It really is that easy

Preaseason Prediction: W @ Oakland (9/8) - I'm not Raider Hating on this one. Well, okay maybe a little, but I truly believe the Broncos will win this one even without Brandon Marshall. The Raiders are too new at too many key positions including coach, QB, and possibly even RB. Plus, Shanahan plans for these games like no other. Shanahan likes to win on the big stage and this is a Monday night game against a bitter rival. It should be close because the Raider defense is stout, but the Broncos should win a close one.

It’s sort of embarrassing that I overestimated the Raiders. I mean, really. It was pitiful. They were completely ineffective in nearly every aspect of the game. And they spent so much money in the offseason, too. DeAngelo Hall got mauled by the littlest dog on the block, but it’s not nearly as bad as the mauling Al Davis will receive throughout the season after signing Hall to a $70 million contract. It wasn’t all bad for Raiders fans. It was nice to see Ashley Lelie again, and JaMarcus Russell showed some signs…of being a great backup, some day. He looked particularly sharp when the game was out of reach. Honestly, I’ve never seen so many people spend so much time getting dressed up and then look so miserable.

I’m not convinced the Broncos are quite as good as they looked either. They’ll have to play a real NFL team first. But Cutler looked like a top-5 QB (okay, top-4 now that Brady is out for the year). I don’t think he made a bad throw all game, and the touchdown to Eddie Royal was picture perfect. And Eddie Royal – wow! You don’t usually see receivers get so wide open in the NFL. It just doesn’t happen, especially against one of the more highly-touted secondaries around the league. There didn't seem to be a defender anywhere near him for most of the game. He looked like a true veteran out there, especially when he threw it out-of-bounds on the failed reverse. That was quick-thinking. Casual fans probably won't notice how well the offensive line played. They were superb, especially in pass protection. Cutler didn't take a hit all night. Sure, he was chased out of the pocket several times, but that only makes him more dangerous. The RBBC (running back by committee) posse put up a respectable 142 yards, but their three touchdowns was even more important given the Broncos' struggles to score on the ground in the redzone last year. It was a delightful drubbing that spoke more to the Raiders mediocrity than to the Broncos brilliance. After all, the defense did give up 150 rushing yards against a team that was looking to pass first. But when you win, all is well. And it was kind of nice to see Al Davis looking so lonely up in his box.

*Looking around the league: Both Jacksonville and Cleveland looked average at best the first week, and San Diego looked mortal. This bodes well for the Broncos' playoff chances. Plus, Tom Brady's injury means that the Patriots will have to earn a playoff spot against emerging division-rival, the NY Jets. A wild-card spot looks a lot easier to attain after week 1. Next up: the 0-1 San Diego Chargers at Invesco.