The Raiders have a big opportunity Sunday at O.co Coliseum against the Denver Broncos.
At 2-2, the Raiders have a chance to set the tone for the rest of their season with a victory over the 4-0 Broncos, who lead the AFC West (1:25 p.m. kickoff). Though oddsmakers have made the Broncos 5-point favorites, it’s becoming obvious that the 2015 edition of the Raiders is much better than other Oakland teams in recent years. Even the Broncos see it.
This week, Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said that his unit will have to put pressure on quarterback Derek Carr and contain wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, who have been outstanding.
“(Carr) having two really good receivers like that – one veteran receiver that you can count on catching the ball all the time and then the rookie receiver that comes in and does what most rookie receivers don’t do, by playing really well,” said Phillips. “Having those two guys just utilizes his talent. He obviously was talented coming in and played well last year, but now he has two big-time receivers.”
If the Raiders are to pull the upset and serve notice that they’ll be a part of this year’s AFC West race, they must do these five things Sunday:
Control Denver’s pass rush. The Broncos have the NFL’s top-ranked defense and lead the league with 18 sacks. Oakland’s offensive line must keep out DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller and give Carr time to find Cooper, Crabtree and Co.
Contain the tight end: In every game this season, the Raiders’ defense has allowed opposing tight ends to have big days. Tight ends have 32 catches for 388 yards and six TDs vs. the Raiders in 2015. So far, Oakland linebackers, in particular, have had difficulty stopping them. That has to change Sunday, or Broncos QB Peyton Manning will be certain to find tight end Owen Daniels over and over again for key gains, especially on third downs.
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Take care of the football: In last week’s loss to the Bears in Chicago, running back Latavius Murray gave up the ball twice, once on a fumble and once when he bobbled a sure, short catch that bounced off his arms and became an interception. The Broncos have thrived on turnovers, with 11 takeaways in four games, and it’s become a focus of their defense. Denver linebacker T.J. Ward said this week, “We’re not really finding ways to win. We’re making ways to win.” The Raiders can’t play in to that.
Run the football: To keep the Broncos defense honest – and to keep the football away from Manning & Co. – the Raiders must be able to run the ball. Murray has shown he can be productive if given the chance, but except for a big game against the Browns in Week 3 – 139 yards on 26 carries – he’s averaged just 13.6 carries in the other three games. He needs to be more a part of the offense.
Forget the past: Since Manning joined the Broncos, Denver is 6-0 vs. the Raiders. Denver has won seven straight against Oakland overall. And, most of those decisions have been lopsided. But with plenty of rookies and veteran newcomers – plus a coaching staff led by former Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio – can this version of the Raiders take a no-fear approach?
