Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over Denver Broncos

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Sam Acho (49) breaks up a pass intended for Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Protect The Ball

For the most part this season, the Raiders have done a good job protecting the football. Coming into last week’s game, quarterback Derek Carr had thrown just one interception and had lost a fumble. Rookie wideout Amari Cooper had also lost a fumble. But still, three turnovers in three games isn’t a bad statistic.

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Against the Bears though, the Raiders turned the ball over twice – though both turnovers were at the hands of third year back Latavius Murray. Carr’s second interception on the year was actually caused by Murray bouncing the ball off of his chest and into the waiting arms of Bears DE Pernell McPhee. The second turnover came when Murray failed to secure a simple pitch and allowed Chicago to recover the ball.

Against the Broncos, the Raiders are not going to be able to afford mistakes like those. Denver is too good to give them gifts like that. The Broncos are opportunistic and can make you pay if you give them a chance like that.

With a ball hawking secondary that includes three Pro Bowlers, Carr is going to have to be very careful about slinging the ball around. In turn, the Raiders receivers are going to need to do a good job of securing that ball after the catch. Ditto that for the Raiders running backs – they are going to need to secure the football and tuck it away tight.

Ball security is paramount in any game. Against Denver, it becomes increasingly more important. The Raiders can’t afford to give Denver free chances. They’re simply too good. Oakland is going to need to play a clean, turnover free game to give themselves a better chance of coming out on top.

Next: Spread The Wealth