Tag: AFC West

Broncos QB Drew Lock to face hometown Chiefs in Week 15

Broncos quarterback Drew Lock will return to Missouri this week to face the Chiefs on the road.

Broncos quarterback Drew Lock was born in Missouri and played college football for the Tigers and he — gasp! — grew up a Chiefs fan.

“I did not grow up a Broncos fan,” Lock said in April after he was selected by Denver in the draft. “I was a Chiefs guy.”

There’s good news, though.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be able to go back to Kansas City and hopefully get a couple wins with ‘the bad guys.'” Lock said in April.

After defeating the Texans 38-24 on Sunday, Lock mentioned that he will return to Missouri for the first time as a starting QB in the NFL.

“That’s my home I’ve been there a thousand times,” Lock said Sunday evening. “Nothing new about it except for that I’m going to be in blue and orange and not red and yellow. So it will be a little different.”

Lock had a big game in Houston, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. He knows the Broncos will need to stay focused this week as they prepare for the Chiefs, who just knocked off the Patriots.

“We need to keep it day-by-day not get too far ahead of ourselves, we had an awesome game today, but that was because of the prep we had this week,” Lock said. “We can’t slack off this week going into the Chiefs game.”

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Top 5 NFL offensive lines of Week 14: Carson’s finest, NFC blockades, and a “lights out” performance

We’re talking offensive lines, folks, and there were a few good ones in Week 14. These were the top 5 that I saw.

Say what you want about Week 14 in the NFL—the horrible calls, the other horrible calls, the intriguing New England Patriots Documentary, all of it. At the end of all the ruckus and tumult, it was really nice to see Eli Manning back under center for the New York Giants. Yeah, I said it. The football needed Eli, and Eli needed the football.

The on-camera charisma will get picked apart, of course, because that’s what we’ve come to expect with ol’ Number 10. We wait for the perfect meme-worthy moments, pausing the television and hoping to hit social media paydirt. But every time people begin to knock Eli, I step back and think about one thing: There were several scouts at Lamar Jackson’s pro day who are way worse at their job.

Now, let’s hop off of the soapbox and get down in the trenches, so we can take a look at some of the best of the best, the often ignored blockades and protectors to the fantasy stars. We’re talking offensive lines, folks, and there were a few good ones in Week 14. These were the top 5 groups that I saw.

5. San Francisco 49ers

Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The NFC matchup between the 49ers and Saints was one of the best games of the season (ever?), a Battle Royale that displayed why both teams will be a tough task come playoff time. While the significant highlight was the improbable “I’ll give you all piggyback rides” catch and run after the catch by George Kittle, San Fran’s offensive front continues to improve—as does the game management of Jimmy Garoppolo and, of course, the overall offense.

The 49ers kept the Saints’ defense in a misdirected twist, executing a stable zone run scheme. And maybe, more importantly, they also kept the crowd out of it (at times). The three-headed attack of Sanders-Mostert-Breida picked up a much-needed 162 yards on the ground with one touchdown, providing a balance that helped Garoppolo in the passing game.

The O-line was crucial for both phases and performed above-average. They were aggressive and quick to the block, opening what little lanes there were for the backs. And they did an outstanding job creating and holding protection Jimmy G—especially during moments when he really needed time.

Weston Richburg, Joe Staley, Mike McGlinchey, Laken Tomlinson, Ben Garland, and Michael Person: Not much got “bayou.” A job well done, guys!

5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st

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Texans 100: Facts and Figures for Broncos, No. 51-75

The Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos get ready for their Week 14 tilt, and we get you with Vic Fangio facts and referee Adrian Hill facts.

The Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos get ready for their Week 14 tilt at NRG Stadium, and we get ready with another quarter of facts on the way to a full 100. Next, we take a look at Denver coach Vic Fangio, who used to be the Texans’ defensive coordinator from 2002-05, along with some facts surrounding referee Adrian Hill.

Facts and Figures for Broncos, No. 1-25

Facts and Figures for Broncos, No. 26-50

vic fangio facts

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Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

51. Fangio will be the third former Texans coordinator the club will face. Here is how other coordinators have fared:

Kyle Shanahan: 1-0

Mike Vrabel: 1-1

 

52. Fangio is the first Broncos coach to have started 4-8 in his first season.

53. Fangio is the first Bears defensive coordinator since Buddy Ryan to be hired straight to a head coaching gig from Chicago.

54. If Fangio can get a win against the Texans, he will join Mike Shanahan, Eric Studesville, and Gary Kubiak as the only Broncos coaches to have defeated Houston in their first try.

55. Fangio is 1/5 Broncos coaches to have started two different quarterbacks making their first career starts in the same season.

