Gameplan: How the Denver Broncos beat the Las Vegas Raiders
Denver Broncos defensive gameplan vs. Las Vegas Raiders offense
As Raider running back Josh Jacobs goes, so do the Raiders. He is the straw that stirs the drink.
I wrote earlier this week that Jacobs is my key individual matchup. His ability to keep the chains moving is phenomenal. Although he does not break big runs, he is consistent and keeps this offense on schedule.
If the Broncos let him get going, it will be a long day in the desert.
Overall, I like the Broncos matchups in the secondary versus the Raider receivers, as long as Bryce Callahan and A.J. Bouye remain on track to play.
With favorable matchups on the back end, the Broncos must focus on the run game first.
Though this isn’t Vic Fangio’s style, he may want to explore utilizing a “Bear Front.”
The “Bear Front” works to shrink running lanes by stacking the line of scrimmage.
By bringing down Kareem Jackson into the box, the Broncos would ensure they have a numbers advantage anytime a run play is called. Additionally, this look creates confusion for linemen on who to double, allowing linemen one-on-one matchups more often,
Furthermore, the Broncos can bring more pressure looks. With more players near the line of scrimmage, the Broncos have various options to bring blitzes from all angles.
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This can challenge Derek Carr to scan the defense and make the right read. The “Bear Front” may also limit play-action looks like the fear of the Broncos blitzing may shy Jon Gruden from calling deeper route concepts or shot plays.
Overall, the Broncos match up well against the Raiders individually all over the field. They must play to their players’ strengths offensively while taking away what the Raiders like to do on offense.
If the team can establish the tempo on offense early, I expect a big day. If the offense remains stagnant, they most likely will struggle again.
Defensively, making Carr beat you is the best recipe for success. Although he has played well, he is not a quarterback that will put a team on his shoulders and carry them in an offensive shootout.