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Bold Predictions: Denver Broncos v. Oakland Raiders

By Cameron Parker

Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots tight end A.J. Derby (86) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots tight end A.J. Derby (86) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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AJ Derby: 70 yards receiving & a TD

Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots tight end A.J. Derby (86) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots tight end A.J. Derby (86) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Unleash AJ Derby is the x-factor in the Broncos offensive game plan. Derby was recently acquired from the New England Patriots. Yes, we made a deal with the Patriots. If Derby pans out as the passing threat the Broncos desperately need from the tight end, then the team should the Patriots a “thank you card.”

Derby is the exact same size as Jeff Heuerman, who has been a disappointment since being drafted. The potential seems to be great for the newly acquired tight end and with a putrid Raiders’ secondary; the Broncos may look to Derby for answers. His size can help stretch the field and take the pressure off Trevor Siemian, along with fellow tight end Virgil Green. The Broncos unleashed Julius Thomas on Sunday Night Football. Derby will get the same treatment.

If Derby by chance performs better than expected, then the long-term of Heuerman looms large as the season rolls on. The Broncos must find ways to be creative to utilize their tight ends as they did last week. Green found holes while running his seam route and curl routes shorting the line to gain. Derby will be the x-factor to a huge day on offense. The question remains if he will be active, but with the recent release of John Phillips it is likely to happen.

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