Head Coach Jack Del Rio
Back to work.
The Oakland Raiders were back on the field at the team's facility in Alameda, Calif., Wednesday to begin preparation for this Sunday's bout with the Denver Broncos. Head Coach Jack Del Rio took the podium to speak about facing a team he knows relatively well, especially considering he was the defensive coordinator in Denver for three seasons.
Here are the quick hits from his media session:
Del Rio talked about how you go about game planning for guys like Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller.
"Well you have to account for... Both these guys are special players. Von, really gifted. I know firsthand having been able to coach him for those three years. He's a special player. He's a big time difference maker. I feel like Khalil is the same type of thing. They're both tremendous football players and you need to know where they are."
He shared the similarities between Miller and Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack.
"They have differences. One is a little bit bigger, but they both have the ability to have power, to have speed to be effective as pass rushers. I think Von is probably the most bendable guy. I've seen him turning the edge about the inch off the ground full speed. He's got probably more rare bend-ability and Mack probably has a little more power, but they're both really good football players."
Del Rio commented on the progression he's seen from Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian.
"I think Trevor is doing a great job developing as young player at that position. He looks more confident to me, more certain in his reads. They're running the ball well, which always helps the quarterback. He's done a nice job with him. He's accurate, smart. He looks like he's in command of his offense."
The Raiders Head Coach spoke about the importance of winning division games, and the preparation that goes into them.
"Well we know division games are important. They are some days when maybe statistic references are appropriate and then other days where it's just about getting your mind right and getting ready to go compete."
He discussed the Broncos secondary and the talent the team possesses.
"They're really good. They're gifted. Aqib [Talib] and Chris [Harris Jr.], [Bradley] Roby has really come on. I think those three guys are as good as any three in the league. Very talented. A good pass rush in front of them and they're real sticky. It's going to be a big challenge for us."
