AFC West Update: Oakland Fans Slam Te’o, Denver Perfect, Rivers Three Picks
By Ben Nielsen
Oct 6, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback
Peyton Manning(18) meets with Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Tony Romo(9) at the end of the game at AT
Here is a quick look around the AFC West to see how some of the Chiefs’ division rivals are holding up.
Oct 6, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Denver Broncos tight end
Julius Thomas(80) scores off a shovel pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT
DENVER BRONCOS
Record: 5-0
About last week… Denver survived a shootout with Tony Romo and the Cowboys last Sunday to remain undefeated on the season. Peyton Manning threw for 414 yards and four touchdowns, but also his first interception, in the win. Julius Thomas caught nine of Manning’s 33 completions for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
Up next… Denver will face Jacksonville this week and are 28-point favorites to win. This is Denver’s sixth-straight opponent who was not above .500 at the time Denver played them this week.
Key Link… Tony Romo is the better passer but Peyton Manning is the better quarterback, Rick Gosselin says.
Von Miller… This is the last week of Denver’s stud linebacker Von Miller’s suspension for breaking the league’s drug policy. Miller will be allowed to practice with the team for the first time this season on Monday and will be eligible to play against the Indianapolis Colts next week. ESPN’s Jeff Legwold thinks Miller should apologize when he returns.
Oct 6, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback
Philip Rivers(17) talks with head linesman
Phil McKinnely(110) during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Record: 2-3
About last week… Phillip Rivers threw three interceptions and the Chargers amassed just 32 rushing yards in a 27-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders. The three picks were one more than Rivers had thrown in the first four games of the season combined.
Up next… San Diego hosts Andrew Luck in the Chargers on Monday Night Football. Indy has struggled against the Chargers in the past, losing five of their last six matchups dating back to 2005.
Key link… San Diego blogs have to post things like this.
Manti Te’o… Oakland fans welcomed Manti Te’o to town with this banner to honor Lennay Kekua. Very sweet of them, I must say. Due to injury, Te’o has played in just two games, starting one. He has recorded five tackles.
Sep 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back
Darren McFadden(20) is pursued by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Johnathan Cyprien (37) on a 30-yard gain in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Jaguars 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Record: 2-3
About last week… Terrell Pryor threw two touchdown passes and Oakland’s defense forced five turnovers in a 27-17 win over the San Diego Chargers. Pryor is 2-2 as a starter with the two losses coming to the 4-1 Colts and 5-0 Broncos.
Up next… Oakland plays the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Oakland has won five of the last six meetings with the Chiefs, and have won six-straight at Arrowhead.
Key link… One of Oakland’s home games next year will be played in London. Jacksonville and Atlanta will also host games
Darren McFadden… McFadden’s status for Sunday’s game is still up in the air but he is participating in practice.
Matt Flynn… Oakland released Matt Flynn only a few months after trading a fifth-round pick for him.