Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos: Big drama show

Big Drama Show

It is something that one of the best boxers in the world Gennady Golovkin likes to say, but I couldn't come up with anything that would describe the situation in Oakland better. They completely hijacked the headlines the week before the opener with what was happening with their newly acquired star receiver Antonio Brown.

He was drawing attention the entire off-season anyway. First injuring his feet in cryo-chamber. Then threatening to retire if the league doesn't give him permission to wear his old helmet. After that, he skipped some mandatory work in the training camp and the walk-through before one of the preseason games. Then completely lost his mind, after receiving a letter from GM Mike Mayock that the Raiders might fine him. Even threatening Mayock that he is going to punch him in the face when he met him inside Raiders' facilities.

Conclusion of this Big drama show came on Saturday morning when Antonio Brown asked to be released and got that request granted almost immediately. Raiders had enough of it and are moving on with a group of players at wide receiver which played well in the preseason, but seemingly lacks a go-to guy. Brown got an opportunity with the Patriots the same day that might be his last in the NFL.

MNF

Raiders are hosting their arch-rivals the Broncos in Coliseum for the last time, before relocating to Las Vegas the next year. Denver is looking to bounce back after two disappointing seasons, after which they decided to change the coach and replaced Vance Joseph with Vic Fangio. There is still a lot of talent on that defensive side of the ball, especially up front. That is why I'm not worried about that unit, even though they were quite inconsistent at times under Joseph. Fangio will know how to tighten up that group and put them in the right spots to make plays. On the other side, it will be interesting to see what they've got on offense. There is not much talent at skill positions and Joe Flacco is also not someone that can carry the offense on his own. He needs a strong supporting cast that would help him manage the game. A lot will depend on the running game. They need another good season out of Philipp Lindsay. The productive running game would offer some opportunities from play-action pass that Flacco likes so much.

Speaking of Raiders, they are much improved from last year. Defensively, they laid some foundation in the second half of 2018 season and with some additions in the offseason, they will look to build on it. 1st round draft pick Jonathan Abram will bring the physicality on the back end. Clelin Ferrel should help them put some more pressure on the quarterback. And Vontaze Burfict will be a leader in the middle of the defense. He played 6 seasons under Paul Gunther in Cincinnati and knows this defense inside and out. Making correct calls at the line will help everybody play faster and not be out of position.

Who's stepping up?

With Brown gone, there is a bunch of targets available in that offense. Other receivers will have to step up and carry some of that load. I'm looking at Tyrell Williams here, primarily. He was a No.2 for the Chargers last year. Carved his role as a downfield threat in that offense. But he will have to show some versatility and run different routes if he wants to be that No.1 guy for Oakland. Hunter Renfrow needs to be mentioned. The rookie from Clemson had a great training camp and could start in the slot. But the most overlooked player here might be the tight end, Darren Waller. He was mentioned a lot by his teammates when asking about underrated players that can explode this year. He had a decent preseason, where he was an important part when the starters were on the field. And if we look back at last year, Jared Cook was a focal point of the offense. Jon Gruden loves his tight ends and this position is often targeted in his offense.