3 reasons for optimism as the Raiders take on the Broncos

Things may look bleak for the Raiders right now. But their next opponent is definitely beatable. In fact, these two teams are very similar in many ways. They even have the same record (2-2). While there is cause for concern, there is also cause for optimism.

Bo Nix is ​​still finding his way

Nix is ​​a rookie starter and has had a lot of trouble finding his footing in the NFL. He threw ONE touchdown pass and four interceptions all season. That's not great.

The Broncos beat the Jets last week, but it wasn't because of Nix. He only had 12 completions in the game. He did throw his only touchdown pass of the game, but it went to a wide-open Courtland Sutton and his pass made the catch much more difficult than it needed to be. Defense is carrying this team right now, but the Raiders just beat a team whose strength is defense but whose QB lost the game for them.

Maxx Crosby could play

While we lament the sheer number of injuries on this Raiders team – and there are many – the team's most important player returned to practice Friday and has a chance to play. His return to the lineup would be huge for the Raiders defense, which was sidelined by the Panthers when Crosby came in and out of the game with his high ankle sprain.

Crosby is officially questionable for the game. And in the immortal words of Lloyd Christmas: “So you’re telling me there’s a chance!”

Figuring out the ground game

Last week against the Browns, the Raiders seemed to figure some things out. They ended up surpassing their season-long rushing yard total in the first three games. They did this in two ways – first, by stretching the defense with sweeps and reverses, and second, by passing the ball to Alexander Mattison.

This week they made the change and gave Mattison the bulk of the carries anyway, but Zamir White and his three yards per carry aren't even available.

Mattison rushed for 60 yards on five carries last week (12 yards per carry). It will be interesting to see what he can do with feature back carries. And if the Raiders can continue to be creative to prevent the defense from getting out of the box, they could be in business.