KC Chiefs: What we learned about each team in AFC West after week one
The KC Chiefs are 1-0 on the year, but how did the other three teams in the AFC West fare? Let’s take a look at what we learned about the Broncos, Chargers, and Raiders after the opening week of action.
The AFC West was one of the more interesting divisions down the stretch last year, as the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Los Angeles Chargers battled for supremacy. Ultimately, the Chiefs won the division despite both teams finishing 12-4. Take that, Los Angeles!
With week one officially in the books, we can look back on the opening week and officially dive into what we learned about each AFC West squad, starting with the biggest (and only) loser from week one.
WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT THE BRONCOS?
Oof. Some might not have thought much of the Broncos heading into this season because of Joe Flacco, but that defense seemed like it had a shot to be decent, if not good.
Narrator: The defense was not good.
That would be an understatement, as Denver allowed the Raiders to do just about whatever they wanted to and ultimately lost 24-16 in the Black Hole and were shutout at half time. They surrendered 357 yards of total offense and allowed Derek Carr to actually look halfway decent. What?
The defense did, however, hold the Oakland rushing attack to under 100 yards rushing, but that was about it for the positives. Rookie Josh Jacobs had 85 yards off of 23 carries and found the end zone twice against the Broncos defensive front.
It wasn’t much better on offense either, but it was hard to blame all of it on Joe Flacco. He went 21 of 31 for 249 yards and a touchdown while being sacked three times. That offensive line did him no favors.
The run game had under 100 yards rushing with Phillip Lindsay totaling just 56 yards off of ten carries. Courtland Sutton showed off in week one for the receiving game, however, grabbing seven catches for 120 yards. Emmanuel Sanders was the only Bronco receiver to score a touchdown though.
After one week of games, the Broncos are already in the AFC West basement, being the only team in the division to lose this week. It’ll be Vic Fangio against his old team in week two, as Denver will host the Bears in the late window of games.