Weekly Grade and Predictions

Week three is in the books and boy oh boy did it reveal quite a bit about the division and the ride we are going to be on all season long. Even though we are not a fourth of the way through the season, it seems like this is going to be a very, very close one.
Let’s roll……

GRADES

Chargers
Justin Herbert is getting it done and so are his teammates as they went on the road and beat the reigning AFC Champs. Herbert was 26 of 38 (68.4%)for 281 yards and 4 touchdowns with 4 carries for 16 yards. Austin Ekeler had 11 carries for 55 yards with 6 receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. Mike Williams had 7 receptions for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns with a 2 point conversion reception. The defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss with 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions. Tristan Vizcaino was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 1 for 3 on extra points. When you go on the road and get 4 turnovers, that will pretty much get you a win.
Grade: A

Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense played well putting up 437 yards but turning the ball over 4 times is NO BUENO with one of them coming with the score tied and less than 2 minutes left in the game. Mahomes was 27 of 44 (61.3%) for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions with 4 carries for 45 yards. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 17 carries for 100 yards with 2 receptions for 9 yards and touchdown with a lost fumble. Travis Kelce had 7 receptions for 104 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 5 tackles for loss. Harrison Butker was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This was a classic example of a team shooting itself in the foot.
Grade: C-

Broncos
Teddy Bridgewater and company flat out crushed the Jets and it was not even close. This was the 3rd time in 15 years the Broncos pitched a shutout. Bridgewater was 19 of 25 (76%) for 235 yards with 4 carries for 24 yards. Melvin Gordon had 18 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown with 1 reception for 21 yards. Tim Patrick had 5 receptions for 98 yards. The defense had 5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions. Brandon McManus was 4 for 4 on fieldgoals and was 2 for 2 on extra points. This was a blood letting by the Broncos defense.
Grade: A

Raiders
Derek Carr and the Raiders started this game off horribly with 2 punts, a pick 6 and turnover on downs after going for it on their side of the field. Though they won the game, it was not a comfortable one. Derek Carr was 26 of 43 (60.4%) for 386 yards and 2 touchdowns and an interception. Peyton Barber had 23 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown with 3 receptions for 31 yards. Bryan Edwards had 3 receptions for 89 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 2 for 3 on extra points. Getting the win was great but the play calling and defense has to improve.
Grade: B-

PREDICTIONS

Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles
The Chiefs will be out for blood after their close loss to a division foe. This will be a shootout.
Chiefs 34 Eagles 20
Spread: Chiefs -7
Over/Under: 54.5

Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos
The Broncos will finally face a team that has actually won a game this season. This should be a good one.
Ravens 24 Broncos 21
Spread: Broncos -1
Over/Under: 45

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
This game will be won by the team that can control the clock and play defense when it is needed most.
Chargers 31 Raiders 24
Spread: Chargers -3.5
Over/Under: 52.5
Last Week: 2-1 Season: 5-6

Enjoy and if my predictions are correct, STFU Lord!

Weekly Grade and Predictions

What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on? If I would have told you going into the season that the only undefeated teams in the AFC would be the Raiders and Broncos after two games with their schedules, you guys would have said the old man has finally lost it (some of you fucks say that anyways) and had me committed.

This season is nowhere near over but the feeling is we are in for one hell of a ride. Buckle up boys!

GRADES

Broncos
Teddy Bridgewater is making this team his. The Teddy Bear started off slow but came to life in the second half, he was 26 of 34 (76.4%) for 328 yards and 2 touchdowns. Javonte Williams had 13 carries for 64 yards and 1 reception for 10 yards. Courtland Sutton had 9 receptions for 159 yards. The defense had 1 sack with 4 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. Brandon McManus was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This was a complete team win for the Broncos.
Grade: A-

Raiders
Derek Carr and company came out and punched the Steelers in the mouth. The defense held them to 292 total yards. Carr was 28 of 37 (75.6%) for 382 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 carries for 9 yards and 2 fumbles with one lost. Peyton Barber 13 carries for 32 yards. Henry Ruggs had 5 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks with 4 tackles for loss and a interception. Daniel Carlson was 4 for 4 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. The Raiders have a defense, when is the last time that was true.
Grade: A+

