AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

Turnovers have been a major problem for Broncos QB Drew Lock in his second season and he tossed two more interceptions on Sunday that were quite damaging to Denver’s upset bid against the Chiefs. Lock says he’s aware of the problem but he also wants to make sure that he doesn’t lose the aggressive play-making streak that helped convince the Broncos to give him a shot this year. 

“I need to take better care of the football for sure, that’s No. 1,” Lock said via Troy Renck of KMGH. “But depending on what play that’s called, it’s a matter of, if it’s there, we’re going to take it. But if I need to hit a check down for two to four instead of forcing a ball downfield, that’s what I need to do.”

All young quarterbacks go through a period where they figure out what they can get away with in the NFL and what they can’t. The issue for Lock is that with just nine touchdown passes and 13 interceptions, the turnovers are outweighing the big plays at this point. 

“I like extending plays, but I’ve got to be better on when to extend it. And when I do extend it, seeing if this is a throw that’s really going to help us stay on the field and keep progressing or if it’s going to be a risky one that might take us off the field,” Lock said. “Obviously, you have to take risks as a quarterback, and you have to keep your aggressive nature — and I will.”

• 94 WIP’s Eliot Shorr-Parks believes if the Eagles were to look to trade QB Carson Wentz, some team would talk themselves into giving up a first-round pick. He lists the Colts, Patriots, Broncos and 49ers as teams with the need and potential salary to absorb Wentz’s contract. 

Chargers

• Chargers HC Anthony Lynn said he plans to take over special teams, which has been a nightmare for the team this season, per Gilbert Manzano of the Los Angeles Daily News. 
• The Chargers are bringing in LS Drew Ferris for a workout this week. (Aaron Wilson)

Raiders

• Raiders’ HC Jon Gruden mentioned that his team’s run defense could certainly use some improvement: “We have to get off blocks better. We have to be better at the point of attack. We have to tackle better. We have to do a lot better job coaching. That’s an understatement.” (Vic Tafur)