Bucky Brooks' Scouting Report: Week 12 vs. Broncos

Nov 23, 2024 at 11:45 AM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

Who's the Guy?

Bo Nix might've been the least heralded prospect in the 2024 rookie class, but the Broncos QB1 could be the crown jewel of the class based on his sensational debut season. Nix currently leads all rookies with 19 offensive touchdowns, including 14 touchdown passes against just two interceptions. The rookie's efficiency and effectiveness in directing the Broncos' quick-rhythm offense has enabled Sean Payton to control the game with a complementary football approach. With Nix also producing "splash" plays as a runner on designed QB runs and impromptu scrambles, the Broncos quarterback will test the discipline of the Raiders defense as a dual threat on the perimeter.

Know His Name…

The Broncos' aggressive defense is sparked by a ferocious pass rusher: Nik Bonitto. The third-year pro leads the team with nine sacks, utilizing various speed rush maneuvers to harass quarterbacks within the pocket. As defensive coordinator Vance Joseph dials up exotic pressures designed to create one-on-one matchups across the line, Bonitto takes advantage of inferior blockers with his exceptional speed, quickness, and burst.

Don't Sleep On…

Zach Allen is the perfect sidekick to Bonitto as an energetic power rusher with heavy hands. The veteran routinely whips blocks with jiu-jitsu moves that exploit over-aggressive blockers in pass pro. With the Broncos ramping up the pressure to create more opportunities for Allen to go to work, the veteran defender could produce a strip sack that flips the game's momentum, though he is listed as questionable to play.

Related Links

Under Pressure

The Broncos offensive line has their hands full against a Raiders frontline that features an all-time great on the edges. Maxx Crosby's presence as a destructive pass rusher will prompt the offensive line to monitor the Pro Bowler's whereabouts in crucial moments. Given his disruptive impact off the edges, the Broncos could utilize "slide" protection and various "chip" maneuvers with the running backs and tight ends to prevent Crosby from making a play to spark the Silver and Black.

Matchup to Watch

Brock Bowers vs. Everyone

It is rare for a rookie tight end to force opponents to incorporate new rules and tactics on the call sheet to neutralize his impact potential. Bowers has been an unstoppable force on the perimeter, showcasing sticky hands and superb route-running skills. Considering how much the big-bodied tight end impacts the Raiders offense, the Broncos could utilize double coverage and bracket variations to limit Bowers' touches on Sunday.

Offensive Strategy

The Broncos' balanced offensive approach will feature a mix of runs, quick-rhythm passes and bootlegs to test the discipline of the Raiders defense. Moreover, the diverse attack will alleviate some of the pressure on Nix to function as a playmaker as the offense flows better when he distributes the ball like a pass-first point guard. If the Broncos can establish the running game utilizing their running back-by-committee approach, the complementary play passes and bootlegs could make it hard to stop Nix and Co. in a pivotal division battle.

Defensive Strategy

After watching opponents wilt under the Broncos' heavy-pressure tactics, the Raiders must prepare for an onslaught of blitzes from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. The veteran defensive play-caller will relentlessly send five- and six-man pressures to test the courage of the quarterback and the adaptability of the play-caller. Though the high-risk approach has worked well for the Broncos to this point, the Raiders will have plenty of big play opportunities against a unit that routinely leaves their defensive backs isolated on islands. If Gardner Minshew can make a few timely throws against the blitz, the Raiders could punish the Broncos for their aggressive approach.

1 / 100

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.