Oakland Raiders: Week 9 Notebook

Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) leaves the field after an incomplete pass on a fourth down during the fourth quarter of their 43-21 loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

What’s Next?

Unfortunately for the Raiders things will not get much easier when they return home from playing the Super Bowl champions on the road as they get to play their AFC West rivals in the Denver Broncos, who also happened to play in the Super Bowl last season as AFC Champions. Even worse for the 0-8 Raiders, they will get to play an angry Peyton Manning who will be motivated to take his frustrations in getting blown out by Tom Brady in New England out on the Raiders defensive backs.

Not surprising considering the direction the Raiders and Broncos have headed since Manning came to Denver, the Donkeys have dominated the rivalry since the Burnt Orange won the Manning Lottery after the Colts drafted Andrew Luck. That will likely continue as after a loss to the Patriots the Broncos will come to the Coliseum focused and looking for a big victory to get back on track at the expense of the 0-8 Raiders who will likely open up in Vegas once again as close to two score underdogs to a Super Bowl contender.

If the Raiders are to upset Denver they will need a similar effort to what they brought to the Seahawks, but with less turnovers as Derek Carr’s two interceptions prevented them from the win on Sunday with a -10 point swing in the first half. Against a much higher powered offense in Denver those mistakes cannot happen if they want a victory, anything short of perfection likely not being enough to help guide the Raiders to an upset over their rivals to end a winless season through the halfway mark of their 16 game calendar. Regardless, another big test is coming for the young Raiders in Week 10, it will be interesting to see if they are up to the task or have anything in their bag to potentially upset Manning and co. at home in front of a desperate Black Hole that is thirsty for a win.