AFC Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos’ QB Teddy Bridgewater explained that he realizes the NFL is a business and is just focused on what he can control. 

“Honestly man, I just keep my head down and control what I can control,” Bridgewater said, via Pro Football Talk. “I tell everyone that. In this business, you have to wear big-boy [pants], and I wear them. A lot can happen in this business. Each day is an opportunity for me to get better as a person, as a teammate, as a family member, and in any aspect that I can. When everything came out, I really didn’t know until someone brought it to my attention. I’m in my own little world sometimes and far away from football. When the news broke, I don’t even remember what I was doing. Like I said, it’s a business and I understand the nature of this business.”

Bridgewater said that he expects nothing less but to compete every day for his position.

“Every day I wake up, I consider myself competing for my job,” Bridgewater said. “I think that’s the mindset of everyone who plays this game. Whether I was penciled in as being the starter or if I had to compete, my mindset is this is a competition. . . . You said there’s been ten quarterbacks here [since Peyton Manning]. Whenever you get into a situation, you always want to be the guy who can be there for a while. Of course, that’s my mindset, but at the same time, I have to take it one day at a time and continue to be the best teammate I can be today and let tomorrow take care of itself.”

Chiefs

Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce says he would be nothing but excited if the team were to acquire Falcons’ WR Julio Jones via a trade.

“I’ll tell you what, I’m intrigued,” Kelce said, via the Kansas City Star. “My eyes are open. I’m peeking at the headlines seeing where it goes. Listen, that’s a game-changer when you talk about guys that can make plays anywhere on the field, full route tree no matter where you put him. I mean that’s a guy that changes the game and changes teams, so I’m interested to see where he lands.”

Raiders

Raiders’ veteran G Richie Incognito said he’s established himself as a leader around the Las Vegas locker room and is helping develop younger players. 

“It’s great to be able to have been here for a couple of years and be established and be a leader for these young guys,” Incognito said, via W.G. Ramirez of the Associated Press. “It’s great because we have some really good experience in the room. It’s my job to keep those guys going, keep ’em hungry, keep ’em humble. And when we get out on Sunday, just play as one and go out there and really get after people.”

Raiders DE Clelin Ferrell said that Incognito is a “vocal leader” for the organization and has proven to be a disciplined and good person to be around. 

“A lot of things can get misconstrued about Richie,” Ferrell said. “I mean, yeah, he is a little crazy. But at the same time, you would never know because he’s such a disciplined and good dude. … A lot of guys would complain. He comes out to practice all the time, he don’t take no days off unless coach makes him take days off. He’s gonna really be that vocal leader for sure. They got a dog on there.”

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby reiterated that Incognito is a “big positive influence around the building” and is still productive despite being 38 years old. 

“He’s a big positive influence around the building,” Crosby said. “The guy’s been in it for 17 years playing offensive line, honestly unheard of. He’s a leader. He loves football and the guy looks like he is 25 years old. It honestly doesn’t make any sense.”