Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos: Keys to the Game

While the rest of the NFL is reflecting on the first week of the regular season, the Raiders and Broncos will conclude opening weekend on Monday Night Football in the second half of the double-header. 

The last time these teams played in Denver, the Raiders racked up 59 points in three quarters before taking QB Jason Campbell out of the game and running out the clock as the Raiders won 59-14.  Both teams are saying that what happened last year is in the past and they are worried about Monday night.

Let's take a look at the keys to the game.

The Battle in the Trenches is always important in any football game, but it will have extra emphasis in this one.  The Broncos welcome back Elvis Dumervil, the NFL sacks leader of 2009 with 17, who missed all of last season due to an injury.  Also, welcomed to the Denver defense will be second overall pick Von Miller, making his NFL debut.  The Raiders offensive tackles Jared Veldheer (left) and Khalif Barnes (right) will have their hands full trying to contain the pass rush that looks much improved over 2010.

Darren McFadden had a breakout year, last year and he victimized the Broncos on two separate occasions last year.  The battle in the trenches will have a large effect here, as well.  The Raiders have shifted from zone to power blocking under new head coach Hue Jackson, which is the scheme that propelled McFadden to a Heisman runner up in his college days.  McFadden will look to pick up where he left off against the Broncos last year.

Kyle Orton emerged as a quality quarterback last season racking up over 3,600 yards with the help of wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.  Orton and Lloyd must be happy to see Nnamdi Asomugha has signed with the Eagles and will no longer be lurking on the field.  Orton will still have to worry about the Raiders' pass rush, led by Richard Seymour, which ranked second in the NFL in sacks in 2010. 

We should be in for a good game when the lights turn on at Mile High.  The Broncos are looking for a hot start to the John Fox era while Hue Jackson is trying to "build a bully" in Oakland and make a push to the playoffs in 2011.