When the Raiders welcome their hated division rival, the Denver Broncos, they will see a potential problem. Over the last few rafts, Denver began the process of assembling a receiver corps that looks potentially problematic. The Broncos built a group that will test the Raiders in pass coverage.
Jerry Jeudy
Now, before you examine the 49.2 percent catch stat, realize a couple of things. First, he’s only dropped three passes. As a result, more of that percentage resides with Drew Lock only completes 56 percent of his throws. Of those,25.7 percent of those are considered bad throws. Now, focusing squarely on Jeudy, Denver has its number-one wide receiver. Look no further with his ability to trace crisp routes. Additionally, he uses the veteran technique to sell decoy routes to corners. If Trayvon Mullen is healthy, he needs to attach himself to the former Alabama standout.
KJ Hamler
Despite his smallish frame and meager YPC, Hamler profiles as a big play waiting to happen. Blessed with elite speed, Denver uses Hamler in a myriad of ways. Primarily in the slot, watch him motion through the backfield, either catching the short pass or taking the handoff. The Raiders’ slot corners need to also understand that Hamler will get on top of them in a heartbeat on deep passes.
Tim Patrick
While Jeudy and Hamler garner the majority of the attention, Patrick could possess the best hands on the roster. Through Week Eight, the former Utah wideout hasn’t dropped a single pass this season. Plus, for his frame, Patrick can and will run a go, using the arm to handfight, gain separation, securing the pass. Patrick runs better routes than you’d expect a player that his size could. Granted, he’s nowhere near the craftsman Jeudy is, the patterns give a bit of cushion and window for the quarterback to play through.
X-Factor
While we will discuss him later this week, Drew Lock and his chemistry with the wideouts looms rather larger. Lock does not complete an overwhelming number of his passes. Yet, that, and the 1:1 TD/INT ratio never deters him from dropping back and testing secondaries.
Plan of Attack
By all accounts, the Las Vegas Raiders should win this game. Yet, there are things to ensure this versus a young, talented receiving corps. The Raiders will see LT Garret Bolles again. Through eight games, Bolles committed five penalties, including three holding infractions. Any pressure in his direction disrupts Lock. In turn, playing physical on the outside could help, provided that the safeties provide adequate support. If Paul Guenther can scheme properly, this will go a bit further into turning down the heat on the hot seat.
