Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos: 3 things we learned in Week 16

Dec 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is defended by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Baron Browning (56) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is defended by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Baron Browning (56) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Running back Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball as tight end Noah Fant #87 blocks defensive end Carl Nassib #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 17-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Running back Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball as tight end Noah Fant #87 blocks defensive end Carl Nassib #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 17-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos: 3 things we learned

The Raiders can stop the run

A lot of the talk going into this matchup against Denver was the fact that the Broncos had Drew Lock starting over Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback. Seen as an advantage for Las Vegas, it proved to be, as Lock struggled to play consistent football once again, and never was any kind of threat to hurt them in the air, or on the ground.

On the flip side, the Broncos running game was seen as an advantage for them, boasting a talented two-headed backfield of Melvin Gordon and UNC rookie Javonte Williams. However, on Sunday, the Raiders proved they can stop the run, holding the Broncos to 18 yards rushing on 16 carries, good for a little over one yard per carry, and a single touchdown from Williams.

That was absolute dominance by the Raiders up front, and they were incredibly able to accomplish that without Johnathan Hankins in the fold. Against Indianapolis, it is going to be paramount that they can get the job done against the run, and hopefully, they have another game like the one they played on Sunday ready to go against the Colts.