Raiders: Key matchups against the Broncos in 2022 Week 4
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Denver Broncos in Week 4, and here are key matchups they need to win to come out on the winning side.
In Week 4, the Las Vegas Raiders will play host to rival Denver inside Allegiant Stadium in a must-win game for the Silver and Black. The Raiders have stumbled out to an 0-3 record through their first three games, as inconsistent play and coaching have cost them at least two winnable games.
Now, they turn their attention to the Broncos, who they have had great success against in recent years. To win on Sunday, they must win these matchups.
Raiders: Keys matchups against the Broncos in 2022 Week 4
Davante Adams vs Broncos secondary
Numbers can be deceiving when it comes to the impact that Davante Adams has had on this Las Vegas offense in 2022. Sure, he has three touchdowns in three games and was outstanding in Week 1, but for the past two games, he has been used as more of a decoy, leading to breakout games for Mack Hollins.
Against a division rival with the season hanging in the balance, Adams has to be the true WR1 for this team, and I believe he should thrive tomorrow. The Broncos have a solid young secondary, but Adams is the best in the business and will make a big impact at home with the team reeling at 0-3.
Raiders edge rushers vs Russell Wilson
One of the key signings for the Raiders this offseason was edge rusher, Chandler Jones, though he has not played like it through three games. On Sunday, Jones needs to finally step up and give Maxx Crosby some help coming off the edge, especially against an experienced quarterback in Russell Wilson.
Denver has had their issues protecting Wilson this season, and Crosby should find lanes to attack in the backfield. However, unless the other side gets some push, it is going to be more of the same, as quarterbacks have more than enough time to scan the field and make plays.
Josh McDaniels vs Nathaniel Hackett
Finally, we get to the head coaches, as Josh McDaniels will be facing his former employer for the first time as a head coach since they got rid of him years ago. McDaniels has been questionable as the HC for the Raiders so far, making some head-scratching decisions, but in Week 4, they need him to get it right in a must-win game.
Denver head coach Nathaniel Hackett is also a first-year head coach, and he has had his fair share of bumps through the first three weeks of the season. Something has to give in this matchup, and hopefully for Las Vegas, McDaniels can get it right on Sunday.