Chargers
Justin Herbert and the Chargers played well enough to win but turnovers and what can only be called questionable officiating cost them this game. Herbert was 21 of 31 (67.7%) for 338 yards and a touchdown with 2 interceptions. Austin Ekeler had 9 carries for 54 yards and 9 receptions for 61 yards. Keenan Allen had 4 receptions for 108 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss with a interception. Tristan Vizcaino was 3 for 4 on fieldgoals. Too many mistakes and some crazy calls cost them this game.
Grade: C+

Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs were in an instant classic with a lot off offense and not a lot of defense and it cost them. Mahomes was 24 of 31 (77.4%) for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns with a interception. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 13 carries for 46 yards and a lost fumble. Travis Kelce had 7 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 5 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. Harrison Butker was 5 for 5 on extra points. You just can’t turn the ball over on 2 of your last 3 possessions.
Grade: C+

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
This is going to be a flat out scoring fest. The Chiefs are home after a loss and facing a division rival, that is not good for the Chargers.

Chiefs 38 Chargers 24
Spread: Chiefs -6.5
Over/Under: 55.5

New York Jets at Denver Broncos
The Broncos are playing another rookie quarterback but this time they are doing it in their home opener, NO BUENO!!!

Broncos 31 Jets 17
Spread: Broncos -11
Over/Under: 41

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are going home to face the team that all but killed their playoff chances last year in the last seconds of the game, REVENGE!!!

Raiders 31 Dolphins 17
Spread: Raiders -4
Over/Under: 45.5
Last Week: 1-3 Season: 3-5

Enjoy and let’s get it.

Weekly Grade and Predictions

You unlock this door with a key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension – a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You’ve just crossed over into the Twilight Zone.
-Rod Serling

WTF is going on? The division starts 4-0, Now I have seen it all. This is an interesting beginning to the season for us all. No bragging rights for anyone to start. Lets get this party started.

GRADES

Chargers
Justin Herbert came out slinging it like he did last year. He went on the road and lit up what was suppose to be one of the best defenses in the league. He was 31 of 47 (65.9%) for 337 yards and a touchdown with a interception and fumble lost. Austin Ekeler had 15 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Allen had 9 receptions for 100 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 4 tackles for loss. Tristan Vizcaino was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This was a big win on the road in the eastern time zone against a quality team.

Grade: A-

Broncos
Doctor Teddy Bridgewater went to Jersey and surgically dissected the Giants defense. He was 28 of 36 (77.7%) for 264 yards and 2 touchdowns with 3 carries for 19 yards. Melvin Gordon had 11 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown with 3 receptions for 17 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 6 receptions for 72 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This was a great win on the road that featured them going 3 for 3 on 4th down.

Grade: A

Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and company came to life in the second half to pull this game out against a good Browns team. Mahomes was 27 of 36 (75%) for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns with 5 carries for 18 yards and a touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire 14 carries for 43 yards with 3 receptions for 29 yards. Tyreek Hill had 11 receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 4 takles for loss with an interception. Harrison Butker was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points.

Grade: A-

Raiders
Derek Carr and company started slow and were down against a team that has not lost when leading by 14 points since 2004. Carr was great in the second half leading his team to the win. Carr was 34 of 56 (60.7%) for 435 yards and 2 touchdowns and a interception with 4 carries for 6 yards. Josh Jacobs had 10 carries for 34 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 reception for 6 yards. Darren Waller had 10 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 3 sacks with 4 tackles for loss with 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. This was one of the best wins this team has had in years.

Grade: A

 

PREDICTIONS

Denver Broncos at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Broncos are going up against a rookie quarterback, Von Miller is getting his BBQ pit ready for the feast.

Broncos 27 Jaguars 17
Spread: Broncos -6
Over/Under: 45.5

Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Raiders are heading to the east coast to play a team with one of the best defenses in the game, OUCH!

Steelers 27 Raiders 20
Spread: Raiders +6
Over/Under: 48.5

Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
Strap in because this game is going to be a flat out scoring fest with the winning team having the ball last.

