AFC West Opinion: Prepare For Wild Season

As the summer begins, one of the most intriguing divisions, the AFC West should provide endless drama, highlights, and excitement. With a division boasting potent offenses, the natural assumption is to believe many teams within will post video game numbers. While not entirely incorrect, the AFC West could help shape what the AFC and NFL season will look like in 2021. Each team brings a different narrative feel and vibe to the field, some struggling to break through.

Backfield Worry

As Justin Herbert starts his second season, all arrows point up for the Los Angeles Chargers. Yet, there are two factors that will bear watching as the season progresses. First, Austin Ekeler as the lead back draws a furrowed brow of concern. During his four-year career, Ekeler never tallied more than 132 carries. Granted, few possess his skill as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Yet, giving a back, known for being exclusively shifty with an average frame the bulk of the work feels rather risky. The Bolts possess quality wideouts and a threat in Jared Cook, but what happens when they need to slat the game away?

Lock Down

In essence, Broncos’ quarterback Drew Lock possesses a gambling streak. He will attempt any throw, regardless of the situation. Fearless best describes that tact. On the other hand, reckless fits. Lock will force the ball into windows beyond his accuracy and will live on the notion that scared money doesn’t make money. That is to say that he doesn’t show any semblance of fear. In 2020, Lock completed 57.3 percent of his passes. Worse, 22.9 percent of his throws fall into the bad throw category, which screams inaccuracy. The Broncos possess a young, talented receiving corps and tight end group. However, Lock will hold them back if he doesn’t evolve.

Teflon Jon

Despite compiling a losing record and more excuses than wins, Jon Gruden stays on the Raiders’ sideline. In the West, he ranks as the second-best coach, playing with the third-best quarterback and worst defense. Through all of that, the Raiders, due to the exorbitant contact and owner devotion, continue to surf along, near .500. Meanwhile, Jon Gruden escapes the heaps of criticism that would befall any coach with a losing record? Why? In all honesty, some media see him as the lovable, exuberant analyst. In reality, the man traded away Khalil Mack, chose Clelin Ferrell over Devin White, and squandered so many draft picks. The media loves Jon Gruden. In addition, many fans are blinded by what they remember from the early 2000s.

Rebuilt

As someone who covers the Raiders, I’ve watched the Chiefs beat them over and over. Andy Reid took his Super Bowl beatdown on the chin and retooled this team. Tampa wrecked their offensive line during the big game. Reid signed veterans, made trades, and brings an even better line to the field. Andy Reid tinkers. From his time in Philly until now, the man doesn’t sit back and rest on the previous achievements. As such, this is why the Chiefs will sit atop the AFC for the foreseeable future.