Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos: 3 Surprises from Week 6

Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) reacts to his sack of Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) reacts to his sack of Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. (29) celebrates after cornerback Brandon Facyson (35) intercepted the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos: 3 Surprises from Week 6

The secondary

In my article earlier this week, I called for the Raiders defense to force at least one turnover, and they responded in a huge way getting four total turnovers, including three interceptions.  The cornerback position has been banged up early in the season with both Damon Arnette and Trayvon Mullen going on the Injured reserve last week, but the depth has stepped up in recent weeks, including a virtual unknown in Brandon Facyson.

Facyson was signed off the Chargers practice squad on October 6th, and was playing in only his second game with the Raiders, and not only has an interception but plenty of deflected passes.  This game was also a great game for both safeties as both Tre’Von Moehrig and Johnathan Abram had an interception.

Abram came into the game third on the Raiders in tackles and added seven to his total including his game-sealing interception.  Moehrig had had some growing pains so far this season, taking the wrong angle on some long touchdown runs, but has played solid overall coverage and that culminated in his first career interception in the fourth quarter.

Moehrig should’ve had two as he had a pass go right to him earlier in the game but a Broncos wide receiver played some good pass defense and caused an incomplete pass.  These players will need to continue to step up alongside the continued strong play by rookie Nate Hobbs and veteran Casey Hayward if injuries will continue to plague the Raiders secondary.