Chargers 31 Cowboys 27
Spread: Chargers -3
Over/Under: 55

Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens
This game is going to see some serious offensive explosive play and will not be close or pretty.

Chiefs 37 Ravens 20
Spread: Chiefs -4
Over/Under: 55.5
Week 1: 2-2

 

Football is back and this was a fantastic first week for the division. On a different note, fuck all you haters that sat up waiting, wishing and praying the Raiders would lose in primetime so you could talk trash all week (Lord or should I say Lady, especially you).

NFL Season Kickoff and Predictions

What an insane year. Corona Virus, masks and vaccines. The attempted coup at the Capital, politics…………enough said. It is all over and something REALLY important is about to happen, the start to a new year of NFL Football.

It is that glorious time where each and every fan has hope that his/her team will make it to the playoffs and maybe even a Superbowl run.

The AFC West has been owned by the Kansas City Chiefs of late. They are the back to back AFC Champions as well. They spent the off-season completely retooling their offensive line after being exposed in the Superbowl by Tampa Bay. Mecole Hardman will be moving into the starting line-up opposite Tyreek Hill. They are the odds-on favorite to repeat as champions if the offensive line holds up

The Denver Broncos biggest additions were already on the team. Getting Von Miller and Courtland Sutton back from season ending injury is huge for them. They then brought in Teddy Bridgewater who won the starting quarterback position. This is the team that is hardest to predict. They have the pieces to make it to the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Chargers found their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Offensive Rookie of the Year. They also get a huge upgrade on defense with the return of Derwin James. This team does not have a lot of holes and will be in contention if they become more balanced of offense. The have stars at every level on defense.

The Las Vegas Raiders are the biggest wildcards in this division. They also retooled their offensive line in the off-season. The biggest addition was bringing in Gus Bradley to run the defense. This team will either be very competitive or a flat out shit show.

 

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team

This game will feature a great offense against a great defense. Going on the road to play in the humidity of the east coast equals a difficult task.

WFT 27 Chargers 21

Spread: Chargers -1

Over/Under: 44.5

 

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs

This game will be won in the trenches, the Browns defensive line against the Chiefs offensive line. This one should be good.

Chiefs 31 Browns 24

Spread: Chiefs -6

Over/Under: 53

 

Denver Broncos at New York Giants

This return of Sutton and Miller will be the difference in this game. With that said, it will be a low scoring but highly competitive game.

Broncos 23 Giants 20

Spread: Broncos -2.5

Over/Under: 42

 

Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders in primetime against a team that features a great defense and a incredibly mobile quarterback, NO BUENO!

Ravens 31 Raiders 23

Spread: Raiders +4.5

Over/Under: 51

 

Football is back and not a second too soon. No more politics and other bullshit, time for something important. Let the good times roll and let me start the season off correctly:

FUCK GRUDEN!

FUCK YOUR TEAM!

FUCK OFF!

AFCW Training Camp Notes

AFCW Training camp news and notes:

Broncos:

  • Through two weeks of training camp practice, neither Drew Lock nor Teddy Bridgewater has elevated himself into an obvious leader in the race to become the Broncos’ starting quarterback in 2021. “Once we settle on a quarterback as the starter, obviously we’ll do the things that he does well and feels comfortable executing, and the rest of the team feels that too,” Fangio said.
  • 3 RB’s getting carries? FA RB Mike Boone has had a good camp and could make his way into the RB rotation. “Mike is a good running back; he’s got juice, he’s explosive, he’s decisive and he runs hard for a guy that’s maybe on the small side, but he doesn’t play small,” Fangio said. “Mike is not a guy to fall asleep on.”
  • 2021 3rd round pick, Quinn Meinerz, working with the 2nd Though the Broncos suggested there would be an open competition for the starting job at that position during training camp, Fangio said when it opened that Meinerz “first has to show that it needs to be a competition.” Meinerz has had a few fumbled exchanges during the first two weeks of camp and has often worked on snaps with Lock during team periods. All of this is a to-be-expected progression for a player making the leap in competition Meinerz is making.

