Raiders-Broncos: Spotlight on two rookies in Brock Bowers and Bo Nix

Las Vegas’ tight end, Denver’s quarterback are having Year 1 success

Round 2 for the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos in Week 12 — this time, inside Allegiant Stadium.

That’s the Sunday afternoon AFC West matchup on tap in the desert and it’s division foes heading in different directions. The visiting Broncos sit at 6-5 and are in the thick of the postseason chase while the host Raiders are 2-8 and sauntering through a disappointing 2024 campaign.

The preview the contest, Ian St. Clair from our friends at Mile High Report was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Broncos for Raider Nation:

Q: Vance Joseph is the architect of the third-ranked defense in terms of points and yards allowed. How has the defensive coordinator gone about creating a domineering unit? And do you expect him to get looks at head coaching gigs this offseason?

Joseph has done a masterful job of putting players in the best situations to have success while also scheming the whole defense to its strengths. That’s why this defense has been so dominant this season, minus the outlier against the Baltimore Ravens. The other aspect is that the players clearly buy into Joseph and this defense. They’ve seen how good they are, which boosts confidence while motivating the defense to get even better. The success of the Broncos defense also goes to general manager George Paton for getting the players to fit Joseph’s defense.

I would be surprised if Joseph didn’t get looks for a head coaching job in the offseason. Whether that leads to a team rolling with him, we’ll see. Selfishly, I’d love for Joseph to stick around as the defensive coordinator in Denver for another season or two.

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

Q: Bo Nix had a season-high four touchdown passes while completing an excellent 84.8% of his passes in Denver’s win over the Atlanta Falcons this past Sunday. What do the Broncos need to do going forward to ensure they’re putting the rookie signal caller in the best possible position to succeed?

Nix’s progression has been remarkable. It really does seem like the Broncos have their franchise quarterback. Denver needs to trust Sean Payton to let him coach and mentor Nix as he sees fit. That relationship is one of the reasons Nix is where he is right now, and Nix must listen to Payton and the other Broncos coaches. Nix also needs to improve week to week, aiming to get better each day in practice and the quarterback room. That will put Nix in the best position to make this success consistent.

Q: Las Vegas as an offensive rookie of the year contender in tight end Brock Bowers. How would you defend the productive rookie? And what do you expect Denver to do in order to take away or limit Bowers?

I’d be surprised if Joseph doesn’t put Pat Surtain II on Bowers this Sunday. Allow the best cornerback in football to shadow Bowers, who has been phenomenal this season. I’d also get consistent pressure and harassment on Gardner Minshew. Take away his time to pass and force him into uncomfortable situations where he can make mistakes or turn the ball over.

Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Q: Looking at the Broncos and Raiders, it’s one team that is ascending and the other that’s firmly planted in the NFL cellar. What do the Broncos need to do in order to avoid a letdown in Las Vegas?

Denver needs to adopt the same mindset it used against the Atlanta Falcons. Play a complete football game that complements all three phases. Don’t let the Raiders’ record enter the equation. Focus on that task at hand and aim to get even better this week in Las Vegas. Payton should remind the Broncos that prior to this season, they hadn’t beaten Las Vegas in eight straight games.

Q: Other than Bowers, which Raider or Raiders are must-account-for types for Denver heading into the Week 12 contest. Why should the Broncos keep tabs on them?

This goes without saying, but Maxx Crosby is the most important player on the Raiders roster. Denver has to account for the talented pass rusher on every play, or he’ll wreck the game. Crosby can create pressure, sacks, and turnovers any chance he gets. So Payton and the offensive coaches have to scheme for that, tell Nix to figure out where Crosby is, and use audibles or motion to help the offensive linemen out.

For Las Vegas on offense, Jakobi Meyers. After Bowers, Meyers had six catches for 72 yards in the Week 5 matchup. Bowers will obviously get a lot of the focus; Joseph and the defense can’t lose sight of Meyers either.