Broncos look for Revenge in "Black Hole"

          34-20.  The score that left the Broncos speechless last season in Oakland.  Justin Fargas and the Raiders stuck it to the Broncos late in the '07 season, and ended a nine game winning streak in the series between the two familiar foes. 

In 2008, however, the Broncos are a much different team.  A team that will feature a new starter at RB, FB, WR, LT, RT, DT, ROLB, MLB, LOLB, FS, SS, K, P, KR, and PR hardly seems to be rebuilding.  The Broncos have some great playmakers on both sides of the ball, and feature one of the leagues best up and coming QB's in Jay Cutler.  Cutler, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes this offseason has regained his shape and recaptured the zip on his throws.  He led the Broncos to a score every time he led the offense in the preseason, totaling four touchdowns.

Cutler's success will depend largely on the play of the talented, but inexperienced offensive line he has in front of him.  2008 first round draft pick Ryan Clady has been very impressive thus far in camp and the preseason, and figures to have a Joe Thomas type impact on the Broncos this season. 

Fellow rookie Eddie Royal (19) has dominated opposition with his combination of size and strength, and draws favorable comparison to the talent level of Steve Smith.  Royal will begin the season as the #2 starter behind crafty veteran Darrell Jackson while stud WR Brandon Marshall serves his one game suspension.

Against the Raiders, the Broncos' main focus will be stopping the run, and rushing the passer.  Dre Bly and Champ Bailey form arguably the leagues top CB tandem, and they will allow the Broncos to keep 7 or 8 in the box to stop the run and/or blitz the quarterback.  If the Broncos can get up on the Raiders early, look for their stout corners to have a field day against a young gunslinger.

Cutler should lead this Denver offense to 3 or 4 touchdowns, which would be enough to contain the Raiders offense even if Denver struggles a bit versus the run.  With Marshall out of the lineup, the Broncos figure to use more 3 and 4 WR sets, or split out athletic TE's Tony Scheffler and Nate Jackson.  Daniel Graham was voted offensive co-captain along with Cutler, and figures to be a major factor in the run game. 

Game Outlook 

1st Quarter

Broncos 10, Raiders 3

Jay Cutler leads the Broncos to a quick touchdown, a 14 yard screen play to rookie WR Eddie Royal.  The Broncos then get a quick interception courtesy of veteran Boss Bailey, but they stall after a good stop by Oakland and Prater boots through a field goal.  The Raiders get a 3rd and goal conversion from the 12 but the play is called back due to holding.  The Broncos hold, and the Raiders kick a field goal.

2nd Quarter

Broncos 17, Raiders 3

Cutler again gets the Broncos to the end zone in this defensive quarter, but this time it was on a play-fake to RB/FB Michael Pittman and Cutler found a wide open Peyton Hillis in the flat for a four yard score.

3rd Quarter

Broncos 27, Raiders 6

Eddie Royal returned a punt for a touchdown, and the Broncos settled for a field goal late in the third.  A good kick return by Johnnie Lee Higgins gave the Raiders great field position on the ensuing possession, but the Broncos got a three and out, and Oakland was forced to kick a long field goal.  Janikowski had to give it the kiss of luck, but the ball squeaked over the uprights.

4th Quarter

Broncos 34, Raiders 16

To conclude this opening week, Jay Cutler and Brandon Stokley hook up on a 48 yard touchdown pass to give the Broncos a 34-6 lead.  Oakland followed suit with a field goal, and a quick defensive stop got them the ball right back.  JaMarcus Russell connected with TE Zach Miller on a 15 yard touchdown pass in the last 5 minutes.  Denver ran the clock out, and ended the game on a Cutler kneel down.

Top performers

Jay Cutler:  27/33, 312 yds, 3 TD

Eddie Royal:  7 rec, 92 yds., TD, PR TD, 224 total yards

JaMarcus Russell:  24/36, 211 yds., TD, INT

Sebastian Janikowski:  3/3 FG's, 1/1 Ex. Pts.

Denver Defense:  5 sacks, INT, 2 FF