Oakland Raiders have a real shot to upset Broncos

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) is tackled by Denver Broncos strong safety David Bruton (30) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and middle linebacker Steven Johnson (53) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders can run

With Terrance Knighton gone, the Broncos defense is nowhere near as good as they were last year. They’re just given credit for being able to stop the run because what they did back in 2014. Opposing teams average four yards per carry against them but they just haven’t run on the Broncos that much.

When they played against the Baltimore Ravens, Justin Forsett only had 14 carries in the game. Stopping the Detroit Lions’ running game isn’t impressive because they’re not known for running. But when  they faced the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings, it was a different ball game because that’s what they do.

Jamaal Charles had 125 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries and Adrian Peterson had 87 on 16 with a TD. The Raiders have a big, physical offensive line, better than both those two teams. And while Raiders running back Latavius Murray hasn’t earned his way into that class yet, he has shown he has the talent.

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave needs to stay with the run and give Murray a chance to be great.

Next: Pass protection matchup