Oakland Raiders to Take Early Success Against Manning Into Week 17 Gameplan

Nov 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts after throwing an interception which was caught by Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck (91) in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

In the Oakland Raiders first matchup with the Denver Broncos the defense managed to frustrate Peyton Manning for much of the first half, getting a pass rush to the legendary quarterback and getting turnovers by the way of interceptions from DJ Hayden as well as defensive end Justin Tuck to hang with their AFC West rivals for the majority of the opening two quarters.

That good start unraveled into a blowout in a game that is now forgettable despite for the good start, but the early success and momentum will give the Raiders a bit of a blueprint to do the same in their final game of the season as they travel to Denver to take on the Broncos. Something that head coach Tony Sparano has mentioned will be included in their gameplan from defensive coordinator Jason Tarver as well as some of the schemes used around the league in a frustrating season for the aging Manning.

From Inside Bay Area: 

"Raiders coach Tony Sparano hinted some of the Raiders schemes that worked in the first meeting with the Broncos were borrowed and altered by other teams in subsequent games against Manning.“Some people have taken from that game and stuck (the schemes) in their plan a little bit and put their own spin on things,” Sparano said. “We’ll have to change some things. He’s too good of a player to go out there and for us to continue to do the same things. But some things that caused him problems, I think you’ll see again, probably with a different spin.”"

Manning has had the Raiders number for his entire career, but since coming to Denver there has been even more dominant performances from the quarterback against his new division rivals. The Broncos are undefeated against Oakland since Manning signed with the team, something that appeared to have been at risk during the first half of their meeting in Oakland this season. Taking that defensive gameplan and putting a four quarter effort could help the Raiders play spoiler one last time this season as they try to ruin the Broncos first round bye with an upset on the road.