Oakland Raiders X-Factors against the Denver Broncos in Week 1

Defense

Johnathan Hankins

There isn’t a lot to fear when it comes to Denver’s offense, however, the team’s rushing attack is decent. Last season rookies Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman combined to rush for 1,558 yards 14 touchdowns. Especially with Justin Ellis on injured reserve, Hankins will be a key factor in slowing down the Broncos running backs.

Guard Ronald Leary is one of the better interior offensive lineman in the league and rookie Dalton Risner had an excellent preseason. Whether Hankins plays on the left or right side of the line, he will face stiff competition. If the defensive tackle can win these matchups, Denver should have a hard time moving the ball.

Gareon Conley

The Broncos have a fairly talented receiving core. For the past five years, Emmanuel Sanders has been a very productive, and last season’s second-round pick, Courtland Sutton ranked third among rookies in receiving yards. Whether Conley draws Sanders or Sutton in coverage, the defensive back will have his hands full.

Unfortunately because of injuries, Conley has only suited up against Denver once in his career. In that lone game, the cornerback was targeted 10 times and only allowed four receptions. Repeating this effort will be crucial to limiting the Mile High offense.

Arden Key

Quarterback Joe Flacco is known for having a strong-arm and likes to throw the ball deep. The best way to prevent that from happening is to limit the amount of time he has to throw. Arden Key is the best pass rusher on the Raiders roster, so the team will be relying him to get pressure.

Offensive line has been a problem for the Broncos for a while. To help solve this problem the team added free agent tackle, Ja’Wuan James. Last year when the tackle was in Miami, James and Key squared off and the latter posted the highest PFF grade (80.2) of his season. Hopefully the young edge defender can replicate his efforts on Monday night.