The day after the Oakland Raiders 15-12 win over the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Head Coach Jack Del Rio held his usual Monday press conference at the team's Alameda, Calif., facility.
Here are the highlights from his time at the podium.
Khalil Mack did something special against the Broncos.
"It was a special, special performance. He just really was unblockable most of the day. Whether it was against the run or the pass, he was showing up in the backfield being very disruptive."
The Raiders defensive line has improved all season.
"I think they've continued to improve all year. I think [defensive line coach] Jethro Franklin has done a nice job of working the group. I think they've all taken accountability, responsibility. Yesterday, if you look at the sacks, on a couple of occasions, it's the pressure that Mario [Edwards Jr.] is getting, it's the pressure that Denico [Autry] is getting that doesn't allow the quarterback a step-up lane, and now Khalil is able to get the sacks – a lot of good effort up front."
Derek Carr's improvement in the second half just came down to execution.
"He just executed better in the second half and, in particular, the first drive of the second half. That was something we really needed. Came out, got the ball, went down and got a score. I thought the team responded really well coming out of the break, kind of collecting ourselves and going forward with good energy."
Head Coach Del Rio praised the play of punter Marquette King.
"Field position is so big in a defensive struggle like that. We had five punts that were downed inside the 14[-yard line]. That's tremendous. Really good on his part and the protection and the gunners getting down there and getting those balls covered properly. I thought it was really a strong performance. That's huge."
He also addressed the health of long snapper Jon Condo.
"He had tests today and we'll see what we need to do going forward.
"It's not great news coming back. We'll see how it goes. I think there's a strong likelihood that we'll have to make a move to bring another guy in."