56. Fangio is 1/5 AP Assistant Coach of the Year Award winners to have been hired as a head coach the following year. The only one who was not was Wade Phillips in 2015.

57. Fangio is 2-5 against playoff-winning coaches with a 1-3 record on the road.

58. Fangio is 0/2 on challenges for his career with both of those challenges related to pass interference.

59. The Broncos are tied with the Ravens for the 13th-fewest penalties in the NFL with 81.

60. The Broncos have the third-worst third down conversion rate in the NFL at 29.5%.

61. Denver has the sixth-lowest red zone conversion rate in the league at 44.8%.

62. The Broncos have the fifth-worst starting field position in the NFL at the 26.8-yard line.

63. Denver is tied with the Bears for the ninth-lowest rate of drives ending in a turnover at 9.7%.

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Texans 100: Facts and Figures for Broncos, No. 26-50

The Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos meet for a Week 14 tilt. Next, we take a look at rookie QB Drew Lock and Texans coach Bill O’Brien.

The Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos face off for a Week 14 encounter Sunday at noon CT at NRG Stadium. As we continue our race to 100 facts, here is a look at Broncos rookie quarterback Drew Lock and Texans coach Bill O’Brien.

Facts and Figures for Broncos, No. 1-25

drew lock facts

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(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

26. Lock is the 10th quarterback to have finished his collegiate career at Missouri, and the ninth ever drafted from the school.

27. Lock and Daniel Jones are the only rookie quarterbacks from the 2019 class to have won their first starts.

28. Lock is the first Broncos rookie quarterback since Gary Kubiak on Nov. 20, 1983, to get their first career win in their first career start.

29. Lock is the 39th quarterback drafted by the Broncos.

30. Lock is the sixth quarterback drafted since John Elway took over as general manager of the Broncos.

31. Lock, along with the Steelers’ Devlin Hodges in Week 6, became the first quarterbacks since Deshaun Watson in Week 2 of 2017 to throw for fewer than 135 yards in their first career start.

32. The last season to feature two rookie quarterbacks who won games despite throwing less than 135 passing yards apiece was in 2004 when Chris Simms led Tampa Bay to a 20-17 win over the Saints in Week 5 and Drew Henson led Dallas to a 21-7 win over the Bears in Week 12.

33. The last second-round pick to win in his first career start was Geno Smith when he led the Jets to an 18-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

34. The last time the Broncos had two different quarterbacks make their first career starts in the same season was in 1983 with John Elway and Gary Kubiak. Both won their first games.

35. A win over the Texans would make Lock the 12th ever rookie quarterback to get a win against Houston. The last to do it was Jacoby Brissett on Sept. 22, 2016.

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Texans 100: Facts and Figures for Broncos, No. 1-25

The Houston Texans and Denver Broncos square off in Week 14. Here is a look at some series facts and also some QB Deshaun Watson facts.

The Houston Texans take on the Denver Broncos Sunday at noon CT at NRG Stadium. We kickoff our 100 facts with a look at the series and also quarterback Deshaun Watson.

series facts

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Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Texans are 8-4 for the first time in team history.

2. Since 1990, when playoff formats were last reformatted, 81/87 teams that started 9-4 made the playoffs with 47 of them having won the division and 22 of them having secured a first-round bye.

3. Since 1990, when playoff formats were last tinkered with, 83/122 teams that started 8-5 made the playoffs with 36/83 of those teams having won the division.

4. The Broncos are 4-8 for the fourth time in franchise history. None of those previous teams made the playoffs.

5. Since 1990, when playoff formats were last reformatted, 1/109 teams that started 5-8 made the playoffs, and that team had to win the division: the 2008 San Diego Chargers. Incidentally, they defeated the Broncos in Week 17 to secure the AFC West.

6. Since 1990, when playoff formats were last reformatted, 0/92 teams that started 4-9 made the playoffs.

7. The Texans are 3-4 against the Broncos, including playoffs, with a 1-1 record at home.

8. The Texans’ 3-4 record against the Broncos, including playoffs, is their best against any AFC West opponent:

Raiders: 8-4

Chiefs: 5-6

Broncos: 3-4

Chargers: 2-5

 

9. The Texans are 33-44 in December games with a 19-16 record at home.

10. The Broncos are 503-441-10 in December games, including playoffs, with a 195-269-3 on the road.

11. Houston is 97-115 in early afternoon games with a 62-53 record at home.

12. Since 1970, Denver is 68-78-1 in early afternoon games with a 20-26-1 record in the Central Time Zone.

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Top 5 NFL offensive lines of Week 13: (Or: the Marshal Yanda fan club)

As always, several offensives lines shined, helping move the offense toward a successful December grind. Here were the top 5 from Week 13.

