A few fans of the Las Vegas Raiders were not overly impressed after a win against the depleted Cleveland Browns. A loss against the rival Denver Broncos would be a morale crusher for both the team and its loyal fan base.
Drew Lock will be the starting quarterback when the Broncos visit the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2021, for Week 16. The Raiders have one win against a division opponent this season, and it happened to be the Broncos in Week 6, a solid 34-24 victory. Henry Ruggs III was a key factor in this victory before his courtroom debut only weeks later. This is a different offense going up against a solid Broncos defense as star tight end Darren Waller will likely be out and the receiving corps is still not as strong as it needs to be.
Lock and the Raiders…
The Raiders have a history with Lock, who memorably danced on the sideline and sang along to Young Jeezy’s “Put On” after a Week 17 victory against the Raiders in 2019, the last game of the season before the move to Las Vegas. While Lock went viral with his rendition of Jeezy’s hit, his performance wasn’t exactly legendary. He had a stat line of 17 out of 28 for 177 yards and one touchdown. But the dancing and singing were enough to draw attention from Raider Nation. Needless to say, fans are not fans of his exaggerated celebratory antics.
Luckily, that was Lock’s last victory against the Raiders. He proceeded to lose to the Raiders in both matchups during the 2020 season. His most memorable moment was during his Week 7 performance when the Raiders, with their 31st ranked defense, intercepted Lock four times and were defeated 12–37. Since the 2020 season concluded, Lock has only appeared in three games as the Broncos found his replacement in the offseason in Teddy Bridgewater, who has remained the starter. Lock has appeared in three games this season, logging one touchdown and two interceptions. Needless to say, Drew has not had much to dance about recently.
Playoffs hang in the balance…
The Raiders are truly hanging by a thread at this point in the regular season. A playoff appearance is dependent upon wins and some luck with other AFC teams having some off days. Fans of the Silver and Black are breathing a bit easier knowing that their improved defense is going up against Lock, a quarterback they have had success against in the past. A loss to Drew and company would sink the fan base and any hopes of a playoff push. The Raiders simply cannot get comfortable or complacent knowing Lock is in the driver’s seat and they have to execute regardless of who is throwing the ball. The Broncos have a strong group of pass catchers and their defense, even without Von Miller, is disruptive.
The point being, the Raiders can not let Lock dance on Sunday.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/David Becker
