AFC West – Week Five Divisional Recap
Week 5 brought a win for the Chargers, an off week for the Broncos, more woes for the Raiders and the Chiefs continued their winning streak. After week 5 this is how the division stands:
Kansas City Chiefs 5-0
Denver Broncos 3-1
Oakland Raiders 2-3
Los Angeles Chargers 1-4
The Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs traveled to Houston and played against the Texans and won 42-34
What they did well:
Alex Smith truly seems to have come into his own this season. Averaging over 275 yards a game and scoring eleven touchdowns in the first five games. Clearly Smith has his favorites in Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce who accounted for more than 150 yards receiving against Houston. If the Chiefs can get this receiving tandem fresh and healthy they will go far.
Where they needed improvement:
The Chiefs could use some working in the run blocking department. Kareem Hunt, one of their leading rushers, has been getting the bulk of his yardage in the second half. The Chiefs have won all their games by at least a touchdown, so there have not been any close games. In time, there will be a tough opponent that will require the Chiefs to get off to a strong fast start. The running backs are going to need some blocking to make that happen.
What is Next:
The Chiefs take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at home
The Denver Broncos
The Broncos had their Bye week and after their week off will face the winless New York Giants at home.
The Oakland Raiders
The Raiders hosted the Baltimore Ravens and lost 30-17
What they did well:
E.J. Manuel fared well completing 50% of his passes and converting 50% of third downs. While half is not great and will not will championships it is somewhere to start for a quarterback who did not expect to play this soon. The Raiders can also count on a solid kicking game. Kicker Giorgio Tavechhio and punter Marquette King have come through when the Raiders need them. King’s punts averaged 39.5 yards per punt.
Where they needed improvement:
Manuel was sacked three times. The Raiders’ offensive line continues to fail to protect their quarterback. The longest run of the night was by Jalen Richard for 14 yards. Marshawn Lynch was said to have been meeting with the offensive line coaches to try and improve his game, it did not show with his performance against the Ravens as only managed to cover 43 yards on the ground. Unfortunately for the Raiders Lynch was their leading rusher.
What is next:
Next is a divisional game at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers traveled to New York to take on the Giants and won 27-22
What they did well:
Philip Rivers looked great passing for 258 yards for three touchdowns and only one interception. Melvin Ingram was credited with two sacks. With 5.5 sacks Ingram is on track to have a career leading season. Melvin Gordon lead the rushing game with 105 yards against the Giants. Gordon also called a team meeting before this game. Addressing the fact that three out of four of their losses were by a field goal or less. Gordon should continue his motivational speeches.
Where they needed to improve:
The Chargers lost 77 yards to penalties. They cannot continue to give yards away and win games. Someone must rush other than Gordon. Travis Benjamin their second leading rusher only managed to grind out fourteen yards. The rushing yardage totaled less than half of the passing yards. The Chargers must find offensive balance to succeed.
What is Next:
The Chargers travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders.
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