Chargers:

  • The Chargers held their 10th training camp practice Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium with a select number of fans in attendance.
  • Linsley left practice after the first-team offense’s third possession because of a foot injury. He walked off with trainers and did not return to the field until practice was over. But he was out playing with his family after practice and did not have noticeable brace or wrap on his foot. Staley said Linsley likely would have kept playing if it was a real game. “Just making sure that we’re careful,” Staley said.
  • Michael Badgley went 3-6 during the scrimmage and was booed off the field. LOL

CHIEFS:

  • Mahomes is still really good.
  • Chris Jones dominating the LOS. He continued his impressive camp with powerful repetitions. In the team period, Jones, as the defensive end, used his bull rush against rookie right tackle Lucas Niang to pressure Mahomes into a short pass to wide receiver Gehrig Dieter that gained just a few yards. Later in the period, Jones used his 6-foot-6 frame to deflect Mahomes’ pass at the line of scrimmage. Mahomes responded a few seconds later by patting Jones’s helmet.
  • No fighting on Andy’s watch. As one of the league’s oldest coaches, Reid, 63, who is entering his 23rd season as a head coach, has never wanted his camps to be highlighted by teammates fighting. Reid explained Thursday why the Chiefs should never let their competition on the field lead to players punching one another. “We try to go at a fast pace and try to get as many plays in,” Reid said. “You get in a fight and it kind of drains the system. You’re not going to be doing very good the next play — and that’s what you’re putting on tape. We try to keep the tempo up. “I’m not big on fighting. This isn’t ultimate fighting. This is football.”

RAIDERS:

  • Raiders seem set with 6 WR’s. The trio of Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards and Hunter Renfrow has consistently run with the first-team offense, and their backup lineup has been stable as well: John Brown, Zay Jones and Willie Snead IV. Brown and Jones have been interchangeable at the “X” and “Z” positions, while Snead has been a mainstay at slot receiver behind Renfrow.
  • Morrow and Littleton leading the way at LB. Morrow and Littleton are in position to take the most snaps at the second level of the defense. Nick Kwiatkoski has been the third linebacker in the rotation when Bradley has gone to a traditional 4-3 base, so he’s technically still a starter, but his inconsistencies in pass coverage are likely contributing to him being used less frequently in the nickel package. “I really like (Morrow),” Bradley said last week. “It’s very important for him to take charge of the defense and he’s in that position where he’s able to do that. So far so good with him. I really, really enjoy him, like his leadership and like his attention to detail playing that position.”
  • 2021 #17 overall pick, Alex Leatherwood, looking the part. “I think it’s probably exceeding what we were hoping for this early in camp,” offensive line coach Tom Cable said Saturday. “Just getting Alex settled and learning what the pro game’s about and getting him as many reps as we can against a guy like Yannick has been really good. But in terms of the camaraderie and the jelling of the group, it’s been outstanding. Those guys, really if you think about it, most of them have been together for a year or two already. So, it was a matter of just plugging Alex in and getting Andre ready to go. And so far, so good.”

TL:DR Fuck your teams.

Your pal,

Nori

MS Draft Review

AFCW DRAFT RECAP:

Broncos:

General Paton’s first draft with the team and from the outside looking in, it was a good one. Despite the obvious need at QB, he went BPA at 9 by selecting Patrick Surtain, who looks to be the next great Alabama CB. Did you really think he was going to put his job on the line to draft a QB with Vic Fangio as HC? LOL Hell no. Paton then went on to let his nuts hang a little in the 2nd by moving up for RB Javonte Williams, and rounded out day 2 with a few other solid prospects in Quinn Meinerz and Baron Browning. With 6 more selections on day 3, Paton was able to find good value in the 5th round with two safeties, Caden Sterns and Jamar Johnson. No clue who the fuck the others are, but hard to imagine 10 draft picks make the roster anyway.

Best pick: Patrick Surtain – CB wasn’t a need, but Surtain has all the tools to be a top 5 CB in the league and it sounds like they’ll use him to cover the likes of TE’s Kelce, and Waller.

Worst pick: Javonte Williams – Paton moved up to 35, and I thought for sure it was to steal Tevin Jenkins and solidify both OT spots. Nothing against Williams, but Paton had the opportunity to shore up his OL for the foreseeable future.

