Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos: Week 9 Position Grades

By Cameron Parker

Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) is unable to catch a pass against Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) is unable to catch a pass against Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 9
Next

Defensive Line Grade: F

Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) is tackled by Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) during the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) is tackled by Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) during the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

Quite possibly the worst performance of the night is the defensive line at Oakland. Since 2014, the defensive line never been manhandled like Sunday. Every player on the offensive line of the Raiders punched the Denver Broncos players in the mouth giving them a taste of their own medicine. After their performance Sunday, the defensive line needs shot in the arm.

To make matters worse from last night the unit lost Derek Wolfe (the heart and soul of the defensive line) for at least three games due to a fractured elbow. Depth is now tested with Jared Crick, Adam Gotsis and Sylvester Williams, as all three players must step up. Darius Kilgo is the intriguing name to watch replacing Wolfe. Kilgo is a bigger body like Williams if Bill Kollar thinks this is the best move to play Kilgo in Wolfe’s replacement.

It was an underwhelming and soft performance from Sunday. Clearly the loss of Vance Walker is looming large as the season progresses in run defense. In my opinion there will be better fight from the unit come Sunday, but it will not come easy. The Denver Broncos now face the New Orleans Saints in an early game. Running back Mark Ingram must be licking his chops after the game from Latavius Murray.

Home/Broncos News