Raiders Facing Familiar Faces Against the Colts

The Week 17 game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts pits the Silver and Black against four former Raider coaches. Gus Bradley, the Colts’ defensive coordinator, is the starting point. Bradley was the Silver and Black defense coordinator in 2021 for one season. Maxx Crosby was named to his first NFL Pro Bowl after his one season as the Raiders’ defensive coordinator after ending the season with 56 tackles (36 solo), 13.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, and seven passes defended. Ron Milus, the Colts’ defensive backs coach, also spent time with the Silver and Black in 2021. Milus helped Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson record a career-high 53 tackles, 40 solo tackles, 13 passes defensed, and one interception.

Mike Mitchell, Indianapolis’ assistant defensive backs coach, was a former Silver and Black player. Mitchell was picked 47th overall by the Raiders in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played four seasons for the team. In 61 games, he had 139 tackles, 106 solo, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

Richard Smith, the Colts’ linebackers/run game coach, was the Raiders’ linebackers coach for one season in 2021. After finishing the season with 154 total tackles, he helped linebacker Denzel Perryman to his first career Pro Bowl selection. The Raiders will also face an ex-player this Sunday when they take on the Colts. The Raiders selected Colts tackle Jared Veldheer in the third round, 69th overall, in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Silver and Black also have two current players who have previously played for Indianapolis. Cornerback Facyson appeared in 16 games for the Colts in 2022, recording 28 tackles and six passes defensed.

Raiders Brian Hoyer is a former Colt as well. Hoyer played in four games with one start for Indianapolis in 2019, totaling 372 yards and four touchdowns. The Silver and Black begin their season against the Indianapolis Colts on New Year’s Eve at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Don’t forget to tune in on Sunday, December 31 at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.