Oakland Raiders have a real shot to upset Broncos

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) attempts to avoid a tackle by Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck (91) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders can get to Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is 7-o against the Raiders and as you know, the games haven’t been very close. But if you look at the Raiders teams he’s played with, they didn’t have much of a pass-rush to make him uncomfortable. Sunday, the Raiders will be bringing Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith off the edges.

Mack has three sacks in his last two games and Smith had has first sack as a Raiders last week. We’re five weeks into the season now so Smith, who missed camp after his DUI charge that got him cut by the San Francisco 49ers, is sharp now. Manning gets rid of the ball quickly but the Raiders rush that also has Justin Tuck is going to make him rush it more.

Throwing before you’re ready leads to interceptions like he threw against the Vikings last week. He also has zero mobility and will surrender at times when he feels the rush zeroing in on him. Let us also not forget that Ty Sambrailo, has been the Broncos starting left tackle to this point, is out for the game along with the rest of the injured offensive linemen.

The Baltimore Ravens sacked Manning four times and were able to hit him five times. The Kansas City Chiefs sacked him three times but were able to get seven hits on him. Both of teams pressured Manning and were within seven of the Broncos at games end with Sambrailo while the Raiders are playing the Broncos without him.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?