Raiders Facing Familiar Faces Against the Colts

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Brayden P. Reedy | Last updated 12/30/23

This Week 17 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts offers the Silver and Black to go head-to-head with four former Raider coaches.

It starts with the Colts' defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley. Bradley served as the Silver and Black defensive coordinator for one season in 2021. During that one season as the Raiders' defensive coordinator, defensive end Maxx Crosby was named to his first NFL Pro Bowl after finishing the season with 56 tackles (36 solo), 13.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, and seven passes defended.

Colts defensive backs coach Ron Milus also spent time with the Silver and Black in 2021. Milus guided Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson in a career-high 53 tackles, 40 solo tackles, 13 passes defended, and one interception.

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

Colts linebackers/run game coach Richard Smith served as the linebackers coach for the Raiders for one season in 2021. He led linebacker Denzel Perryman to his first career Pro Bowl selection after he finished the season with 154 total tackles.

The Raiders also face a former player this Sunday against the Colts. Colts tackle Jared Veldheer was initially drafted by the Raiders in the third round, 69th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

The Silver and Black also have two current players who spent time with Indianapolis. Cornerback Facyson played for the Colts in 2022, playing in 16 games and finishing with 28 tackles and six passes defended.

Raiders Brian Hoyer is also a former Colt. Hoyer was with Indianapolis for one season in 2019, played in four games with one start, and notched 372 yards and four touchdowns.

The Silver and Black continue the season on New Year's Eve versus the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Don't miss it on Sunday, December 31, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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