Oakland Raiders: 3 matchups key to a victory against the Denver Broncos

Trent Brown vs. Von Miller

Trent Brown was signed in the offseason from the New England Patriots and has a commanding presence on the field. The beast plays right tackle and has a 6’8″, 380-pound frame and legs the size of tree trunks.

He’s quick, intelligent, and knows how to use his body and leverage to his advantage even while being nearly 7′ tall. Brown can push even the best defenders back, and will also help Clelin Ferrell develop into a better player by battling in practice. Even more impressive, he’s only had 6 holding calls in his career while playing against Cameron Wake twice last year, didn’t allow a single sack on Tom Brady and was a key to the Super Bowl win against the Rams defensive line.

Brown anchors an offensive line which looks to open holes for the best running back in the 2019 draft.

Von Miller, on the other hand, is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, and maybe the history of it. Entering his 9th NFL season, it’s hard to argue with 98 sacks, 26 forced fumbles, 196 quarterback hits, 450 tackles, and 126 tackles for loss.

Miller is a force on the defensive line which will be hungry for sacking Derek Carr since Miller didn’t get to hit the rival’s quarterback last season. Brown and the offensive line will be looking to keep Miller out of the backfield.

The Key

Miller is allowing him to think he’s in control. Going back and watching Miller’s film, I’m reminded of a player I regard as one of the best at his position: Dwight Freeney. He’s fast, quick off the line, and uses his power to get underneath the tackle he’s going against.

What’s even more important to note is Miller gets a sack on 64% of all shotgun snaps where the tackle is higher than he is and only 29% of all three down snaps where the tackle has a chance to get his hands on him faster. Not to mention, Brown is a power run tackle who has really good push back

Solution

The Raiders should focus on off-tackle runs and counters during the running game with some play-action thrown in to throw off the defense a little bit. Staying out of shotgun will decrease the chances of Miller getting a sack and into the backfield.