As a rookie with Washington last season, Raiders RT Willie Smith started the final three games and lined up against the Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul, Vikings’ Jared Allen and Eagles’ Trent Cole -- three of the NFL’s top pass rushers.
Consider those games the perfect preparation for what Smith will face Sunday when the Raiders play at Denver and he makes his second consecutive start at right tackle for Khalif Barnes, who’s out with a groin injury.
Smith will have to contend with strong-side linebacker Von Miller and, on occasion, right defensive end Elvis Dumervil, one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass-rushing duos.
Miller had 15 sacks as a rookie and three so far this year. Dumervil had 17 sacks in 2009 and is coming off a 9.5-sack season. Both can play on either side, and sometimes they line up on the same side.
“It’s definitely a good test, but as a player you want to go against these kind of guys because it allows you to kind of gauge where you’re at and how much more work you’ve got to do to get to where you want to be,” Smith said. “But I’m excited to go against this caliber of player because you always want to look forward to playing somebody that’s really good. It just lets you go out and compete and have fun. That’s why you come to the NFL is to get to play against the best.”
Last year Smith allowed one sack apiece to Pierre-Paul, Allen and Cole.
Raiders coach Dennis Allen was the defensive coordinator at Denver last year when Miller, the No. 2 overall draft pick out of Texas A&M, was the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
“The thing that makes Von so effective is he’s not just a one-trick pony when it comes to rushing the passer,” Allen said. “He’s got a lot of different moves. He’s got speed off the edge. He’s got the ability to counter. He’s got excellent power. So he’s got a full arsenal when it comes to pass rush. That’s what’s made him effective.”
Myers passes tests: Starting tight end Brandon Myers (concussion) is listed as questionable for Denver, but he has passed his concussion tests and been cleared to play, Allen said. “He’s in good shape.”
Backup tight end Richard Gordon tweaked a hamstring Friday but was able to finish practice. He’s listed as questionable.
Injury report: Starting CB Shawntae Spencer (sprained right foot) and Barnes (groin) were the only players listed as out for Sunday’s game. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (concussion/neck) doubtful. TE Myers (concussion), TE Gordon (hamstring), RB Mike Goodson (hamstring) and WR Streater (neck/eye) are questionable.
Streater was poked in the eye on Sunday and hurt his neck Friday.
“He kind of got banged there in practice today and tweaked his neck a little bit,” Allen said. “We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”
Running back Darren McFadden (shoulder) was listed as probable and was a full participant in practice.
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSRaiders.
