Denver at Oakland
2 p.m., McAfee Coliseum, Oakland
KCNC-4, KOA 850 AM and KBNO 1280 AM (Spanish)
Latest line: Broncos by 9
OVERVIEW
Let’s get serious
The Broncos want to believe the Oakland Raiders will be formidable. The Broncos want to believe they must play at a high level to register their second consecutive road victory.
Coach Mike Shanahan even praised the Raiders before their Monday night game for their two-
game winning streak. Before their game at Denver on Oct. 15, Shana-
han said the Raiders were a dangerous team. He said the defense was strong and the team could make plays on offense. “They are competitive,” Shanahan said.
The Broncos won that game 13-3.
Still, they want to believe.
But the Raiders were … the Raiders on Monday night, losing 16-0 at Seattle. Their defense is better, but they’re still the Raiders. The Broncos want to believe the Raiders are better as Denver looks for its record fourth consecutive victory in Oakland. But are they?
GATHER MOSS
Hold Randy in check
Last month in Denver, the Raiders had a basic game plan: Throw it deep to Randy Moss.
Moss played inside and outside and was the focal point of the Oakland offense. It makes sense. He is the Raiders’ most talented offensive player, but like the rest of the offense, he has been an underachiever this season.
The Raiders realize they can’t sustain long drives and their only chance against a good team such as the Broncos is striking fast. Moss is their guy, so the Broncos must scheme for him.
“Randy can change games,” Broncos safety John Lynch said. “He is just a great athlete.”
BRING IT ON
Blitz early, often
Yes, we know the Broncos have worked hard to shed their identity as an overly blitzing team, but this week they just have to go for it.
It’s the Raiders. Why not blitz?
First-year starting quarterback Andrew Walter was sacked nine times by the Seahawks. The Raiders have allowed 44 sacks in the first eight games of the season. The record for the most sacks allowed in the first eight games is 45 by Houston in 2002.
Walter has the mobility of Drew Bledsoe. He can be effective if he quickly finds an open receiver; if not, the line can’t protect him for long. Denver needs to bring it often.
PUT THEM AWAY
Just give up, baby
The Raiders can’t come back on anyone. They have scored a total of 28 points in the second half of games – all season. Yes, Oakland is averaging 3.5 points in the second half this season. Isn’t that when games are won?
If the Broncos can jump out to a halftime lead, they likely are jumping out to a 7-2 season record.
