Raiders Facing Familiar Faces Against the Colts

The Las Vegas Raiders will be going head-to-head with former Raider coaches and players on Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

This Week 17 game 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, who served as the Silver and Black defensive coordinator for one season in 2021. 

During his season as the Raiders' defensive coordinator, defensive end Maxx Crosby was named to his first NFL Pro Bowl after finishing with 56 tackles (36 solos), 13.0 tackles for losses, 8.0 sacks and seven passes defended.

Colts defensive backs coach Ron Milus also spent time with the Silver and Black in 2021, when 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 for the Silver and Black, was selected by the Raiders 47th overall in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft and played four seasons. He tallied 139 tackles, 106 solos, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 61 games.

Las Vegas Raiders going head-to-head with former coaches and players this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts / © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Colts linebackers/running game coach Richard Smith served as the linebackers coach for the Raiders for one season in 2021, leading 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 selected by the Raiders in the third round, 69th overall, in the 2010 NFL Draft.

The Silver and Black have two 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 quarterback Brian Hoyer also is a former Colt playing one season in 2019, appearing in four games with one start, and passing for 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.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.