Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders: 5 Keys to Stopping the Raiders on MNF

The Denver Broncos' games against the Oakland Raiders last season were horrendous. They were embarrassed in one of the worst losses in Broncos history during Week 7 and then gave up the second most points all season to the Raiders in Week 15. 

The Raiders offense last season was above average in yards gained and points scored, but the Broncos made them look like one of the best teams in the league, even though the Raiders finished 8-8 overall.

The most important keys to the game for the Broncos in Week 1 on Monday Night Football are on the defensive side of the ball, a major point of emphasis under the new John Fox regime.

No matter what happens Monday Night it will be a close game, filled with big plays and lots of intensity between two bitter rivals looking to take big steps towards improvement in 2011.

1. Neutralize the Raiders' Run Game

This is going to be the no. 1 key to every game for the Denver Broncos in 2011. The prime time Monday Night battle with the Raiders in Week 1 is no different. Stopping the run is far and away the most crucial aspect of this game for the Broncos.

The team who can control the line of scrimmage and run the ball effectively, controls the game.

The team who can pick up first down consistently pounding the ball and eating at the clock will win this game.

The Broncos did not do enough this offseason, having not addressed the run-stopping problems they've faced the past few seasons. Teams have run on the Broncos constantly the past couple years, and it shows in the win-loss column, especially last season's.

In the two games last season, the Raiders put up a gaudy 592 yards rushing against the Broncos.

That is disgusting and pitiful!

If the Broncos surrender more than 120 yards against the Raiders on MNF, they will barely be in this game. If they surrender anything near 200+ yards, they don't have a chance.

Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil have shown that they can protect the edge on running plays in the preseason and should bolster a team needing some help against the run.

However, the middle of the defense has been battling injuries, potentially losing Ty Warren for 12+ games, and Brodrick Bunkley to a knee injury. Bunkley has been out of practice the past couple weeks.

The defense has yet to prove it can win the ground game in the middle. Monday night will be their chance to show that the Broncos are indeed progressing against the run.

2. Harass Jason Campbell in the Pocket

If there isn't a run defense, the pass defense will be a moot point.

If the Broncos can't stop the run, the Raiders will run it all night. They will run until the Broncos have demonstrated they can stop them.

Once the Broncos have established a run defense, the Raiders will be forced to go to the air to beat the Broncos.

Good luck.

Doom (Elvis Dumervil) and Gloom (Von Miller) should give the Raiders offensive line fits trying to stop them from getting to the Raiders quarterback, Jason Campbell.

If the Broncos generate serious pressure on Campbell, then defending will become easier. It's harder to complete passes on the run. It's harder to complete passes when there is no time to find an open receiver.

Pressure against a mediocre quarterback in Campbell will go a long way.

3. Kick Every Kickoff out of the End Zone

The Oakland Raiders' Jacoby Ford is one of the best kick returners in the NFL.

To reduce injuries, the NFL has moved kickoffs up five yards.

The thin air at Mile High makes balls soar farther than any other stadium in the NFL.

1 + 1 + 1 = 3. Duh.

This is an easy one.

Matt Prater has one of the best pair of legs in the NFL and should make an effort to boom every kickoff out of the back of the end zone to keep Jacoby Ford on the sidelines.

Ford has burned the Broncos before and keeping his return game at bay by kicking the ball out of his hands will make the Raiders start at their own 20-yard line, consistently giving them a long way to go to put points on the board.

If the Broncos allow Ford to return kicks, he could create short fields for the Raiders offense and will turn the field position battle in the Raiders direction all night.

4. Don't Give Away 1st Downs or Free Plays

I realize that it is the first game of the regular season.

I also realize that the Broncos as a team have only had eight short weeks to put together their team and then develop chemistry on a team filled with new faces.

However, these players are professionals. There is an expectation that when you come onto that field, your head is in the game, and that your complete focus and concentration is on the game every down.

Making bonehead mistakes is not an option.

Penalties will give the Raiders shorter fields and first downs. When the offensive player is racing towards the sidelines, let up and escort him out of bounds. There is no reason to make stupid errors, like hitting players out of bounds, hitting the quarterback after they've released the pass, or launching your body into defenseless receivers. 

These types of penalties are essentially huge plays you make for the other team. The Raiders will get momentum and lots of free yards and plays from dumb moves.

5. Generate Turnovers on Defense

When Jason Campbell has defenders constantly in his face, he will become flustered and start making mistakes.

The Broncos need to create turnovers. They need to put bone-crushing hits on the ball carrier and jar the ball loose. They need to step in front of ill-timed passes by Campbell and take the ball the other way for six.

The majority of the games between the Broncos and the Raiders historically have been decided by less than a touchdown. Those turnovers will give the Broncos those few points to win the game.

If the Broncos lose the turnover battle, their prospects at winning the game will be dire.

They must make big plays to keep the ball out of the hands of the Raiders' playmakers.

Execution Is Key

I like what I see out of the Broncos so far. I like the moves they made to improve the defense. I like the attitude and schemes that the new head coach, John Fox, has brought to Denver. I am excited to watch Elvis Dumervil back in action in 2011. 

However, the key to success and winning for the Broncos is execution.

They need to go out and execute their game plan.

If they can stop the Raiders offense, they will be in a great position to win this game. If they cannot, then the Raiders will win in a romp.

Go Broncos!