Behind Enemy Lines: Denver Broncos Offseason Recap
Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Schedule
The Raiders play the Broncos at home Week 5 and in Denver Week 13. The Week 5 meeting will be the Raiders first division game. The first four games are against three teams from the AFC North, and the Bears. I honestly believe the Raiders should be able to win at least two of those games, possibly three. The Ravens in Week 2 might be a bit too much for them at that point, depending on how the team comes together. But, they should be in prime condition, come Week 5 against the Broncos.
How can the Raiders beat the Broncos?
It won’t be easy, there is a reason the Broncos have been the Division Champs for the past few years, they are a very good team. They do have a few weaknesses the Raiders could exploit.
1) The Denver offensive line should be no match for the Raiders front seven. Reggie McKenzie has built a front 7 with potential to be devastating. The Broncos want to run, and run a lot. The Raiders defense is built to stuff run games at the point of attack. If the Raiders can make Denver one dimensional, then Mack, Tuck and Edwards should be able to disrupt Manning enough to keep the Raiders in the game.
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2) The interior of the Broncos defensive line isn’t that great. Their edges are covered just fine, but the interior is soft. Using Rodney Hudson, and Gabe Jackson as primary blockers for Latavius Muray, or Trent Richardson up the middle will give the Raiders the ability to control the pace of the game. Once the Broncos start loading the box to prevent the run plays, let Derek Carr and Amari Cooper take care of the rest.
Getting into a shooting match with Peyton Manning isn’t necessarily a good idea, so controlling the clock, and keeping him on the bench as much as possible is what the Raiders offense must do. And now its common knowledge; Manning doesn’t have much strength left in his throwing arm, so the secondary will be able to play a bit more aggressive.
Ultimately, this game will come down to the play of the young Raider corners. Hayden and Carrie have been given quite the vote of confidence by Reggie McKenzie, let’s hope they can deliver when they play the Broncos this upcoming season.