It has been eight games and four years since the Denver Broncos last beat the dreaded Raiders (that was before something called COVID-19). On Sunday afternoon in the Mile High City, the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders once again stand mano y mano in an old AFC West showdown.
Here are three ways the Broncos win on Sunday
Use The Running Backs
The Raiders rank 23rd in the National Football League in rushing defense. The Denver Broncos have shown signs of life in the running game during their current two-game winning streak. But signs are not enough. The Broncos need to expose the weaknesses of the Raiders’ defensive line, even if all-world DL Max Crosby does play and commit to the running game.
Last week, on a sloppy field against the Jets, Javonte Williams flashed that he is capable of being the dominant and forceful back he was a few years ago. Sean Payton must call his number repeatedly to wear down the Raider’s defense and let the thin air of the Mile High City deflate the Raiders’ lungs and spirit.
It is the tried-and-true method in football: let the run set up the pass. The Denver Broncos must impose their will and then let Bo Nix run play-action passes and bootlegs to get him on the run and finally get the ball in the hands of his playmakers.
Use The Tight Ends
The tight end room for the Denver Broncos has been non-existent through the first four weeks of the 2024 season. Greg Dulcich, finally healthy, was supposed to be the answer at tight the Broncos have been searching for. But he has five catches on 12 targets for 28 yards.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix must have a security blanket over the middle of the field that only a tight end can offer. The Denver Broncos, from Head Coach and play-caller – Sean Payton to Bo Nix to the entirety of the tight end group, must attack the middle of the field.
The Raiders are not only weak in the running game, but their passing defense ranks 20th in the league. This is an opportunity for the entire Broncos offense to shape an identity for the rest of the season. The tight ends must be a large part of the identity, and it starts this week against the Raiders.
Use The Passing Game
In a week 4 slog against the Jets, the weather forced the Broncos to run the ball and protect possession. Bo Nix ended the day with 60 total passing yards – even for a rain-soaked day, that is not good enough to win many more games. Sunday’s forecast is sunny and warm, and it should be a postcard day in Colorado.
The Broncos passing game must also be a postcard mailed to the rest of the NFL stating that rookie Bo Nix has arrived and is to be feared. The Denver Broncos defense has played marvelously through the first four weeks of the season, but it is time that the 12th overall pick in this year’s draft shows up and convincingly fends off the Raiders.
This is the week that Sean Payton must paint the picture he has been talking about. He needs to let the young artist, Bo Nix, use the palette of receivers he has at his disposal to create a masterpiece that the gallery of Empower Field can enjoy and celebrate.
Final Word
If the Broncos’ offense can take advantage of the Raiders‘ banged-up and leaking defense, the team’s winning streak will extend to three games. Bo Nix is poised, not only in his demeanor but also for a welcome to the NFL game that solidifies him as the Denver Broncos’ franchise quarterback for years to come. Eight games and four years is long enough.
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