AFC West – Week Seven Recap
Week 7 gave fans of these four teams two very interesting games. Upsets, an ejection, and a shutout, there was a bit of everything for the AFC West. The week left the Chiefs remaining on top in the West, but the rest of the division is even. The Chargers and Raiders have found ways to win. The Chiefs and the Broncos have had some struggles.
Kansas City Chiefs 5 and 2
Denver Broncos 3 and 3
Los Angeles Chargers 3 and 4
Oakland Raiders 3 and 4
The Kansas City Chiefs vs The Oakland Raiders
The Chiefs traveled to Oakland to take on the Raiders. The Chiefs coming off their only loss of the season were favored to win. It turned out that these teams were evenly matched.
What Went Wrong
For the Chiefs: Although the Chiefs lost, very little went wrong for them. The Chiefs scored 10 points in each of the third three quarters. The Chiefs were not able to maintain that scoring stamina throughout the fourth quarter. Penalties also plagued the Chiefs. They lost 108 yards due to penalties. The penalty losses negated all of the 94 yards the Chiefs gained on the ground. The Chiefs show little variety in their running game. Kareem Hunt ran for 87 of the 94 yards. The other seven yards were on two plays by Tyreek Hill. It is hard to have an effective running game when opponents know to expect one or two players on every running play.
For the Raiders: It could have been an easier win for the Raiders had Marshawn Lynch remained on the bench during an on-field skirmish. Derek Carr took a hard late hit and Lynch felt the need to defend his quarterback, who was already well defended. Lynch ended up ejected and when all was said and done suspended for another game. This type of behavior hurts a team.
What Went Right:
For the Chiefs: Alex Smith continued to play like the MVP candidate he is. He threw accurately completing 25 out of 36 passes for 342 yards. Smith’s passes were spread out over the Chiefs receiving corps. Nine receivers including Tyreek Hill and Demarcus Robinson caught Smith’s passes. It was not just the usual suspects. Smith’s diversity in targets keeps opponents on their toes. Alex Smith completed passes when it counted passing for three touchdowns and fifteen of nineteen first downs came off pass receptions. Of course, Alex Smith and the Chiefs receivers would not be so successful without Cam Erving and the rest of the Chiefs’ offensive line. Despite injuries to key players such as Mitch Morse and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif the Smith was given the time and protection he needed to get off those accurate passes.
For the Raiders: The Raiders offensive success can be attributed to the three Cs, Carr, Cooper and Crabtree. Derek Carr came in to this game like he had something to prove and he proved himself to be a superior quarterback. Carr connected on 29 passes for 417 yards and three touchdowns. The flea-flicker that resulted in a thirty-eight yard touchdown pass to Cooper was perfectly played.
Amari Cooper it seemed like if Carr put the ball into the air Cooper was there to catch it. Cooper was responsible for 210 of the receiving yards and two of the touchdowns. Michael Crabtree was there in those last seconds to catch the game winning touchdown. The Raider Defense is holding their own, with NaVorro Bowman and Reggie Nelson leading the team in tackles against the Chiefs the Raiders were able to shut-out the Chiefs in the fourth quarter and pull off the win.
What is Next
The Chiefs are at home to take on another division rival when they take on the Broncos. The Raiders travel cross country to battle the 4 and 2 Buffalo Bills.
The Denver Broncos vs. The Los Angeles Chargers
The Broncos headed west to the City of Angels to take on the Chargers who are still settling into their temporary home. The Broncos were favored. The Chargers had two straight wins but the odds favored the Broncos. Apparently, the Chargers do not believe in odds because they not only won they shut-out the Broncos.
What Went Wrong
For the Broncos: The Chargers sacked Trevor Siemian five times for a loss of twenty-five yards. If you cannot protect your quarterback you cannot win games. Siemian needs a pocket where he has time to find a target and throw the ball. The Broncos were only able to rush for a total of 69 yards. In a game where you should have multiple players rushing for more yards you cannot expect success. Penalties cause teams to lose. The Broncos gave up four first downs with penalties and turned over the ball three times. Their biggest problem was their inability to make it into the end zone.
For the Chargers: While Chargers scored, the Broncos held them to 242 total offensive yards. Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon rushed for 38 yards each which accounted for the majority of the Chargers’ rushing yardage. The Chargers were only able to convert 25% of third downs. The Chargers faced many of the same difficulties as the Broncos. They lost 81 yards on 9 penalties. They also allowed Philip Rivers to be sacked three times.
What Went Right
For the Broncos: The Bronco defense was able to get through the Chargers offensive line to take down Philip Rivers three times. Von Miller and Domata Peko combined for the three sacks. In spite of his time on the ground, Trevor Siemian did manage to pass for 207 yards which included 6 passes to A.J. Derby.
For the Chargers: The Chargers were able to score on a punt return. Travis Benjamin returned a punt sixty-five yards to score a touchdown against the highly acclaimed Denver defense. The Chargers made incredible blocks for for this touchdown run. Benjamin had a gaping hole to run through straight to the end zone. The Chargers defense forced and recovered fumbles. Chris McCain not only took down Trevor Siemian but forced the ball out allowing the Chargers to recover the fumble. The Chargers not only forced turnovers but took advantage of them. In this game it was difference maker.
What is Next
The Broncos face the division leading Chiefs. The Chargers head east to face the defending Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots.
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