Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders: 3 things to watch

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders greets fans in the stands after their 27-14 win over the Denver Broncos in what may be the final Raiders game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders greets fans in the stands after their 27-14 win over the Denver Broncos in what may be the final Raiders game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers react against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers react against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Raiders Pass Rush vs Broncos Offensive Line

The Raiders had the worst pass rush in the NFL last season, having the least amount of sacks in the league with just 13. The Raiders attempted to improve this over the off season, but was it enough?

The Raiders used the fourth pick in the NFL draft to take Clelin Ferrell, along with adding Josh Mauro, Benson Mayowa, Corey Liuget, and Maxx Crosby. The Raiders also have an abundance of young returning players, such as Maurice Hurst, PJ Hall, and Arden Key who look to have improved tremendously.

The Broncos have a decent offensive line protecting Joe Flacco, having allowed 34 sacks last season. The Broncos added rookie Dalton Risner to that group, a player that should only help the Broncos.

This will be a good test for the Raiders defense, as the Broncos have a good offensive line, but not one that should completely shut the Raiders down. Hopefully players such as Ferrell, Key, and Hurst can get to Joe Flacco and force him to make quick decisions, something he does not like to do.

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