While rookie Robert Ayers is new to the Broncos-Raiders rivalry, he is far from new to the talent on the Oakland sideline.
Ayers’ battles against JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden date back to their college days as rivals in the Southeastern Conference.
Leading the LSU Tigers, Russell completed 24-of-36 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-24 victory over Ayers’ Tennessee Volunteers on Nov. 24, 2006. The best term Ayers could use to describe Russell’s arm was “cannon.”
“He can throw that thing anywhere as hard as he wants,” Ayers said. “He can get it to the receivers and he’s a guy that keeps getting better. Each year he’s gotten better. He’s a tough guy to gameplan against.”
Complementing Russell in the backfield is another former foe in McFadden. Ayers saw the Arkansas alum rack up 117 yards on 25 carries in a 34-13 victory by the Volunteers over the Razorbacks on Nov. 10, 2007.
With the 1-2 punch of McFadden and Michael Bush, Ayers said the Broncos’ defense will be tested.
“McFadden is more of an outside guy, he likes to hit the edge and turn the corner,” Ayers said. “Bush, he’s an inside guy, but he has game-breaking speed too. Both guys are real fast and real physical and they are tough to contain.”
PREPARING TO SEE MORE OF SEYMOUR
During his tenure with the New England Patriots, Head Coach Josh McDaniels saw Richard Seymour’s skills on a daily basis.
While McDaniels has minimal knowledge of how the trade to Oakland happened, he’s plenty aware of what Seymour’s addition does to the AFC West landscape.
“I know this: a really good football player came into our division, and we have got to block him two times a year,” McDaniels said. “I am not really sure exactly how that all transpired, but I know this: he is in Oakland and playing really good football and is excited to be there. You can see how he is getting acclimated to their system.”
As Seymour finds his role in Oakland’s scheme, McDaniels hopes his familiarity with the all-pro defensive end will help the offense find a better understanding of the Raiders’ gameplan.
“I think the more familiar you are with the people on the other side, you can try to explain their style of play or maybe some tendencies that they have, the way that you feel that you could be most successful against those guys,” McDaniels said. “Hopefully, that will carry over for us on Sunday.”
INJURY UPDATE
The Broncos’ Week 3 Injury Report included several changes on Friday. After fully participating in Thursday’s session, Brandon Marshall (illness) was not listed on Friday’s report. A limited participant in Thursday’s session, Brandon Stokley (thigh) did not participate in Friday’s session. He is questionable for Sunday’s game against Oakland. After not participating in Thursday’s practice, Ben Hamilton (hamstring) was a full participant in Friday’s practice and is probable for Sunday. After not participating on Friday, Knowshon Moreno (groin) was added to the report. He is questionable for the Raiders game.
On the Oakland side, wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (shoulder) went from limited participation on Thursday to full participation on Friday. He is probable for Sunday’s game. Defensive end Richard Seymour (knee) did not participate in Friday’s practice, but is probable for Sunday’s game.
Here are some more photos from the onset of Friday’s practice, including a quartet of wide receivers wearing pajamas on a brisk day at Dove Valley.
– Chris Gentilviso, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Head Coach Josh McDaniels, Oakland Raiders, Robert Ayers, Week 3
I think it will be a defensive battle.
17-12 Broncos
Bay
30-13 was mine.
Interesting article. http://broncotalk.net/2009/09/9749/broncos-buzz/ryan-clady-vs-richard-seymour-the-rematch/#more-9749
i think it will be a defensive battle as well but as long as the Denver Broncos stop the run and force Jamarcus Russel to throw they should be fine. Orto has to continue to play mistake free football as well.
orange and blue, you not scared either, good pick. The Clady/Seymour sack thing will definitely add a must see battle to the game, thanks for the article.
Good morning bronco fans. Its time to kick @ss and be 3-0.
I predict 27-10. Our offense will be better this week, and also we are the only offense without a turnover. Plus our D is playing inspired ball, and should continue for many weeks to come. We need this win so we can take on Dallas on a high note.
Clady is inhuman.
He hasn’t even played a season and a half and he could take that record. That is amazing.
If he doesn’t get it over the next two weeks, he will get it eventually in his long Denver Bronco career.
Florio’s mom,
the record to start a career for Clady is 19, but the record is 32 after that.
did that make sense?
Gonna be tough with Orton back there Florio.
Oh, My bad. I thought it was just the flat out streak.
I wonder who holds both streaks then?
He needs to tie the record today and take it all alone next week against Dallas. That would help us with the media, it would be hard for them not to talk about it.
32 games without a sack? Who holds that?
Another good article.
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=9396
You may have seen this one already.
orange and blue, everything was going so well this morning, why did you have to bring Orton into that ?LOL. Anyhow, Orton moved around fairly well last week, even escaped a sack by bending forward under the would be tackler.
Yeah and then I think he scrambled for 1/2 yard. LOL
Orton has traditionally played better ball on the road…With a passer rating of 100.7 for the road and 83.5 while at home. He will not be wearing the glove today so his belief in holding onto the ball before throws will be back. If you watch the release of the ball while wearing the glove hes just a little slower then without it on.
Like I’ve said since the Arizona game, A. Smith is the real thing and completely worthy of a number one pick (the one we traded for him). I know many will argue that, but good CB’s are probably the hardest position to find of any position in college football. WR’s basically run routes all day without much opposition because the majority of the fast guys rather be on O than D.
bntbroncos, thanks for the Orton stat on the road verses home, is that his career stat? Of course he played the majority of his games in Chicago, not exactly passer friendly weather in the winter in the windy city, that might explain it.
bay that is a career stat…and yes he is very subject to the elements. if you look at his dome, grass, and turf stats you will see hes much better in a controlled environment. the good thing is he knows himself and his limitations so he wont reach where he cant thus protecting the ball.
thanks bntbroncos
bay-On the A.Smith thing. Seattle has a little extra incentive today vs. the Bears. Maybe a higher draft pick.
bnt, so what’s your take on the game, perfect weather there I take it. I got a 30-9 win, 3 td’s +3 FG’s against 3 FG’s.
orange and blue, before the injury to Hasselbeck, I thought they could take care of the Bears, with Seneca, I don’t see it.
orange and blue, Seattle has our pick, no incentive for them against the Bears, we have the Bears pick.
i know on the 32 games without a sack, ther were 2 guys. One of them is walter jones, the other im not sure. Orange and blue champ, the Seahawks have nothing extra against the bears today. We gave up our first rounder, not he bears pick. We need the bears to do bad, seattle needs us to do bad.
You’re right guys. My bad. Good catch.
My take on the game though I’d like to see a blow out is 27 – 17. You have to remember it’s a div game with history and a head coach that likes a fight, lol. They will get one lucky td from their speed at wide out, but Russel will be 11 of mid 30′s throwing with 1 int, 4 knock downs, 3 sacks, 7 pressures. im looking for Ortin to go 26 of 34 passing and get his first 300yrd game as a Bronco. Like I said earlier look for him to use the flats and the slot to chew up yardage. I have to give them 1 sack and 5 pressures. Watch for Payton to step his game up and be Westbrook like.
Im not so sure about the Bears game…I cannot remember the last time Cutler played back to back mistake free games. The Seahawks do have a shut out under their belt and I don’t see Cutler being patient enough to let the run game totally set up the passing attack. Nail biter with Cutler throwing the key int to lose the game.
knowshoning the opposition