Broncos Prepare For Raiders In Black Hole

Monday, as Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak addressed the media at Dove Valley, he cited several things he has liked about the Broncos this season thus far as he is unbeaten through the first quarter of the season. Kubiak stated he likes how the Broncos play through adversity and find a way to make plays, which seemed to be the focal point of his presser after the 23-20 win against the Minnesota Vikings.

Anyway, he said the key to winning Sunday at Oakland, is to “not turn the ball over and play physically.” While the Broncos have had a +5 turnover ratio to start the season (11 forced to six committed) they lost the turnover battle against Minnesota and had to rely on a 39-yard Brandon McManus field goal for the final margin of victory.

In any event, the physical play should not be a problem as currently the Broncos are #1 in net yardage defense in NFL annals, surrendering only 275.5 yards per game while their 185.2 yards passing per contest is also #1 in the NFL. Against the run, the Broncos are seventh, giving up only 90.2 yards per game and are second in scoring defense at 17.2 points per game. Somehow, the New York Jets only allow 13.8 points per game so kudos to them. Todd Bowles, the head coach of the Jets, is obviously a defensive genius.

Anyway, the Raiders lead the Broncos 60-49-2 all-time but are coming off a demoralizing 22-20 loss to the Chicago Bears when they had things going their way only to allow signal-caller Jay Cutler a drive into scoring range for a game-winning field goal by Robbie Gould.

In his playing career (1983-1991) Kubiak, as the backup to legendary quarterback John Elway in most cases, saw the Broncos go 7-11 against the Raiders but symmetrical statistics are in play here. Kubiak wore #8 as a Broncos’ quarterback and a win Sunday at the “Black Hole,” would be the Broncos’ eighth consecutive win against the Raiders.

Anyway, this is rivalry week in Broncos Country and nothing makes those who bleed orange and blue happier than beating the long-time rival Oakland Raiders. We shall see what Sunday has in store.

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