Silver Minings: AFC West Round-Up

Before the Las Vegas Raiders kick off on Monday Night Football, let’s take a look at how the rest of the AFC West did in week one, as the division went 3-0.

Los Angeles Chargers 20 Washington Football Team 16

Key Stats:

Justin Herbert, QB: 31/47, 337 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Austin Ekeler, RB: 15 carries, 57 rushing yards, 1 TD

Keenan Allen, WR: 9 catches, 100 yards

Mike Williams, WR: 8 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD

Joey Bosa, DE: 1 sack, 4 total tackles

Derwin James, DB: 1 PBU, 7 total tackles

It was far from a pretty win for Justin Herbert and the Chargers, but that’s as to be expected against the Football Team’s defense. Los Angeles’ offensive line did manage to hold Chase Young to three total tackles, one for loss, and no sacks. But Johnathan Allen and Montez Sweat were both able to get to Herbert, and Brian Bulaga went down with a back injury.

Nassir Adderly was another notable Charger who left the game early, as injuries played a big factor in the game with Washington losing starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the second quarter. The Bolt’s defense would hold backup Ryan Heinicke to just one touchdown and 16 total points.

Los Angeles plays host to the Dallas Cowboys next week, who might earn the 2021 award for the Most Impressive 0-1 Team.

Kansas City Chiefs 33 Cleveland Browns 29

Key Stats:

Patrick Mahomes, QB: 27/36, 337 yards, 4 total TDs (1 rushing)

Tyreek Hill, WR: 11 catches, 197 yards, 1 TD

Travis Kelce, TE: 6 catches, 76 yards, 2 TDs

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB: 17 total touches, 72 total yards

Chris Jones, DL: 3 total tackles, 2 for loss, 2 sacks

The Browns were in control of this game for three quarters but a fourth-quarter collapse that included a dropped snap on a punt and a late interception ended up costing them. Cleveland had no problem running the ball on Kansas City’s defense, averaging nearly six yards per carry as a team. Also of note, Browns' tight ends combined for seven catches and 120 yards.

It was business as usual for Patrick Mahomes and company, though. The turning point in the game was probably a 75-yard bomb to Tyreek Hill with a little more than 10 minutes to go. That sparked the team’s comeback as the Browns were held scoreless after that deflating play.

Overall, The Cheifs moved the ball at will and proved you can’t make mistakes like the ones mentioned above because they will capitalize.

Kansas City is off to Baltimore, so they have even more reason to tune in tonight.

Denver Broncos 27 New York Giants 23

Key Stats:

Teddy Bridgewater, QB: 28/36, 264 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs

Jerry Jeudy, WR: 6 catches, 72 yards

Noah Fant, TE: 6 catches, 62 yards

Melvin Gordan, RB: 11 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD

Von Miller, EDGE: 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks

Kyle Fuller, CB: 2 PBUs, 6 total tackles

The Broncos’ defense was dominant all game and kept the Giants to just 314 total yards in the game - a lot of which came in garbage time. Saquon Barkley was held to just 26 yards on 10 carries, while Von Miller sacked Daniel Jones twice, limiting New York to 254 net yards through the air.

A slow start and costly red zone fumble by tight end Albert Okwuegbunam held Denver’s offense back early on, but a strong performance by Teddy Bridgewater and a 70-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run by Melvin Gordon more than made up for it. The Broncos’ offense did suffer a major loss, though, Jerry Jeudy went down with an ugly ankle injury and had to be carted off the field.

Denver heads to Jacksonville next week after the Jaguars suffered a beatdown by the Texans yesterday.

In Other Raiders Links:

• Gruden confident in o-line: “these guys are anxious to start forming their own identity and they realize they have big shoes to fill,” said the coach of his young players.
• Incognito Out Monday: second-year guard John Simpson will step in.
• Wagner says Wright looks ugly in S&B: the Seahawks’ linebacker clearly misses his former running mate
• Proof of vax link: for anyone going to the game, follow this link to get your vaccination status cleared before heading to the stadium.