Broncos-Raiders Thread: Honoring Red Miller

The late Red Miller, author of the Orange Crush, helped fashion what is one of the best NFL rivalries in history. Broncos Country indebted to his greatness.

It’s Denver Broncos-Oakland Raiders week and I dedicate this game thread to the late Red Miller.

Miller, the head coach who pioneered the Orange Crush defense, lived for moments like this.

This rivalry became a thing because of Miller and he’s responsible for generations of Raiders hatred.

I find this article on the matter particularly inspiring. Thus, if you hate the Raiders and are reading this thread, thank Miller. He is one of the icons in Broncos history.

Anyway, as for our purposes, it’s football time. This is the most magnificent time of year. I’m sure no Broncos fans would disagree with this.

The Broncos’ unity was declared Thursday in a statement the players released. While I will not dwell on this, I’m ready for some football! How about you? Despite a 26-16 loss at Buffalo, the Broncos still post good stats thus far in 2017.

Defensively, the Broncos give up only 263 yards per game, 4th best in the NFL. They only give up 4.3 yards per play. This is 3rd best in the NFL.

There are still areas for improvement however. The Broncos’ scoring defense is 16th in the NFL, giving up 21.3 points per game. Incidentally, the Raiders’ defense is 14th in the NFL in scoring at 21 points surrendered.

The Raiders’ defense is terrible in every category. They are 26th in yards given up, 18th against the run and 23rd against the pass.

For me, speaking as a statistician, it just goes to show that stats don’t tell the whole story.

The turnovers are also atrocious. The Broncos have had at least two turnovers in every game this season. This has them at -3 and tied for 26th in the NFL.

If there is anything that can dismantle what should be a successful Broncos season, it’s a bad turnover ratio. My preview of the Bills film has taught me that overreaction is a silly thing to do in Broncos Country.

I believe head coach Vance Joseph realizes the folly of the fake punt. Nevertheless, he remains resolute and focused on the positives.

While QB Trevor Siemian had a bad second half, his continual progression should not be overlooked. I just sense that Siemian believes in himself and his teammates do as well. I will say that Siemian has thrown too many interceptions for the first three games of a season.

However, he has completed 63 percent of his passes (a 4 percent increase from 2016) and has a nice deep ball. With the Raiders being a statistically struggling defense, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy should be able to have success Sunday. The Broncos have the talent on both sides of the ball to get back to winning. Thus, let us see it.

Anyway, my illustrious overseers at Predominantly Orange made this injury report:

If Michael Crabtree is not available, that’s a major blow to the Raiders. Oakland QB Derek Carr is coming off a terrible game at Washington. Against the 10th best pass defense in the league, Carr may have his hands full Sunday.

Come what may, our friend at 9 News, Marty Coniglio, has done a spectacular job on the game forecast.

Here’s Marty’s forecast:

Next: Garett Bolles Has Become the Derek Wolfe of the Offensive Line

In any event, this is your game thread. If any Raiders fans happen upon us, treat them kindly. GO BRONCOS!!!