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Denver Broncos: 5 matchups team must win vs the Las Vegas Raiders

By Graham Tiedtke

Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) turns upfield after a catch as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) defends during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) turns upfield after a catch as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) defends during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The Denver Broncos have to win these five matchups against the Las Vegas Raiders.

3. Establishing a run game.

The Broncos’ run game has been fun to watch this season. The team has averaged 118.6 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 12th in the league compared to the Raiders’ 78.6 which ranks 29th.

Establishing a great running game starts with a reliable running back and offensive line. Melvin Gordon has proven that he’s the top running back on the team, which is somewhat of a surprise to some people, as the Broncos traded up for running back Javonte Williams in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Many expected Williams to be in contention to take Gordon’s lead role on the team by mid-season, but at the pace, Gordon is going, that’s not going to happen. Though Gordon has just six more carries than Williams this season (60 to 54), it just feels like the team utilizes Gordon more, but it’s working. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Even in the passing game, Gordon is making more out of his touches, averaging 9.6 yards per reception compared to Williams’ 6.8.

If Denver can establish a run game, it will set up other opportunities in the passing game, primarily play action. Having that mix of run and pass will keep the Raiders on their toes and hopefully translate into big yardage gains and touchdowns.

An effective run game will also help the Denver Broncos control the clock. Keeping the Raiders’ offense off the field will keep Henry Ruggs and Darren Waller off of the field.

The Broncos are a run-first team. It’s their offensive identity. Make the most of your opportunities. Dominate in the trenches.

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