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Published on 11/19/2008 at Wed Nov 19 17:20.
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Lest We Overlook the Raiders

Posted Wed Nov 19th by

Oakland Raiders

Flashback to Week Four of the 2008 NFL Season. The Denver Broncos were 3-0, coming off back-to-back thrilling finishes against the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints. They were heading to Arrowhead Stadium to face a Kansas City Chiefs team that had yet to win a game, and who the Broncos convincingly swept in 2007.

The Broncos were on top of the world, media darlings, and one of “the” stories of the 2008 NFL season. How did they respond? The Broncos laid an egg, leaving Missouri with an embarassing 19-33 loss.

Now, the Broncos are back on a hot streak a little bit, getting media recognition for their two-game lead in the AFC West, and are staring another match straight in the face that’s just begging to stir up a little overconfidence – a home skirmish against the 2-8 Oakland Raiders.

The fact that, earlier this year, the Broncos pummeled the Raiders 41-14 surely won’t help them stay disciplined.

So the question is: Have the Broncos learned their lesson?

I think they have. The loss to the Chiefs started the Broncos down a 1-4 path that included three straight losses. They’ve turned that around, defeating two teams on the road with impressive fourth quarter comebacks. And they’re saying all the right things – Jay Cutler and company recognize that they need to put in the same amount of effort they would if they were facing the Tennessee Titans this week.

The Raiders have been playing good football on defense to boot. They’ve forced some good teams, like the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins, into horrible mistakes and low scores the last few weeks. While Denver’s defense was much improved against the Falcons, can we really count on that type of consistency from that side of the field?

Not if they don’t put in the effort. If the Broncos put it on cruise control, they will lose to the Oakland Raiders. If they continue to be disciplined and work hard, they should walk away with a convincing win and a 7-4 record.

This team is a young team, but I believe it has learned the lessons that a 1-4 skid bring. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, though.

Go Broncos! DESTROY the Raiders!

  • dbroncos

    I agree 100%, when you play in division there are things that go through both team’s minds that dont happen during a typical AFC/NFC game or even non-division game. There is a sense of pride that you should have to beat them. And of course the Raiders always want to beat us as bad as we want to beat them. I think it will be closer but i still think we will win by about 10-14.

  • broncofan2438

    I am actually a bit nervous for this game. I know it’s the Faiders, but they play hard and its going to be tougher than we think. All I know is that the Broncos better come to kick some ass and win this game!

  • Gary

    Here is even more incentive for the Broncos to play well in this game… The game is being broadcast here where I live, in San Diego. It’s the 10th game to be seen here this season (all but the loss to KC).

  • kerry

    lets hope another egg isnt laid and we lose. hopefully the genius got the team prepared. one thing you have to worry about is Shanahan’s ego when playing the Raiders. he wants to destroy them everytime and that could backfire in a hurry.

  • jcampb72

    I’m so excited to go to the game I can’t sleep!

  • merc22

    i couldnt see it back firing, shannon does the trick plays when we have a 14 point lead, not 3! so just keep larsen in there and keep the 4-3 and have bly bailey healthy and the game is ours, and who do u think will be our RB for the game?

  • broncofan2438

    I’m right there with you jcampb72. I am also flying out for the game and can’t wait. It’s time to get my groove on and its Faider bashing time!!!!!

  • http://www.getyourtinton.com precisiontint

    I can’t wait. All Ready!