Grade: B+

 

Chargers:

Holy shit TT finally drafted a LT in the first round. Rashawn Slater being on the board at 13 was best case scenario for the Chargers. Some think he may be better suited as a G, but either way they get a solid OLman to help protect their golden goose, Herbert. TT hit paydirt again early on day 2 with Asante Samuel Jr and Josh Palmer, but then things went south with the pick of Tre McKitty and pretty much the rest of their draft. Rumph had a productive college career but is drastically undersized for NFL level competition. Maybe after picking Slater, Samuel, and Palmer, TT just said fuck it, and took the rest of the weekend off.

Best pick: Slater is the easy answer, but I’m rolling with Palmer. He’s a big X that should be ready to contribute for Herbert in year 1 and a solid compliment to KA.

Worst pick: Tre McKitty. BuT hE’s A gOoD rUn BlOcKeR. IDGAF. The guy had 6 recs last season for UGA. He had UDFA written all over him.

Grade: B

 

Raiders:

Hate to say I told you so, but… I fucking told you so. Mayock and Gruden definitely have a type with their rd 1 selections, and I saw it coming from a mile away. I think Leatherwood will be a good player, but there were better OT’s on the board, and the value of the pick was horrible. Mayock even admitting as much in a post draft interview. Day 2 was a drastic improvement from day 1 with the trade up to go get Trevon Moehrig (pronounced “Mer-ig” I believe, but MO-rig sounds way fucking cooler), the consensus #1 FS in the draft. Then went on to draft Malcolm Koonce, who I didn’t even know existed until Friday, and Pimp of the Year candidate, Divine Deablo, who they view as a “joker” or WILL prospect. With only 3 picks on Day 3, Mayock used the most of them to move up for Tyree Gillispie, another S prospect, and a few other guys who aren’t even worth mentioning.

Best pick: Trevon MO-rig. I guess there was an issue regarding a back injury during his pro day which made him fall, but is 100% and ready to roll. Landing him in the 2nd was best case scenario for the Raiders.

Worst pick: Malcolm Koonce. I don’t view Leatherwood as a worst pick because he’ll fill a huge hole at RT, so Koonce it is. Mainly because I just don’t know who TF he is.

Grade: C+

 

Chiefs:

Veach and Fat Andy’s best work came the week before the draft with the trade for LT Orlando Brown which left them w/out a first round pick. Still, they were able to find good value in the 2nd round with LB Nick Bolton, and OL Creed Humphrey. Humphrey will be apart of KC’s new look OL and should slot right into C or G and help prevent Mahomes from getting his ass kicked again like he did in that brutal SB loss to the Buccs. Day 3 was a whole lot of meh, with 4 picks in total, most notably Trey Smith, an OL from Tennessee who has battled blood clots in his lungs. Ouch.

Best pick: Creed Humphrey. Good value and will start week 1. Didn’t give up a single sack his entire collegiate career. And with a name like Creed, this guy fucks.

Worst pick: Trey Smith unfortunately. The talent is there, but the medical red flags are significant. For his sake, and not the fucking Chiefs, I wish him the best.

Grade: B-

 

And there you have it folks, another draft in the books. And another draft review that I’m probably wrong on 90% of the time. Regardless, fuck your teams.

 

Your pal,

Nori

AFCW 2 Round Mock Draft

AFC WEST 2 ROUND MOCK DRAFT

 

BRONCOS:

#9: Micah Parsons – Paton doesn’t take the bait to move up and gamble on a QB. Instead stays patient and get the best defensive prospect in the draft.

#40: Liam Eichenberg – Much needed help at OT. Eichenberg should be able to start at RT right away.

CHARGERS:

#13: Jaycee Horn – Staley gets a CB he can deploy similar to what he had with the Rams in Jalen Ramsey.

#47: Jackson Carman – A big, athletic OT prospect. Won’t be ready to protect Herbert’s blindside in year one, but has all the tools to become a starting LT.

RAIDERS:

#17: Christian Darrisaw – After trading some key pieces of an overpaid OL, the Raiders bring in a rookie who can start at RT from day 1.

