Editor’s note: This is the second part in a series that spotlights three Broncos-Raiders matchups to watch Sunday, 1:05 p.m., at O.co Coliseum.
Broncos DE DeMarcus Ware vs. Raiders LT Donald Penn
Tale of the tape:
Ware (94): 6-foot-4, 258 pounds, 10th season, Troy
Penn (72): 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, ninth season, Utah State
DeMarcus Ware and Donald Penn are friends. On Sunday afternoon, the friendship will be suspended. The elite Broncos pass rusher will square off against Silver and Black veteran left tackle regularly during thie AFC West clash, a game within the game that the Raiders must win.
Ware is always dangerous, a point proved with eight sacks in eight games this season. Penn, easily the Raiders’ most productive free-agent signing, has given up just one sack all year.
Rookie quarterback Derek Carr has faith his blind side will be protected, faith Penn is proud to instill. It would help the Raiders immensely if Penn can handle his own, which would allowed tight ends and running backs to provide help on Vonn Miller on the other side.
[RELATED: Broncos-Raiders Matchup No. 3: Demaryius Thomas vs. Tarell Brown]
That won’t be easy against Ware. This might be his toughest draw of the season, but it’s one he’s genuinely excited to engage.
“I like to go against the best, because I feel like I’m one of the best,” Penn said. “It’s a good measuring stick. I’ve battled with DeMarcus Ware plenty of times. I know what I’m getting into. He knows what he’s getting into. I have the utmost respect for him, and I know the feeling goes both ways. It’s going to be a battle. We’ll shake hands after the game, but it’s going to be wartime for four quarters. I’m looking forward to it.”
