Broncos Linebacker Von Miller
The Oakland Raiders are just two days out from their rivalry game with the Denver Broncos, and there certainly won't be any love lost come Sunday. The Silver and Black have been going to battle with the Broncos for decades, and lead the all-time series 61-50-2.
With both teams back to their winning ways, the rivalry has a renewed sense of purpose, and while the outcome of this game won't make or break the season, it holds some added significance.
Let's take a look at what the opponents are saying.
Head Coach Vance Joseph
Even in his first year as the Broncos Head Coach, Joseph is aware of the importance of this rivalry.
"I think this is a true rivalry game, first of all. Both teams are 2-1, it's a home game for us, it's a divisional game for us so for us it's two for one. Obviously both teams didn't play well last Sunday so I think both teams are going to be more focused and more desperate to prepare and desperate to win a football game. It's going to be an electric atmosphere here on Sunday."
He praised the Raiders offensive line, and pointed out some areas of strength.
"The size and the physicality they play with. They play with an attitude. They're trying to hurt people, which you love about your offensive line. In pass protection, they're really good at that also. They're so long and so big. With [Donald] Penn, he's got great feet as a left tackle. It's a formidable group."
Linebacker Von Miller
No. 58 acknowledged how the Raiders offense can hurt you in a variety of ways.
"They've got all types of threats at every single position. From the tight end you got [Jared] Cook, you have a huge, big-time threat with Marshawn [Lynch] at running back, then you got [Michael Crabtree] 'Crab' and [Amari Cooper] 'Coop.' It's built for success and they will have success."
Miller reiterated his Head Coach's comments, and shared his thoughts on the Raiders offensive line.
"Every time you turn on the film, he's a great quarterback. His accuracy is through the roof. He's a smart quarterback, athletic. That's the franchise, that's what you're looking for. When you get a guy like that, you have to hold on to him and that's what the Raiders did this offseason."
**Running Back C.J. Anderson
**
The former University of California Berkley Golden Bear broke down any similarities he shares with Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch.
"A lot, I mean I grew up watching him for a long time. The physicalness [physicality] and the nastiness, just letting people feel our story from where we come from. Those are things you take from him, now we definitely do things different for sure, I do everything I can within my ability to stay within myself, but we definitely have a lot of similarities."
Offensive Tackle Garett Bolles
The Broncos first-round pick talked about what he sees from Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack.
"He's the best player behind [OLB] Von Miller, because that's the best player in the world in my opinion. Khalil Mack is a great player, a great leader and you see his intensity out there making plays. I give him all the props in the world because that man is a great man and he's changed the game."