#48: Rondale Moore – Gruden couldn’t help himself. Despite being undersized, Moore can play any WR position and brings a very much needed competitive edge to the group.

CHIEFS:

#31: Walker Little – Veach gambles on an OT who was once considering the OT1 of the class but has missed 2 seasons due to a knee injury and opting out.

#63: Joe Tryon – Another player who opted out of the 2020 season, Tryon plays with a high motor that will allow him to contribute in passing situations as a rookie.

The Weekly Bender

Most of the time when you here the words March Madness, you immediately think about the NCAA Basketball Tournament. This year, you will also think about the NFL, the salary cap and the number of teams that will be restructuring contracts, cutting seasoned vets and looking for every way they can get their team under the cap. Let the blood letting begin!!!

Today will mark the start of Free Agency (Legal Tampering) and there are some really interesting stories out there. Thursday, team will actually be able to have new players put pen to paper and make it official.
Lets look at a few hot stories within the division and Mock Draft 2.0. Each Article will feature a new Mock Draft until we get to the actual draft. Let’s get it.

NEWS
Broncos new GM attends QB Trey Lance Pro day

Trey Lance Pro Day draws several GMs, head coaches

After 2020, where do the Broncos need help the most
https://www.espn.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/37978/rewatching-broncos-2020-season-shows-where-help-is-needed-most

Patrick Mahomes restructures his contract to help the Chiefs cap space

Patrick Mahomes restructure will free up $17 million of cap room for Chiefs

Chiefs GM has work to do to protect QB Mahomes
https://www.espn.com/blog/kansas-city-chiefs/post/_/id/29766/chiefs-will-need-all-of-gm-brett-veachs-creativity-to-protect-patrick-mahomes

OG Kyle Long coming out of retirement and his first visit is to the Raiders

Kyle Long has visits lined up with Raiders, Chiefs

What’s next for the Raiders Offensive Line
https://www.espn.com/blog/las-vegas-raiders/post/_/id/25478/whats-next-for-the-las-vegas-raiders-offensive-line

TE Hunter Henry won’t rule out a return to the Chargers

Hunter Henry won’t rule out a return to the Chargers

Chargers release CB Casey Hayward
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31058782/los-angeles-chargers-release-cornerback-casey-hayward-jr-5-years

It is noteworthy to say that with the salary cap being cut and not increased (FUCK COVID), we have seen some interesting and head scratching cuts and trades on the offensive line within the division. Here is a list of guys that have been cut or traded:
OG Trai Turner – Released (Chargers)
OG Cole Toner – Not Tendered (Chargers)
OT Trent Brown – Traded (Raiders)
OG Richie Incognito – Released (Raiders)
OG Gabe Jackson – Released (Not Official as of yet) (Raiders
OT Eric Fisher – Released (Chiefs)
OT Mitchell Schwartz – Released (Chiefs)
OC Austin Reiter – Free Agent (Chiefs)

WTF! The weird part about this is the Broncos are the only team that will return its entire Offensive Line. That is completely WRONG!

 

MOCK DRAFT 2.0 – 1ST ROUND
Denver – (9th Overall) Caleb Farley CB, Virginia Tech
Nothing changes here. This guy is a great fit for this team and has the skill set to be a pro bowler.

Chargers – (13th Overall) Rashawn Slater OT, Northwestern
Again, nothing changes here. After his pro day, the only thing that change this pick is him going higher. This guy is a flat out MONSTER!!!

Raiders – (17th Overall) Zaven Collins LB, Tulsa
First Change. The Raiders need a “Sam” backer that can rush the quarterback and also drop into coverage. At 6’4″ and 260 pounds, this guy is the chess piece that DC Bradley covets.

Chiefs – (31st Overall) Alijah Vera-Tucker OG, USC
Nothing changing here either. This guy is a stud and addressing the offensive line has become a flat out necessity for this team.

The next week will be flat out nuts so enjoy the mayhem. Follow ups to come…….

