Shutting down Raiders TE Cook among Schlereth’s keys to Broncos win
Dec 21, 2018, 11:39 AM
The Denver Broncos head into the Black Hole that is the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum this week to take on the Raiders on a Christmas Eve edition of “Monday Night Football.”
And if the Broncos want to keep their hopes of a .500 season alive, “Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mark Schlereth says Denver’s defense needs to take care of one thing: Cover Raiders tight end Jared Cook.
“He’s the one dynamic player on this offense, and he plays tight end. And we know how much trouble tight ends have given you,” Schlereth said. “Need I remind you of George Kittle’s performance in the first half?”
In Week 14 against the Broncos, Kittle came within four yards of setting an NFL record for most receiving yards in a game by a tight end, grabbing seven passes for 210 yards for the San Francisco 49ers … in the first half.
In terms of production, Cook ranks not far behind Kittle among all NFL tight ends. He’s fifth in receptions (63), fourth in receiving yards (848), and tied for third with 6 touchdowns.
“You’ve got one job to do, cover the tight end. You do that in Oakland on Christmas Eve, and you’re going to win this game,” Schlereth said.
Broncos offense needs to ‘play better up front’
On the offensive side of things, Schlereth said it’s key for the Broncos offense to “play better up front” this week against the Raiders.
“Focus on the guys up front, block them up, make sure that you understand and they understand at the end of the day they’re in for a fight,” Schlereth said. “Win at the line of scrimmage. Don’t get shoved into the backfield.”
Running back Phillip Lindsay needs to be a “focal point” for Denver’s offense, Schlereth said, and the offensive line needs to “give Case Keenum some time.”
Keenum, Schlereth said, needs to help out his offensive line as well and stop roaming away from the pocket.
“Operate from the pocket,” Schlereth said. “Rip the ball down the middle of the field.”
The Broncos quarterback needs to avoid perceiving pressure and not run himself into trouble, Schlereth said.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
