Broncos increased pressure in defensive box vs. Raiders

1.

The Broncos rushed five or more players on 12 of Raiders quarterback Derek Carr’s 35 dropbacks (34.3 percent), up from 21.4 percent against Seattle’s Russell Wilson. A few of the pressure situations against the Raiders, though, came in goalline and shortyardage so the Broncos didn’t dial up a lot of blitz looks.

2.

Oakland rushed five or more at Broncos quarterback Case Keenum on 13 of 39 dropbacks (33.3 percent). On the winning drive, Keenum faced four, five, six and eightman rushes. The Raiders rushed eight (against seven blockers) on Keenum’s secondtolast attempt, a pass that was dropped by receiver Demaryius Thomas.

3.

The pass chart spelled out what coach Vance Joseph said postgame: The Broncos needed to become more aggressive in the second half. In the first half, Keenum was 0of3 with an interception on passes that traveled at least 16 yards in the air. In the second half, Keenum was 5of8 for 108 yards with completions of 21, 20, 24, 22 and 21 yards.

4.

Broncos offensive skill player snap counts (66 snaps): Thomas 59, Courtland Sutton 54, Emmanuel Sanders 54, Jeff Heuerman 41, Phillip Lindsay 28, Jake Butt 26, Devotae Booker 22, Royce Freeman 16, DaeSean Hamilton 12, Andy Janovich 11, Tim Patrick 4 and Matt LaCosse 2.

5.

Broncos defensive snaps (64 plays): Justin Simmons 65, Chris Harris/Darian Stewart 63, Bradley Roby 58, Todd Davis 57, Brandon Marshall 53, Von Miller 49, Derek Wolfe 48, Bradley Chubb 47, Domata Peko 34, Adam Gotsis 28, Tramaine Brock 23, Shelby Harris 22, Zach Kerr/Adam Jones 21, Shane Ray 19, Shaq Barrett 18, Will Parks 14 and Josey Jewell 13.

6.

The secondary’s tough game started on the second play when Roby bit on the play action, leaving receiver Jordy Nelson momentarily uncovered for a 23yard gain. We booked Roby in man coverage for catches of 14, seven and 13 yards by Amari Cooper. 7. A week after catching nine passes, Raiders tight end Jared Cook was held to four receptions for 48 yards. He had gains of four (Davis), 20 (Jewell bit on the playaction), 20 and 5 yards (Simmons missed the tackle).

8.

A welldesigned play started the Broncos’ fourthquarter touchdown drive. Butt lined up at fullback and hit the line of scrimmage as if he was going to block. Instead, he kept running straight down the field and Keenum found him for 22 yards when linebacker Tahir Whitehead’s eyes were still in the backfield.

9.

Oakland’s only sack came in the second quarter (2.34 seconds). The play’s timing was disrupted by center Matt Paradis’ high shotgun snap. Cornerback Leon Hall blitzed from the slot. Left tackle Garett Bolles blocked Maurice Hurst and left guard Ron Leary tried to flash out to block Hall but got tangled up with Bolles. That sent Leary down and Bolles off balance, allowing Hurst to get the sack.

10.

We knew something was up in the third quarter when Lindsay and Freeman were on the field together. Keenum went wide right, leaving Lindsay in the shotgun. After faking a handoff to Freeman, who was moving right, Lindsay headed toward the left edge. The play lost one yard, though, when tight end Matt LaCosse had to choose between two Raiders to block. That left safety Erik Harris to make the tackle.