For the Las Vegas Raiders to go into Denver and beat the Broncos, they will have to focus on these three things on their way to a victory.
The Las Vegas Raiders have had a tumultuous week. From the emails that led to head coach Jon Gruden resigning, to GM Mike Mayock addressing the media, Interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia taking over, and players trying to stay focused on the task at hand. For the Raiders to have been distracted this week would be an understatement.
However, as we shift towards the middle of the 2021 NFL season, the Raiders need a critical win. The team is 3-2 coming off of two very disappointing performances and needs a win to keep pace in the playoff race.
While the thought that the team may not respond well to the rest of the season, these players are professionals, and they have goals and want to win too. As Coach Bisaccia and Mike Mayock have said, it’s time to shift the focus to the Denver Broncos and get this team back to the playoffs.
Therefore, here are the keys to the Raiders overcoming distractions and beating Denver.
How the Raiders can overcome a tough week to win in Denver
Focus and continue to play good defense
The Raiders defense has been under the control of Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley since OTAs. They will see very little shift in philosophy with the changes at head coach, but they need to remain focused.
The loss of Jon Gruden will no doubt impact the whole team and these players seemed to have bought into Gus Bradley, and it’s time for Bradley to lead his defense.
The Raiders defense continues to outperform expectations. Even with the injuries to Trayvon Mullen and Damon Arnette in the secondary, the Raiders defense played well all season including last week. Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has played well this season, but the Broncos have also lost multiple receivers to injury.
Bridgewater isn’t an imposing quarterback and will need the rest of his offense to play well to succeed. If the Raiders can play sticky coverage, continue to get pressure on the quarterback, and get some stops in the run game, the defense will be able to force turnovers and stop the Broncos’ offense.
The run defense is the question. The run defense has been a negative all season, but with nose tackle Johnathan Hankins likely to miss the game, the Raiders may need to load the box and hope their secondary can hold up. Bradley has proven to be able to adapt this season with blitzing, but the defense needs to force some turnovers, especially since they haven’t since Week 2.
How the Raiders can overcome a tough week to win in Denver
Get the run game going
The Raiders offense has gotten off to slow starts every game this season, therefore, in this crazy week, it’s even more important to get off to a fast one on Sunday. A quick score and a 3 and out on defense will get these players to believe and have the confidence to continue the season.
New play-caller Greg Olson needs to scheme up the game plan of his life this week under the circumstances. The best way for the Raiders to do that is to establish the run.
In recent seasons, the Raiders have had success against the Broncos when they have run the ball effectively. While the Raiders’ offensive line has struggled, they do have some players who are strong and should be able to move the Denver defensive line.
The Raiders should run a lot behind right guard Alex Leatherwood and right tackle Brandon Parker. Their pass protection has been poor but they should be able to get push against this Denver front, where their strength is in the secondary.
Carr will need to get rid of the ball quickly and continue to make plays with his legs to set up some chunk plays.
How the Raiders can overcome a tough week to win in Denver
Believe in each other
Football is a game of passion and determination. Effort and motivation go way farther in football than any other sport. The Raiders were dealt a gut punch this week and they need to respond. They have put in the work all season together and they know what they are capable of, regardless of who the head coach is.
The team clearly has talent and can win games against anyone.
The players need to come together and pick each other up. They need to continue to play for each other and play for their goals. The head coach will only go so long, the players are the ones who play. Coach Bisaccia, Coach Olson, and Coach Bradley will do their jobs, but it is up to the players to believe they can continue on this season.
Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Reasons for hope for the rest of 2021
The Las Vegas Raiders may be going through a tough time right now, but there are still reasons for hope in the 2021 campaign.
It’s time for them to take this season by storm and prove to the world who the 2021 Las Vegas Raiders are.