Schlereth, Lammey to Broncos: Don’t look past the Raiders

Sure, the Oakland Raiders 2018 debut on Monday Night Football didn’t go as well as planned.

The Raiders defense allowed 108 yards on the ground to Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley. Oakland’s offense mustered only 13 points — none in the second half.

The team as a whole had 11 penalties for 155 yards.

But, with their backs against the wall in a rivalry game, both Mark Schlereth and Cecil Lammey cautioned on Thursday for the Denver Broncos not to take Raiders Week lightly.

“They’re much better than that score would have indicated last week on Monday night against the Rams. So, I fully expect them to come in here ready to play, backs against the wall.” Schlereth said. “This is a better team than you think it is. I think the Broncos are better. There’s no question about that. But don’t be surprised when they have a little bounce back play.”

Said Lammey: “Don’t overlook the Raiders. They’re a rival with their backs against the wall. They’re dangerous.”

Schlereth said Oakland don’t have a strong pass rush, but aside from Gurley’s big day they “shut down a pretty potent offense in the Rams.”

Offensively, Schlereth said, the Raiders still managed 13 points despite being behind the chains for much of the game.

Lammey said anything’s possible during the rivalry week, including a big-time Broncos blowout win. But it’s also possible, he said, that the Raiders head into Denver and “put up a fight.”

“… They’re desperate after they’re desperate after their start and their embarrassing performance in the second half against the Rams,” Lammey said. “That is a team that wants to get it changed quickly. They want to turn it around, and you’re up next.

“So, all this stuff about the Raiders — yeah, they stink, their fans dress up like a World of Warcraft convention — I get that. But you know what? Don’t overlook the Raiders.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.