It wasn’t pretty but the Raiders secured a season opening win and their seventh consecutive victory over the Broncos. Vegas also positioned themselves as the No. 1 team in the AFC West. The Chiefs and Chargers both took losses in Week One.
The Raiders offensive line didn’t look great. Denver held Josh Jacobs to less than 50 yards rushing for the day. Jacobs did break more tackles than any other running back last week so the performance can’t get blamed on his rust.
Nobody gave up a sack but some of that credit goes to Jimmy Garoppolo for getting the ball out. Denver did feature a top run defense last year. Except Vegas found ways to run the ball last year.
On defense, the line did secure two sacks of Russell Wilson. Raiders edge Tyree Wilson had some flashes including the first play of the game. Jerry Tillery registered a sack and flashed his hands, stunt and closing speed. Yet, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson also held onto the ball too long. Either way, it was nice to see some disruption beyond Maxx Crosby’s usual presence.
Vegas did get carved up in the run game. There were times the Raiders needed more anchor in the middle. Other times their ends got too far upfield. Some of that blame goes on the backers. They also got beat in coverage. Denver honestly should’ve stuck with the run more.
Nonetheless, the game came down to the Broncos missing a kick. They also did the Raiders a favor failing to convert an onside kick early. Special teams really helped Vegas edge that victory out.
Moving onto Week Two, the Raiders face a tougher challenge. They go on the road again, this time to the East Coast. Vegas faces a Buffalo Bills team that contended last year. However, they overwhelmed in the opener versus the Jets. Expect them to come out with an extra sense of urgency. Despite how bad they looked early, Buffalo only lost by a punt return in overtime. Plus, the Silver and Black don’t always travel to the east well.
The Raiders run game seems to be their biggest advantage this week. Buffalo’s most effecrive rusher was Josh Allen last week, The Silver and Black need to establish the run to again control the game. That will also keep Allen off the field.
They will also be without Jakobi Meyers who finished as the top receiver last week. Vegas needs to get Davante Adams more involved early. The run game should also take some burden off Adams. Weather shouldn’t impact the game as it will be warm with little wind.
Stefon Diggs loves the intermediate work. The Raiders safeties and corners must tackle well. Dawson Knox could also give the Raiders linebackers some work. Josh Allen did throw three interceptions a week ago. Vegas needs to force an interception this week. They did not do that versus the Broncos. Marcus Peters is on this roster to force turnovers.
Special teams could again be critical. The Raiders advantage in the kicking game should help.
Ultimately, the Raiders game plan should remain the same. Use the run game to keep the other offense off the field. Take advantage of good field position. The extra part this week is getting even more pressure and forcing a turnover on defense. It would not hurt if the offense can convert a big play too. That should pretty much be the Raiders blueprint most of the year.
