As the Raiders face the Broncos in Thursday’s Week 10 showdown, several key storylines are emerging that could shape the outcome of this important matchup.
Raiders’ Offense Transformed by Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers has significantly impacted the Raiders’ offense. After recovering from a knee injury, he returned last week and showcased his skillset. In his recent performance, Bowers recorded 12 catches on 13 targets, amassing 127 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed with a short run of six yards.
During the first four weeks of the season, when Bowers was playing injured, the Raiders averaged 124.1 more yards per game with him on the field. Quarterback Geno Smith has also looked improved, throwing for 284 yards and four touchdowns last Sunday despite having the league’s highest interception count of 11 prior to that game.
Impact of Jakobi Meyers’ Trade
- Jakobi Meyers was traded to the Jaguars on Tuesday.
- This shift places added focus on Bowers as the principal offensive weapon.
- Other players like WR Tre Tucker and RB Ashton Jeanty offer support, but Bowers remains the primary engine of the offense.
Denver’s Defensive Challenges without Patrick Surtain II
The Broncos’ defense has demonstrated considerable strength, leading the league with 40 sacks and allowing only 279.9 yards and 18.4 points per game. However, the team faces a challenge following the injury to cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
In Surtain’s absence, Denver adjusted its defensive strategy, holding the Texans to no touchdowns last Sunday and allowing only 3 of 17 third-down conversions. According to Next Gen Stats, the Broncos employed man coverage on just 27.7% of their snaps against Houston, a drop from the 44.2% man coverage rate they maintained with Surtain.
Focusing on Bowers
As Bowers becomes the primary target, it will be intriguing to see how Denver adapts defensively. In Week 9, he thrived against zone coverage, making eight catches for 81 yards. He was even more effective against man coverage, scoring three touchdowns on four targets for 46 yards, highlighting his versatility and explosiveness.
Quarterback Performance
While Denver’s pass rush poses a threat, Smith’s recent performance reveals a promising trend. Over the last five games, his sack rate has nearly halved compared to the first three games, allowing him to focus on distributing the ball effectively.
As the Raiders approach this critical matchup against the Broncos, the interplay between Bowers’ offensive prowess and Denver’s shuffling defense could be the key to victory. Both teams will aim to capitalize on their respective strengths to claim an important win in Week 10.
