NFL
Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos Preview
Date: Sunday, September 16, 2018
Time: 4:25 pm Eastern Time
Location: Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO
Team Records:
Oakland Raiders 0-1-0
Denver Broncos 1-0-0
An inner AFC West division rivals is set to kick off in week 2. The Oakland Raiders head to the Mile High city to face the Denver Broncos. After their loss against the Rams, the Raiders have a lot riding on on this game in week 2.
The Raiders came out strong the first half against the Rams in week 1. RB Marshawn Lynch ran it in for a touchdown on the first play. Oakland didn’t have any take aways but they held the Rams to one touchdown and one field goal in the first half. In the second half Oakland collapsed under the pressure. Carr threw three interceptions and the defense allowed another 23 points.
The Broncos slightly edged out the Seahawks in a battle to the end. Denver’s new QB Case Keenum, who was previously was with the Vikings, recorded 25/39 for 329 yards and three touchdown passes. As well as three interceptions. Denver’s high ranked defense was able to force two interceptions and a fumble. One interception coming in clutch at the end of the game to keep the Seahawks from scoring.
Week 2 Preview
Denver’s topped ranked defense has helped them along each season since Peyton Manning’s retirement. The departure of Aqib Talib left questions in the air on how the defense would preform this year. OLB Von Miller will need to step it up against the Raiders. Carr has an electric throw when need-be. He connected with TE Jared Cook nine time and went for 180 last week. He could easily go off again and out tun the corners.
Denver’s healthy d-line has high expectations placed on them. They will need to be on top of their game if they plan on stopping Beast Mode from pushing his way through.
Broncos’ Running backs Phillip Lindsey and Royce Freeman (rookie) split their time and carries, together they could be hard to contain.
The loss of Khalil Mack is huge sting for the Raiders defense, but they can still keep up with the big boys. Defensive End Bruce Irvin has a lot of pressure on him to fill the Mack gap. Keenum is a talented QB and his receiver core (Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas), will run all over the Raiders secondary if they don’t keep up.
The Raiders CB Rashaad Melvin had two pass interference calls, both over 30 yards last week. Carr had three interceptions and the defense had no forced turnovers. If the Raiders keep this up, Denver will easily go to 2-0 at home.
Jordy Nelson is a new addition they picked from a trade from the Green Bay Packers in the offseason. Nelson is a huge post and corner route runner, he can take it long and far on the field. If Carr can connect with him and third year receiver Amari Cooper, Denver fans should be scared.
Photo credit to John Lynch via Flickr