Well, thanks to the Miami Dolphins, it’s pretty safe to assume the number one play for all backyard football games this holiday season will be the “Mountaineer Shot.” And I include Philadelphia Eagles fans in the collective enjoyment because you can’t hate genius entrainment—just imagine when grandma, acting as the kicker in this instance, gets the six.

 

Beyond the ‘FinsMagic, Week 13 around the NFL moved the paint that we’re supposed to use for the playoff picture a little closer to the canvas. The Cowboys arrived with empty Tupperware on Thanksgiving day, while the Saints changed it up and served Falcon during the nightcap. The Ravens are legit. So are the 49ers, though. Pete Carroll has the Seahawks in perfect position. And ESPN’s Joe Tessitore ended a great Thanksgiving weekend with one last helping of humor, gifting the football world the name, “Decalf Metcalf.”

As always, several offensive lines shined, too, helping move the offense toward a successful December grind. Here were the top 5 from Week 13.

5. Buffalo Bills

(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Thanksgiving day turned out to be quite a delicious feast for the Buffalo Bills, as they helped cloud the NFC East picture with a win over the Cowboys in Dallas.

The Bills, now 9-3, executed the game plan—keeping the Cowboys’ rush in check, while working to find weaknesses in the secondary—and made a significant show of Jason Garrett’s crew on the national stage.

The Bills’ offensive line must’ve known there would be turkey for the victors, too, because the front played strong the entire game. A few sacks here and there (four total), but for the most part, the Bills were able to control the rush from the Cowboys and give quarterback Josh Allen a few extra moments to find his targets. The Bills QB finished the day a very accurate 19-of-24 with one touchdown.

The running attack was the highlight of the festivities, though, with Allen doing his best Lamar Jackson impression, taking what the defense would give him and scampering for 43 yards and a touchdown. Complemented with Devin Singletary’s hard yards, the Bills went over the century mark against a Cowboys’ run defense ranked in the top half of the league.

And yes, there was indeed turkey.

Mitch Morse, John Feliciano, Quinton Spain, Dion Dawkins, and Cody Ford: It…kind of looked like it was your world, guys.

5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st

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Raiders’ drive of the game: 4th down failure in another blowout loss, this time against the Chiefs

The Raiders scored just one touchdown in their last two games, and no, this week’s drive does not involve that minor triumph.

For the second consecutive week, the Raiders’ drive of the game involves a 4th-and-short play gone awry. This week, however, the score was much closer at the moment of failure.

After an incredible six penalties and two turnovers by the Raiders in the first quarter, they were trailing just 7-0. Impressively, their defense forced a turnover on downs in the first period, and a Chiefs punt late in the second, setting up this week’s dismal drive.

Starting at his own 27-yard line, quarterback Derek Carr immediately found tight end Darren Waller for a beautiful 24-yard completion to the left sideline. A high back-shoulder throw, Waller reached over the defender expertly and hauled it in.

A toss play for no gain to running back Josh Jacobs and a 1-yard scramble by Carr preceded an 8-yard completion to wide receiver, Zay Jones. Facing a 4th-and-1 at Kansas City’s 40-yard line, coach Jon Gruden didn’t hesitate to go for it.

Jacobs was having an excellent game to that point and finished with more than 100 rushing yards and an average of 6.1 yards per attempt. He ran onto the field for the crucial play but then trotted to the sideline after being called back. Raiders fullback, Alec Ingold, Oakland’s short-yardage specialist, was the only back behind Carr.

It appeared Ingold would get the call. But instead, Carr signaled wide receiver Trevor Davis in motion and handed him the ball on a jet sweep. With plenty of green grass available upfield, Davis continued on his wide path and ran into the back of blocking teammate, TE Foster Moreau, for no gain and a turnover on downs.

Just like last week’s 4th down failure, Jacobs wasn’t a factor. At least he was on the field in that case, though he was offset to the right and not behind

Carr. Still, this week’s debacle is difficult to criticize because Davis had room for the first down. He simply didn’t convert.

But it would be wise for Oakland to put the ball in the hands of one of their best players, such as Jacobs or Ingold, in that situation the next time around. At the very least, Jacobs should be in the game to threaten the defense.

Regardless, the Chiefs scored a touchdown on their next drive, and with help from more mistakes by the Raiders, the rout was on, resulting in a disappointing 40-9 loss with first place in the AFC West on the line.

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Raiders, Gruden take lack of success in the run-game ‘personal’

The Raiders’ rushing attack performed poorly against the Jets, and coach Jon Gruden and his offense aren’t taking their bad day lightly.

The Raiders’ rushing attack had a disappointing game last week against the Jets, and though New York has the best run defense in the NFL, coach Jon Gruden and his offense are still smarting.

