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Denver Broncos: Key matchups vs Las Vegas Raiders

By Nicholas Manning

Dec 29, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker A.J. Johnson (45) and free safety Justin Simmons (31) tackle Oakland Raiders running back Alec Ingold (45) at the goal line in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker A.J. Johnson (45) and free safety Justin Simmons (31) tackle Oakland Raiders running back Alec Ingold (45) at the goal line in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball in the second quarter against Adam Gotsis #99 Denver Broncos at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Matchups – Alexander Johnson vs. Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs is a true 3-down running back. Jacobs has good vision, balance, and burst. Though Derek Carr plays the most important position, Jacobs may be the most important player on the Las Vegas Raiders offense.

In the Raiders five wins, Jacobs averaged 90 yards rushing in those games. In the three losses, Jacobs was held to 45 yards rushing in those contests.

Additionally, he has rushed for six touchdowns in eight games while also contributing another 19 catches in the passing game.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1325561197131780096

Jacobs can use a terrific offensive line well by setting up his blockers. He can find the open crease or bounce the run outside.

For the Broncos to win, they will need to limit Jacobs.

Enter the Dino, aka Alexander Johnson, inside linebacker for the Broncos defense.

Johnson is an absolute terror as he can impact the game in a variety of ways.

Johnson plays with tremendous size and a nonstop motor. His ability to make plays early will be necessary as Shelby Harris will miss this game (COVID-19), so the defensive line will be understaffed once again.

If Johnson, and his partner in crime, inside linebacker Josey Jewell, can scrape and fill holes, they must make stops to keep the Raiders from being on schedule.

Look for Johnson to blitz a bit less, to remain in position for the run early and often.

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