The unsung heroes on any offense are the guards. When they are at their best, you don’t hear their names. Others shine because of their work. Who leads the way in the AFC West? Let’s take a look.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Starters: LG Richie Incognito, RG Gabe Jackson
There were some reports the Raiders were shopping Gabe Jackson this offseason, which would lead some to think he wasn’t that good of a player. But his availability in a trade wasn’t about his talent so much as it was his salary.
Jackson is set to make $9.6 million next season and as of last week, that salary is now guaranteed. So, ultimately even if the Raiders were looking into trading him, they opted instead to keep him at his salary.
And why wouldn’t you? Even with him struggling a bit after getting banged up some last season, the Raiders were still 6th in the league in adjusted yards per rush (4.71) on runs up the middle, according to Football Outsiders. Richie Incognito had a hand in that as well while also being the second-best pass-blocking guard in the league according to Pro Football Focus.
2. Denver Broncos
Starters: LG Dalton Risner, RG Graham Glasgow
Graham Glasgow was one of the Broncos’ priority free agent signings this offseason and upgrades their interior considerably. He brings his 74.1 PFF grade, which is the highest among all AFC West guards, just above Incognito’s 74.0 grade.
With Dalton Risner and Elijah Wilkinson starting at guard for the Broncos last season, they finished 13th in the NFL in adjusted yards per carry (4.49) on runs up the middle. Glasgow’s addition should help tremendously.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Starters: LG Dan Feeney/Forrest Lamp, RG Trai Turner
Forrest Lamp was the team’s pick at 38 overall in the 2018 draft. He has had just two starts in two years for the Chargers. Feeney won the starting job over Lamp as a rookie. Last season, Lamp won the starting job and started the first two games before he broke his foot, and Feeney was right back in the starting lineup.
Turner has gone to five-straight Pro Bowls as the right guard for the Panthers. He was a big-time addition this offseason for the Chargers, instantly becoming one of the better guards in the division. If Lamp can stay healthy, he will finally have a chance to live up to his draft status.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Starters: LG Andrew Wylie/Martinis Rankin, RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
While the tackles were outstanding to the Chiefs, the interior was underwhelming. The Chiefs were 28th in the league in Football Outsiders’ adjusted yards per rush up the middle (3.87). None of them laid claim to a starting spot, though the competition would seem to be at left guard between Andrew Wylie and Martinis Rankin. They also drafted Lucas Niang in the third round so they have a lot of bodies to throw at the position.
Here Are The Best Offensive Tackle Duos In The AFC West
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