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Denver Broncos: Recapping the AFC West after the first quarter

By Mason Yellico

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Head coach Vance Joseph of the Denver Broncos shakes hands with head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs after a 27-23 Chiefs win over the Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Head coach Vance Joseph of the Denver Broncos shakes hands with head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs after a 27-23 Chiefs win over the Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)

CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers fights off cornerback Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers as he runs for a first down in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers fights off cornerback Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers as he runs for a first down in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Starting the season at 2-2 is worse than where a lot of people thought the Chargers would be.

They have beaten the teams they were supposed to, but haven’t put up much of a fight in tougher games agaisnt the Rams and Chiefs. Although given the fact that they have been notoriously slow starters in the Philip Rivers era, there should still be plenty of optimism on the team’s chances of getting back to the playoffs this year.

While they aren’t taking the league by a storm like the Kansas City Chiefs offense has, the Chargers are off to an impressive start on that side of the ball. They rank in the top 10 of virtually every offensive category.

Melvin Gordon has been impressive, with 475 total yards and five touchdowns. Philip Rivers has been consistent, throwing for 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Despite playing winning football on the offensive side of the ball, their defense has held them back.

They have given up a lot of points this season, and are really showing the effects of playing without Joey Bosa. Their defense isn’t the same without him and Melvin Ingram teaming up to get after the quarterback.

Derwin James has a been the biggest bright spot for the Chargers on defense and has already shown he was worth the being picked much higher in the first round.  He leads the team in tackles (20), sacks (3.0), and passes defended (6). James looks like an early favorite for defensive rookie of the year.