Oakland Raiders Week 1: Mission Accomplished as Defense Stands Tall

On Monday night, the Oakland Raiders played in a nail-biting game filled with frustration and excitement. It went down to the wire, as the Raiders held off the Broncos to emerge victorious with a Week 1 road victory at Mile High.

The Raiders defense silenced any critics that were judging solely by preseason results. The defensive line dominated the Broncos on their way to limiting them to just 38 yards on the ground, and also sacking Kyle Orton five times.

Limiting the ground game was crucial. The Raiders penetrated the line but maintained gap discipline to blow apart any idea of a running game for Denver.

Pressure had Orton unsettled in the pocket, as blitzes came from all levels of the Oakland defense. Twists and stunts were also effectively used. With varying coverage schemes, Orton could not simply count on man-to-man coverage. The Raiders effectively mixed man and zone coverage to limit the predictability of their defense.

The Raiders lived their worst nightmare on their first offensive play. Wide receiver Jacoby Ford caught a screen pass, and was separated from the ball on a solid hit by the Bronco's Von Miller. This caused the Raiders to turn the ball over at their own 15-yard line. 

The defense was stout in the next series and held the Broncos to a field goal, helping to swing the momentum back to the Raiders. This would be a recurring theme throughout the night.

The Raiders defense played solid for the most part. Zone coverage got mixed results, but that is to be expected from a team that historically plays almost entirely man-to-man. The line got good penetration and stayed aware enough to get their hands up to deflect passes from Orton. 

Along with the five sacks they also hurried Orton frequently, and he never appeared to settle in until the Raiders began playing a softer zone scheme with a late lead. It almost proved costly. 

The linebackers played solid. Rolando McClain was all over the field, even leaping to break up a deep pass down the middle intended for tight end Daniel Fells. Quentin Groves played solid, for the most part, and even created a big fumble on the Denver 23-yard line. But the Raiders offense could then only muster up a field goal. Kamerion Wimbley played well and was a handful for the Broncos offensive line.

The secondary played much better than anyone expected. Coverage was solid, and I saw multiple safety and corner blitzes—something I had not seen coming.

Matt Giordano was a human highlight reel. He flew through the Denver offensive line and blasted Orton as he released a pass. Nearing the end of the first half, Giordano baited Orton into throwing down the sideline and made a beautiful leaping interception, setting up Janikowski's record–tying 63-yard field goal.

Stanford Routt drew two costly penalties, but otherwise played solid in coverage.  

Chris Johnson was solid as well, and he forced a fumble early in the fourth quarter that could have iced the game. But as Rolando McClain and Matt Giordano were wrestling for possession, it slipped through and went right back to the Bronco's Brandon Lloyd.

Although the defense played well and had sacks by Richard Seymour (2), Tommy Kelly and Matt Shaughnessy, they also gave up six first downs as a result of a few penalties.

Personal fouls by Rolando McClain and Lamarr Houston allowed Broncos drives to maintain life. Many times the Raiders would have stopped them cold if it not for losing their cool. All in all, the Raiders racked up 15 penalties for 131 yards. That needs to change going forward.

On offense the Raiders did some key things right, but they left much to be desired in others.

Darren McFadden proved that he deserves to be in the conversation with the best running backs in the league. He rushed 22 times for 157 yards, and his 47-yard run that set up a touchdown from the 1-yard line could very well have been a touchdown if reviewed.

Michael Bush started off slow but finished strong when the Raiders needed him to ice the game late, picking up two critical first downs with time winding down. He finished with nine carries for 30 yards.

Marcel Reece proved to be a complete weapon at the fullback position. He made critical blocks to spring McFadden on multiple runs. He rushed the ball one time, but it was for 11 yards and a first-down. He also slipped out of the backfield and caught a touchdown pass on a well designed play near the goal line. It was one of his three receptions for 23 yards.

Although I don't agree with Darrius Heyward-Bey starting over the likes of Denarius Moore, Derek Hagan (inactive) and Chaz Schilens, he did play well, as he led the Raiders in receptions and receiving yards. He caught four passes for 44 yards and had some big plays.

On a third-and-eight, he caught a six-yard pass and broke an Andre Goodman tackle to pick up a first-down. On a second-and-eight late in the game, the Raiders called his number to pick up a first-down to help wind down the clock.

The Raiders failed to capitalize on opportunities. The game would not have been as close as it was if the Raiders could have converted touchdowns instead of field goals. When Groves forced a fumble on the Denver 23-yard line, it was a perfect opportunity that the Raiders couldn't turn into a touchdown.

Campbell missed a big opportunity when Darrius Heyward–Bey streaked down the sidelines and blew by his coverage. Campbells' pass led him out of bounds.

The Raiders passing game was anemic on their way to 105 yards through the air. They need to figure out how to get their receivers open and make some plays.

Penalties once again were an Achilles' heel to the offense. They had false start penalties on back-to-back plays by Stephon Heyer. Khalif Barnes added one for good measure, as did Darren McFadden.

Orton had the Broncos driving late, and had the ball not slipped from his hand at the Oakland 35-yard line, the game could have been even more interesting. After it happened, the Raiders recovered the ball and turned it into a touchdown a few plays later. This was in large part to Darren McFadden's 47-yard scamper.

It's not just the defense that has to put teams away. Conservative play calling at times and an inability to capitalize on mistakes will come back to bite the Raiders if they don't get it figured out.

The great news is that although they left many opportunities on the field, and were faced with some very difficult situations, the team stayed strong and found a way to win. With an improved Broncos team this is no small feat, especially due to the fact that it came on the road and on Monday Night Football.

There is much to look forward to this season for Raider fans everywhere, but there is just one game to look forward to for the coaching staff.  In Week 2 the Raiders will travel to Buffalo to take on a Bills team that completely dismantled the reigning AFC West Champion Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. I said the Chiefs would take a step back, but to lose 41-7? Ouch!

My best wishes for a speedy recovery for the young and talented Eric Berry. Nobody should want someone to be injured.