Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave
The Oakland Raiders continued their preparation Thursday for their AFC west clash with the Denver Broncos this Sunday. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave met with reporters prior to practice to break down a few highlights from their Week 8 victory, and discuss this week's division battle. He acknowledged the play of the Broncos defense, but emphasized that the team has remained focused on developing as a unit.
Here are the quick hits from his media session:
**Musgrave broke down offensive tackle Donald Penn's touchdown against his former team.
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"Yeah, he has a few in his career. We've had some other ones for him in the past, but this year and last year and haven't been in position to call them. It worked out the other day."
He shared his thoughts on linebacker Von Miller's skill set and how he can disrupt an offense.
"He's just explosive, just so dynamic. Has strength but also has incredible speed. They have a ton of good players and Pro Bowlers on that side of the ball. There's more than just him that we're planning for and going to have to contend with."
Musgrave was pleased with tight end Mychal Rivera's performance Sunday, and believes he's a true professional.
"Well he's the consummate professional. Very team orientated, had some really good plays for us last year. With us dressing two tight ends starting out the year, he didn't get a lot of action, if any. He kept working on his trade and then when we had the injury to Lee [Smith] and circumstances changed, he was ready to step in. It wasn't like he needed a break in period or anything, he just stepped in. When we needed him, of course he was there. Very accountable and super player to have on the team."
The Raiders offensive line and the Broncos defensive pass rush have both been dominant this season, Musgrave talked about the two battling.
"Not necessarily. I think we're very squarely focused on the opponent this week. There's some X's and O's that we need to cover in each and every meeting. We have a good routine where we're prepared and focused on our side of the ball and playing good technique with what we do. We definitely have our hands full with some of the matchups this week, but that's common for each and every week."
He stated that even though this is a primetime game, the team looks at it as just another game.
"I think every game's exciting. Like we talked about, there's really 16 one-game seasons. So this is the next opponent this week. We'll be excited to get on the field against them like we are each and every week."
