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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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Oakland Raiders (1-3)

OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Last but not least, the Oakland Raiders.

Jon Gruden’s return has not gotten off to a pretty start, but he was able to register his first win as the Raiders’ new coach with an overtime victory against the Browns.

It goes without saying, but the loss of Khalil Mack has taken its toll on the defense. They have been giving up points and yards at an alarming rate. Having a dominant pass rusher wouldn’t solve all of their problems, but it certainty would help.

The Derek Carr-led offense on the other hand is quietly one of the most productive in the NFL.

With the help of an underrated receiving core in Jared Cook, Amari Cooper, and Jordy Nelson, Carr has already thrown for 1,373 yards and six touchdowns with an impressive completion percentage of 71 percent.

Combine the passing attack with Marshawn Lynch being the workhorse type back they signed him to be, and they rank second in the entire league in total yards.

Jared Cook has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL over the first quarter of the season, with a team-leading 23 receptions, 370 yards and two touchdowns.

Next. Looking at the Broncos' top weaknesses in 2018. dark

Unfortunately, similar to their division rival in Denver, interceptions have limited their offense in a big way. Derek Carr leads the NFL in interceptions with seven, and it is certainty a reason why the Raiders have had such a struggle winning games early on.

If the Raiders want to save their season, Carr is going to have to fix his interception issues and the defense is needs to play better.