Five Adjustments the Raiders Should Make in Second Half

The Oakland Raiders currently lead the Denver Broncos 16-3 in what's proven to be a slow-paced game compared to the opener of the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.

The Raiders have the lead, but what can they change to put this game away?

After spending three years as a coach at multiple levels, I'm not one for motivational speeches. Half time speeches are worthless, it's the changes the coaches make at the break that will determine the outcome of the game.

1. Eliminate Mistakes

The Raiders first drive was ended when a slip screen to Jacoby Ford ended in a fumble. Oakland has speedy play-makers on offense, but they are small players who have lacked the strength to hold on to the ball in the past. Thankfully the defense stepped up to limit the Broncos to just three points off the turnover.

Ford almost lost the ball on his second handle in a Wildcat option package with Darren McFadden at quarterback. Ford needs the ball in space, not behind the line of scrimmage where linebackers are breathing down his throat.

The Raiders continued to kill drives with penalties. A big first down run by Ford was followed by a false start penalty. A similar set of back-to-back false starts on third down would have killed a late first-quarter drive if it weren't for the burst of McFadden. Playing mistake free football is the only way Oakland can win on the road.

The Raiders cannot afford to play undisciplined football, which is what has killed them in the past.

2. Unleash Hell

The Denver offense hasn't been disrupted yet. It's time to unleash the front four. Oakland is known for their nasty, aggressive style of football. The defensive game plan in the second half should be to attack Kyle Orton.

The Broncos have characteristically made mistakes when pressured. Left tackle Ryan Clady is elite, but the rest of the Bronco offensive line is beatable. The play of right end Matt Shaugnessy could be the key to the second half.

Finding ways to combo Shaughnessy and Tommy Kelly, which creates protection issues for the Denver right side, will be the key to keeping the Denver offense down. Oakland can attack rookie right tackle Orlando Franklin and either cause holding penalties or get to the quarterback.

Increasing pressure on the backfield will also create opportunities for turnovers, which in a close game can be the difference between a win and a loss.

When Oakland pressured the punter, they blocked a kick and changed the tempo of the game. More of that in the second half will be huge.

3. Keep Running Darren McFadden

Denver cannot stop Darren McFadden. Keep feeding the ball to No. 20 and Oakland can dictate the tempo of the game and wear down the Denver defense.

McFadden has been used at running back and quarterback tonight, resuming a role he played well at Arkansas. The Raiders have forced the ball to Ford early. Instead of forcing the ball into the hands of a wide receiver, simplify the offense by handing the ball to your best player.

Switching to a run-heavy offense is not only the best option, it's the safest. Jason Campbell shouldn't be confused with an elite quarterback. He's erratic at best. Take the ball out of Campbell's hands and give the game to McFadden.

4. Take Chances Downfield

Oakland has done very little with the football when they've had it. You definitely want to set up the run in the first half, but now is the time to take a shot down field.

Denver has weaknesses in the secondary, and Oakland's passing game is not good enough to dink-and-dunk a drive out of it. What Oakland can do is air it out.

With speedster Jacob Ford lined up at wide receiver, Oakland can simply run No. 12 right by any Denver cornerback. If I'm calling plays in Oakland, we start the second half with triple sevens down the field.

5. Stay Away From Von Miller

The Broncos defense has been quiet tonight, but rookie Von Miller made an early impact with a strip fumble of Ford.

Oakland has done a nice job controlling Elvis Dumervil with Ryan Clady. They don't have an answer for Miller. It's best to avoid tempting him.

One play can swing the momentum of the game. Oakland will keep running right to avoid getting in the cross hairs of the talented first-year linebacker.