The Denver Broncos have to win these five matchups against the Las Vegas Raiders.
2. Edge rush vs tackles.
After last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos pass rusher Von Miller said that it will be nice to get back to playing “normal football.”
That is, of course, in reference to having to go up against Lamar Jackson, who some view as a running back with a strong arm.
Miller will unfortunately not be joined by Bradley Chubb on the other side, but it isn’t like Malik Reed is a terrible player. Both Miller and Reed need to have a great game against a weak offensive line that has given up 15 sacks in 2021. The Broncos have given up 14, but that’s for another time.
As Brad Weiss told me in an interview with Just Blog Baby, the Raiders have issues along the offensive line. They moved first-round offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood from right tackle to right guard. Brandon Parker takes over in the right tackle spot.
Oh, and Von Miller is the guy that lines up on that offensive right side (defensive left).
It would not surprise me if Vic Fangio and Ed Donatell insert other edge rushers in certain situations. The Broncos also have Andre Mintze and surprising gem Jonathon Cooper, who they took in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, in certain situations if they so choose to play them.
Edge rusher has become one of the more intriguing positions on the Denver Broncos roster and it’s exciting to watch their development as the year goes on.
Success on the interior will be crucial, as well. The better the interior linemen play, the more likely the edge rushers will be able to beat their man and get to the backfield/quarterback.