it’s a tough league and the Raiders are a great organization. But as long as we go out there and execute, what we do? We feel like nobody can hang with us.”

Yes, pro football is a job. It’s a job, however, the guys in the front seven of Denver’s defense have taken very personally since being cited for months as the soft underbelly to the No-Fly Zone. True confession: I might have been one of those knuckleheads who questioned if the Broncos were tough enough to get it done against the run.

“Don’t act like you weren’t,” said Harris, laughing.

The job of Wolfe, Harris and the big D-linemen is to deliver pain. It’s a pain that Lynch will feel in his bones.

As far the Denver defense is concerned, it doesn’t matter how slick is your game or how fancy is your name. Money, Shady, Zeke or Flash. It’s all the same. The Broncos will make you a promise: Getting out of bed on Monday is going to hurt.

Broncos vs. Top Running Backs

The Broncos’ reputation as one of the NFL’s best rush defenses grew Sunday as they made Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch a non-factor, limiting him to 12 yards on nine carries; Oakland had only 24 yards rushing as a team. Through four games, the Broncos have limited opposing starting running backs to 95 yards, and no team has scored a rushing touchdown against Denver.