Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Denver Broncos in Week 16
By Alex Perl
Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Denver Broncos in Week 16
The Play of the Linebackers
This position has been one of the team’s weaknesses for many years. This is why the Pro Bowl play of Denzel Perryman has been such a welcoming breath of fresh air.
The Broncos have one of the best rushing attacks in all of football led by the one-two combination of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon. These two have slashed their way through several opposing defenses as they could possibly be the best one-two running back combo in all of football this season.
The defensive line will have their hands full as well trying to stop this rushing attack, and will play the biggest role in this facet of the game — however, the linebackers have to stop the bleeding and give the big boys on the line a rest from time to time. This will certainly be the case as the Broncos will look to pound the ball inside for most of the game, especially considering they will be starting last season’s starter at quarterback in Drew Lock, who is not the most dependable option at quarterback.
The return of Perryman this week is direly needed, and he will be the biggest key to helping stop this run game. The rise of rookie linebacker Divine Deablo has been a revelation, as he has spelled the answer to the disappointing play of high-priced linebacker Cory Littleton.
With veteran K.J. Wright also involved, the Raiders should have a solid group of linebackers in this clash, and they will be an X-Factor in trying to contain this run game.