Raiders rivalry revved up by success of teams
Broncos rookie left offensive tackle Garett Bolles is eager for his first taste of one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries. When the Broncos host the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, it will be the 114th meeting between teams that have won a combined 27 AFC West titles, 14 conference championships and six Super Bowls.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s in college or wherever you’re at. If it’s a rivalry, you’ve got to be pumped and ready to play,” Bolles said. “The Raiders are a great team, a lot of great players on offense and defense. They’re a great organization. This has been a longtime rivalry, so you just have to get your mind right and know it’s going to be a dogfight for four quarters.”
Broncos coach Vance Joseph said rivalries are at their best when both teams are at their most competitive. The Broncos have played their part in that equation much of the last three decades. The Raiders, meanwhile, went 13 straight seasons, from 2003 to 2015, without a winning record. But that changed last season. The Raiders went 12-4, missing out on a division title (which went to Kansas City) when they lost in Denver in the regular-season finale.
“Sunday is going to be fun,” Joseph said. “Both teams are 2-1. Oakland is a playoff team (in 2016). Obviously, we want to be a playoff team. Both teams have star players on their rosters. To make it a rivalry, both teams have to win some and lose some. It’s a real rivalry, in my opinion.”
protests. Joseph was asked Wednesday to address the concerns of U.S. military members over protests during the national anthem that occurred across the NFL last week.
“My personal stance, I’ve stated. I’ve also stated the players’ stance. In my opinion, talking to the players, the kneeling was never directed to the military,” Joseph said. “Now, this thing has grown. It’s evolving every day. I’m not sure we all know what it’s about anymore, and that’s the issue in my opinion. But our players, they have great respect for the military.”
Joseph said Monday his personal belief is to always stand for the national anthem, a sentiment echoed by general manager John Elway. Joseph added that “politics and football don’t mix.”
“It’s getting to be a confusing topic,” he said. “I want to keep it separate from our team. But, obviously, it’s an issue, and we’ve got to address it.” Injury update. Cornerback Bradley Roby was held out of Wednesday’s practice as he continues to nurse an ankle injury.
Roby practiced sparingly last week and played only 30 snaps Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, which accounted for 46 percent of the defense’s plays.
Cornerback Brendan Langley and wide receiver Cody Latimer were limited Wednesday. Running back Jamaal Charles, cornerback Aqib Talib and nose tackle Domata Peko were given a veteran’s rest day. Ratings in. The BroncosBills game Sunday had a television share of 70 in the Denver market, the highest in the NFL last week. The game’s rating of 37.7 was second-best in the league.
The rating is the percentage of households in a market that are tuned into the game. The share is the percentage of households in use that are tuned in.
The Urban Foundation of Colorado honored Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall with its Leadership and Legacy Chairman’s Award on Tuesday night, a recognition “for walking your leadership through the commitment to social justice and equality.” … Joseph said the Broncos had a poor practice last Wednesday in preparation for the Bills. He said the energy was much better on the same day this week. “Hopefully, our urgency is back and we’re desperate to win again,” he said. … Paxton Lynch is “rehabbing hard every day,” Joseph said of the Broncos’ reserve quarterback who is recovering from a sprain to his throwing shoulder, but there is no definitive timetable for the Lynch’s return.