The Weekly Bender

Well the season is over and the Chiefs were flat out smashed in the Super Bowl. It is that time of the year where we turn our attention to the Combine, Free Agency and the Draft. This article will focus on a few news update but mainly on the each team’s top needs, top target in free agency, and a mock pick. Let’s get this going

NEWS
Broncos promote Chris Beake to defensive pass-game specialist

Broncos promote Chris Beake to defensive pass-game specialist

Five-year-old girl injured in Britt Reid crash emerges from coma

Five-year-old girl injured in Britt Reid crash emerges from coma

Raiders resign DT/DE David Irving

Raiders re-sign David Irving

Hunter Henry set money, good QB as free agency priorities

Hunter Henry sets money, good QB as free agency priorities

 

TEAM NEEDS
Denver – CB, EDGE, LB, QB (Draft Network) QB, CB, IOL (PFF) QB, CB, OL (NFL.COM)
One thing is for sure, Drew Lock is not getting any respect. I think with a new GM, he will want to bring in his guy. I think they will end up giving him one last year if they don’t get mortgage the future for Watson.

Chiefs – IOL, WR, OT, LB (Draft Network) OG, EDGE, LB (PFF) OL, EDGE, WR (NFL.COM)
After seeing their offensive line get destroyed it is their top priority. The second level also has to be addressed as it is biggest need on defense.

Raiders -EDGE, IDL, IOL, LB (Draft Network) EDGE, IDL, S (PFF) DT, EDGE, S (NFL.COM)
The defense needs help at every level. Finding a Free Safety that can play cover 3 in Gus Bradley’s scheme is imperative. The defensive tackle position must be addressed as well. Finding a “Sam” linebacker that can rush the passer and also cover is also paramount.

Chargers – OT, IOL, CB, EDGE (Draft Network) IDL, TE, IOL (PFF) OL, TE, CB (NFL.COM)
Fixing the offensive line is a flat out must to protect franchise QB Herbert. If Hunter Henry departs via free agency, finding a starting Tight End will be a top priority. Secondary help and depth is also a priority.

 

TOP FREE AGENCY TARGET
Denver – QB Deshaun Watson
Right now Houston is standing their ground saying Watson is NOT available. Somehow, this is going to change. Denver will be one of the teams that will go all in to get him. The price will be crazy high but teams will be willing to pay it and the Broncos are one of them.

Chiefs – OG Brandon Scherff
This guy has been a stalwart at guard for sometime in the NFL. Adding this monster to the offensive line would be a great addition although a costly one. If OT Mitchel Schwartz decides to retire this off season, tackle will become the number one priority.

Raiders – FS Malik Hooker
When healthy, this guy is one of the best true center fielders in the game. He is the perfect cover 3 safety, something the Raiders do not have on the roster. He will also be available at a reasonable price. Even if the position is addressed in the draft, signing Hooker is a no-brainer.

Chargers – OT Taylor Moton
This guy will be very expensive but he is well worth it. Protecting Herbert is priority one and adding Moton would be a HUGE upgrade. No quarterback in the NFL was pressured more than Herbert last year. Its time to give up on Sam Tevi and Trey Pipkins and get Herbert some real help.

 

MOCK DRAFT – 1ST ROUND
Denver – (9th overall) Caleb Farley CB, Virginia Tech
Denver recently released A.J. Bouye. In a division with Patrick Mahomes, adding cornerbacks who can cover will greatly benefit your team.

Chargers – (13th Overall) Rashawn Slater OT, Northwestern
Protecting Herbert has to be priority one for this team and drafting a offensive tackle of this caliber has to happen.

Raiders – (17th Overall) Jayson Oweh LB/DE, Penn State
This guy is a bit raw but athletes that play the way he does do not come along often. According to Penn State coaches, he run a jaw-dropping 4.33 40, vertical jumped 36 inches and broad jumped 10-7 all at 6’5″, 255 LBS.

Chiefs – (31st Overall) Alijah Vera-Tucker
The Super Bowl exposed the Chiefs’ interior offensive line. They have to protect their $500 million quarterback. This kid has the makings of an all-pro.

 

It is going to de an interesting off season with no combine, salary cap numbers and massive trades. Stay tuned for all the fun.

Have a great day!