Denver Broncos: Behind Enemy Lines with Just Blog Baby
By Tylor Walden
The AFC West is going to be a tough challenge to win. All four teams could easily have winning records. What will be the toughest challenge in winning perhaps the toughest division in the NFL this season?
Los Angeles may be in a bit of a rough patch, but yes, this looks to be the toughest division in football. To me, the biggest key in winning this division is getting great quarterback play in all six division games. All four rival teams have great pass rushing talents. Joey Bosa, Justin Houston, Melvin Ingram, Khalil Mack and Von Miller. Whichever quarterback rises to the occasion most often in these six division games stands a great chance at leading his team to an AFC West crown.
The season maybe young, but what has impressed you the most from the Raiders’ first three games of the year? What has been a disappointment?
The most pleasant surprise for the Raiders so far has been how well the run and pass play off each other in this offense. Sure, that Washington game was terrible, but Oakland has shown it can put up points both on the ground and through the air. The additions of Jared Cook, Marshawn Lynch and Cordarrelle Patterson have been a big reason for this. If new offensive coordinator Todd Downing can call a good game, then the Raiders have the offensive personnel to score at will on most teams.
In terms of biggest disappointment, it has to be the rookie class. Gareon Conley is getting better, but he missed all of the preseason with shin splints. Second-round pick Obi Melifonwu is on IR after having knee surgery. Third-round pick Eddie Vanderdoes has shown signs of promise, but is too inconsistent to be counted on weekly to perform at a high level. I’m sure these three and other Raiders rookies will get better as the season progresses, but it has been frustrating to not see them push the veteran defensive players to be better.