Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Broncos in 2022 Week 4

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Broncos in 2022 Week 4

Run the ball from start to finish

We’re three weeks into the season and the same theme has carried over week-to-week: the Raiders rank last in rushing attempts per game (17.7) and they rank just 28th in team rushing yards per game (80.0). Las Vegas may not walk into every matchup with the advantage in the backfield, but an efficient passing game hinges on the ground game keeping defenses honest.

Denver is notably well-suited to stop the run, as the Broncos have surrendered the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game (81.3) through the first three weeks of the season. But it’s not just about finishing over the century mark in team rushing yards or running it down the throats of the opponent, it’s also about running the ball when the strategy is sound.

Las Vegas could have run the ball more in Week 2 to hold onto their lead versus the Arizona Cardinals. The Raiders could also benefit from a run play or two in the red zone if they hope to improve on their 26th ranked red zone scoring percentage (46.15%). Running the ball from start to finish means avoiding abandoning the ground game altogether. Keeping it as part of the overall offensive strategy should only help alleviate the difficulty of getting your receivers open, if it means Denver’s secondary must respect the backfield.