4 reasons the Oakland Raiders will beat the Denver Broncos in Week 1

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 15: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders reacts during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 15: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders reacts during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Joe Flacco is far from elite

The Broncos have a new quarterback heading into the new season, but he most likely will not be the answer for their long term success. Although Joe Flacco was replaced last season by Lamar Jackson after throwing for only 12 touchdowns and 2,465 yards.

Joe Flacco used to be a decent QB in the NFL, but he has not produced for years, and moving to Denver more than likely won’t help him. The Broncos have not had a great passing game since Peyton Manning, and even he struggled with Denver’s offense his last season.

The Raiders pass defense is nothing to brag about, but the staff in Oakland has worked hard to improve it, and they will have a great opportunity to show out against Flacco and Denver’s receivers.

Flacco loves to throw the deep ball, and on paper, the Raiders should be able to cover that with Abram, Joseph, Conley, Worley, and Joyner. Where the Raiders struggle in pass defense is short plays over the middle where the linebackers will have to cover, but that is not Flacco’s strength.

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