It’s a never a bad time to beat the Raiders. The Broncos will be looking for a win against their divisional foes for the first time since Dec. 29 2019. It was tough to see them get swept by Las Vegas last year so hopefully we can get some revenge. With all the drama the raiders have going on, the Broncos hopefully can take advantage of a sputtering Raiders team without their Head Coach. Here are 3 keys to the game:
Be Aggressive From the Jump
The Broncos have scored 13 total points in the first quarter all season. They can get away with that against bad teams such as the Jets, Jags, and Giants, but won’t exactly fly against respectable opponents such as the Ravens and Steelers. Sure enough the Ravens and especially the Steelers made them pay. Pat Shrumer also must do a better job of scripting opening drives as they haven’t scored an opening drive TD in 24 games. Getting off to a faster start offensively will allow the defense be more aggressive and generate more turnovers than they have the last 2 weeks. The Raiders offense did not look all too great against the bears putting up 9 points with one touchdown from the ground. If the Broncos have any sense of pride, they will have to display a much better offensive output for 4 QUARTERS.
2. Get Creative With Run Game
I sound like a broken record saying this but the run game needs to get creative. Don’t just run it straight up the middle every single time the defense is eventually going to figure it out. It won’t be such a bad idea to mix in some jet sweeps, counters, RPOs, etc… One certain run scheme I have been wanting to see is the pulling of the guards because it was so effective last year down the stretch from weeks 11-17 where the Broncos averaged just over 143 yards rushing per game. I’m confused on why Shurmer has not even tried any of these plays especially the guarding pulling and shotgun runs. I doubt he changes that this week but we can only hope. The Broncos run game has been very inconsistent this year mixed with a bunch of little gainers and one big play that inflate the numbers a little bit by the end of the game. Consistency is key and consistency in the run game can get Denver dominating Time of Possession again and provide rest for a defense that played a lot of snaps in Heinz Field.
3. Corners Be More Physical
Too many times last week I saw the corners play very soft coverage on receivers on 3rd and short which led to big plays due to yards after the catch. The corners should press up a little more and make the receivers earn every yard of their route. Playing zone or guarding with a cushion every time is not going to work as these receivers in the nfl are way too talented in the open space. The one time I saw the Broncos play straight press coverage on the Steelers receivers, that led to a strip sack as Ben found no one open. Now I get it the Broncos have to play Henry Ruggs, who can take the top of any defense with his amazing speed. The Broncos can still be physical with him with the utilization of double teams similar to how the Bills guarded Tyreek Hill on Sunday Night. It has felt like the Broncos have played not to get beat by the big play rather than imposing their will on the offense. That must change.
Prediction:
Broncos 17 Raiders 24
Teddy- 250+ yards 1 TD 0 int
Javonte and Melvin- 110 yards and 1 TD
Defense- 2 Sacks and 1 turnover
As much as I want to believe the Broncos can turn it around this week, nothing makes me believe they will because of the lack of adjusments they have shown to make these past few weeks. Especially offensively. I hope I’m wrong though. Go Broncos!
Excellent assessment Arjun, but i disagree with your prediction . Broncos win 24 - 14.