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Oakland Raiders Week 17 X-Factors against the Denver Broncos

By Matt Holder

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Oakland Raiders after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Oakland Raiders after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: (EDITORS NOTE – This image has been converted to black and white) Oakland Raiders helmet is seen on the field after the game between Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: (EDITORS NOTE – This image has been converted to black and white) Oakland Raiders helmet is seen on the field after the game between Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

David Sharpe

After placing starting right tackle Trent Brown on injured reserve, the Silver and Black promoted second-year pro, Brandon Parker. However, the sophomore played his way onto the bench and against Los Angeles, the team turned to David Sharpe for about three-quarters of the game. To no one’s surprise, head coach Jon Gruden named Sharpe the starter earlier in the week.

The University of Florida product fared well against the Chargers, allowing three quarterback pressures and posted a high PFF run-blocking grade. Considering Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are elite pass rushers and the Bolt’s have a decent run defense, Sharpe’s performance from a week ago is fairly impressive. However, this Sunday presents another big test for the offensive lineman.

With 105 career sacks – ranks 27th in NFL history – edge defender Von Miller’s career will likely culminate with a trip to Canton, Ohio. While this season is far from his best, the veteran has played well recently with four and a half sacks in the team’s last eight games. The three-time first-team All-Pro likes to lineup on the offense’s right side which means he and Sharpe will battle each other for the majority of the game.

Asking a reserve player to block a future Hall of Famer is very ambitious, but the Raiders are out of options and the four-year veteran has to be up for the task.

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