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NFL Week Nine Preview: Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders

By Eric Robinson

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) congratulate each other after they scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) congratulate each other after they scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) celebrates a second half interception against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) celebrates a second half interception against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos Summary 

The main identity for the Super Bowl 50 champions coming into the season was their stellar defense, led by outside linebacker Von Miller and a stout secondary. Things still have not changed for the 3rd ranked defense in the NFL as they allow only 17 points per game (Fifth in NFL) along with just 183.9 passing yards per game (First in NFL). Miller leads the team in sacks with 8.5 along with 24 tackles while contributions from backup linebackers Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett has helped the unit tremendously during the absence of starter DeMarcus Ware. Defensive end Derek Wolfe is second on the team in sacks with 4.5 and is often overshadowed by his more publicized teammates.

Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) drops back in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) drops back in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

What will be truly missed is the presence of starting cornerback Aqib Talib and backup corner Kayvon Webster as both are out of this contest due to injuries. Which means cornerbacks Chris Harris Jr., and Courtney Roby will be tasked to fulfill the absence of Talib and Webster to the best of their abilities.

In last week’s 27-19 win over San Diego, first year starter Trevor Siemian passed for 276 yards and an interception and he hasn’t necessarily been the same since injuring his shoulder in week four at Tampa Bay. His play will have to take on a little more importance with a rookie behind him at running back in Devontae Booker, who takes over the spot with original starter C.J. Anderson on I.R after knee surgery. Receivers Demaryius Thomas (42 catches, 535 yards, four TDs) and Emmanuel Sanders (44/567/3) have been the solid one-two punch for an offense that is 12th in the NFL in scoring at 24.3 points per game.

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