The effort starts with pressuring Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler behind a poor pass-protecting offensive line. Defensive lineman Khalil Mack could become a huge factor in limiting Denver’s passing attack.
Aside from Mack, fellow defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr., Denico Autry and linebacker Malcolm Smith should find success rushing the pocket with speed and power.
Defending Denver’s Conservative Offense
As illustrated in the table above, the Broncos scaled the playbook back to keep Osweiler comfortable in the pocket.
In three of four games, the Broncos’ signal-caller averaged fewer than seven yards per pass attempt. In Week 11 against the Chicago Bears, Osweiler took greater chances with throws and went conservative thereafter.
When throwing 20 or more yards downfield, Osweiler has completed three passes to go along with two interceptions and zero touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. The Raiders shouldn’t overly concern themselves with the deep ball on Sunday.
Since Osweiler took over for Peyton Manning, Denver’s ground attack has led the team to victories. In the last three games, the Broncos field the No. 3 rushing offense, averaging 161 yards per game with a two-man backfield.
Adding Leon Orr for Run Support
Running back C.J. Anderson's status remains questionable, per DenverBroncos.com, after missing all three practices during the week. Juwan Thompson would complete the two-man ground attack without Anderson in the lineup, per ESPN NFL Nation reporter Jeff Legwold.
Oakland made a strategic move in upgrading defensive lineman Leon Orr to the active roster to add bulk up front, per CSNBayArea.com re...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