The group prides itself on running the ball, most notably with star rookie running back, Josh Jacobs, when the entire stadium knows what’s coming, let alone the defense. Gruden acknowledged the Raiders’ poor ground game in New York during his Wednesday press conference and said his team doesn’t take the lackluster performance lightly.

“I think we all take that personal. It’s a hard thing to do in this league, which is run the ball the way we run it. We’re not running options and scrambling for yards. We’re handing it to a back, and we’re doing it in some predictable situations. We just got to keep working. I love our line, and we’re going to need them to play great for sure on Sunday.”

This is an ideal week to get the ground game rolling again. Oakland’s opponent, the AFC West-leading Chiefs, have allowed the third-most rushing yards in the NFL. A punishing game from the offensive line and Jacobs is precisely what the Raiders need if they’re to draw Kansas City, who relies on their potent passing attack, into a tough, physical game the Raiders take pride in.

Regardless of the opponent, however, the Raiders feel like they can run the ball on anyone, according to offensive coordinator, Greg Olson.

“All the respect in the world to the teams that we played, but we kind of like to look at us and let’s just focus on us, look at what we’re doing and we think there’s some things that we can do better and we’ll continue to work on,” said Olson, addressing the team’s struggles in the run game of late during his Thursday press conference.

The coaching staff still knows if they’re to slow the Chiefs and escape a frigid Arrowhead Stadium with a win, the run game must play a starring role as it has for most of the season, leading the Raiders to a 6-5 record and an opportunity to tie Kansas City for first place in the AFC West.

Besides, Gruden and his staff built a physical identity for this football team, and this type of game is the reason why. When Oakland lines up in an obvious run formation against the Chiefs, at least early on, expect a run play. For the Raiders and their new persona, it’s personal.

Chiefs remain atop AFC West standings following Week 12

The Kansas City Chiefs remain on top after the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos lost their matchups in Week 12.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers both had bye weeks during Week 12. Both the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos played opponents in the AFC and the results didn’t end up too great for either team. The Raiders suffered a 34-3 loss to the New York Jets, and the Broncos fell to the Buffalo Bills by a score of 20-3. The AFC West scored a combined six points in Week 12.

While Week 12 hasn’t ended quite yet, all of the AFC West teams have played their games already. Here’s a look at the standings in the division through the twelve weeks of play:

Place Record Team Next Opponent
1 7-4 Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders
2 6-5 Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
3 4-7 Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
4 3-8 Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles

Week 13 will be a unique week in that each of the teams in the AFC West plays another division opponent. Oakland will go to Kansas City and Los Angeles will travel to Denver.

The Chiefs have a 1.5 game lead over the Raiders heading into Week 13. The story could have been a whole lot different had Oakland won against the Jets. A Week 13 win would only tie things up in the division rather than giving Oakland a lead. Instead of coming into a division rivalry game hot, the Raiders will now be trying to get back on track in Kansas City. It’ll be a tough one given Andy Reid’s tremendous 17-3 career record coming off of the bye week.

The Broncos and Chargers are both playing for draft positioning at this point. Neither team has much of shot at making the playoffs even if they won out the remainder of the season. If Denver gets the win on their home turf they’ll tie things up in the AFC West standings with Los Angeles.

Following Week 12, the Chiefs sit in the driver’s seat to bring home a fourth consecutive AFC West title. It’ll be the first time they’ve won four in a row in franchise history. That’s about the best outcome you could possibly ask for, especially when your team didn’t play a football game this week.

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Melvin Ingram believes Chargers will still make playoffs

Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram is confident his team can play in January.

Defensive end Melvin Ingram isn’t giving up hopes of making the playoffs, despite a gut-wrenching loss on Monday night to the Chiefs.

Standing tall at the podium, appearing confident from his tone of voice, Ingram said he believes the Chargers can still make the playoffs after falling to 4-7.

“Yes, sir. We still the same team no matter. Whatever has to happen, take care of itself. All we can do is come, line up, fight every week,” Ingram said.

Led by Ingram’s dominant performance on Monday, the defense had their best outing yet against the league’s most prolific offense, but quarterback Philip Rivers was unable to help put up the much-needed points to match their success.

Prior to game, Los Angeles’ playoff hopes were revived after a few key losses to teams across the AFC in Week 10. The Bolts were only two games back from the division and a win would’ve put them back in contention, but they were unable to deliver.

The Chargers lost their past two consecutive games to divisional opponents and are 4-7 heading into their bye. They’re three games back from first place in the division, but have a tough road ahead of them to close out the season, facing teams like the Vikings, Raiders and Chiefs once more.

Los Angeles would have to not only win the last five games of the regular season, but they would have to hope for losses to the other teams above them that are in the mix for the postseason in order to make the playoffs.

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